The objective of this course is to familiarize the students with contemporaneous debates on the political consequences of inequality. As such, the main objective is to understand the politics of advanced capitalism and the consequences of increasing inequalities. To do so, we will explore current debates on the political consequences of economic inequality, the origins of populism, failures of political representation, the factors explaining declining levels of political trust and social capital, the political consequences of technological change, the relationship between inequality and political polarization, and the sources of democratic backsliding.

Assessment

There will be a final exam. Participation and presentations in class will be evaluated as well. 

The final exam will count 50%, participation in class 25% and presentations in class 25%. During the course every student will be asked to do one presentation. 

There will be 1 or 2 required readings for every session, although the program also includes further recommended readings. The students are expected to read the required readings each session.