Time Schedule:
Marieka Klawitter
PB AF 573
Seattle Campus
Examines various issues of public importance in the areas of education and social policy. Focuses on in-depth analysis of relevant issues and the integration of the economic, administrative, and political dimensions of these issues.
Class description
Asset building for low income families
A new generation of social policy analysts and practitioners argue that building assets rather than income is the key to helping low income families prosper economically and socially. Governments and nonprofits have responded by developing new programs and retooling or repackaging old programs to support home ownership, education, and microenterprise.
This course will explore assets and finances for low income families primarily in the US. We will identify programs and policies targeted toward asset building and look at evidence of their efficacy. Using a multi-disciplinary perspective, we will examine the economic, social, and political contexts for these policies.
We will examine: ć How families make financial and asset decisions ć Policies to build assets (individual development accounts, tax credits, microfinance) ć Financial literacy and financial services ć Housing as a family asset ć Small business development ć Education as asset ć Community level asset building
This course should provide students with a framework and analytical tools for evaluating issues related to asset building and financial decision-making for low income families.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Combination of class discussion, small group discussion, and lecture.
Recommended preparation
Previous study of the public policy process.
Class assignments and grading
The requirements for this class are class participation and presentation, two short papers (3-5 pages), and one longer paper on an issue of your choice (10-15 pages).
