Course Objectives: The course will focus on taxation and the redistributive role of the government. The primary focus of our study will be the theory of income, capital income, and commod- ity taxation. We will also discuss income maintenance programs, redistribution, fiscal federalism, voting and tax evasion. Students will be asked to write two one-page (12pt and 1.5 spacing) opinion piece, where they express their informed view on a public policy issues. It is essential for students to show that they have mastered the relevant material taught in class while constructing their argument. You may choose a current issue/debate or you may re- ply to a recently published opinion piece in a news paper or magazine. In your opinion piece, you should briefly describe the policy issue you are focusing on. Who is affected? What are the effects? What are the motivations? You should base your argumenta- tion on material view in class. For inspiration, you should read reputed news venues (NY Time, Globe and Mail, the Economists, ect) or blogs maintained by economists (https://www.intelligenteconomist.com/economics-blogs/).
