The objectives of the course are (1) to obtain an understanding of the range of programs, both tax and welfare (broadly defined) that determine effective income, (2) to explore questions concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of those programs, (3) to become familiar with the major forms of analysis in the area, and (4) to carry out an analysis concerning some problem of welfare policy. Examples of programs to be considered are : the Pennsylvania Tax Forgiveness Program, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Food Stamps, Social Security, Unemployment Insurance, Medicaid, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The first half of the semester will be devoted to developing an understanding of the major programs, their operation, and the principal interactions with other programs. The second half of the semester will be devoted to analyses of specific programs or sets of programs. Students will learn how to use a software system designed for the analysis of program interactions. Each student will be expected to analyze a particular program or policy related problem using appropriate methodology.
