Homework 1: Due September 8
Watch:
David France – How to Survive a Plague (January 2012)
Answer:
a) Who is the author/creator? Do they have an interest in a particular outcome?
b) What is the point of the paper/work? Is there a question the paper/work is trying to answer?
c) What is the paper/work’s methodology? Is the paper theoretical, empirical, a meta-analysis, a case study, or something else?
d) What is the data of the paper/work? What set of information is the paper/work using to draw its conclusions? How generalizable is this information?
e) What is the paper/work’s conclusion? Are any robustness checks or sensitivity analyses used?
f) What effect might this paper/work have on other papers/works, the field, or society? What additional questions might future researchers/creators ask to build upon this paper/work?
Homework 2: (Due September 15)
Choose 1 philosopher/podcast from the list, add your name, and listen to the associated podcast.
For all podcasts, answer the following questions.
Using Wikipedia:
1) What is your philosopher’s name, place and date of birth, death (if applicable). Where did they live during the bulk of their professional lives (thus far if applicable).
From listening to the podcast answer the following question (2-5 paragraphs)
2) Different podcasts cast a similar issue in different ways. Some talk about the role of government, some talk about human rights, some talk about collective values. Based on your understanding and the podcast you listened to, connect this issue to the role of government. According to this figure, what is the role of government? How does this figure come to that conclusion? Can you compare this to other ideologies or approaches?
3) For each podcast I would like to call on you to address a particular question listed on the spreadsheet. Please answer that here (your answer may be in part copied from part 2 – if so go ahead and paste it again).
Homework 3: (Due September 27)
Read: “Conclusion – Americas First Modern Social Policies and Their Legacies” in Skocpol, Theda. Protecting soldiers and mothers. Harvard University Press, 1995 (found in course content on Husky CT).
Answer (1-2 pages):
a) Who is the author? Do they have an interest in a particular outcome? (1 paragraph or so)
b) What is the point of the paper? Is there a question the paper is trying to answer? (2-4 paragraphs)
c) What is the paper’s methodology? Is the paper theoretical, empirical, a meta-analysis, a case study, or something else? (1 paragraph or so)
d) What is the data of the paper? What set of information is the paper using to draw its conclusions? How generalizable is this information? (2-4 paragraphs)
e) What is the paper’s conclusion? Are any robustness checks or sensitivity analyses used? (2-4 paragraphs)
f) What effect might this paper have on other papers, the field, or society? What additional questions might future researchers ask to build upon this paper? (2-4 paragraphs)
Homework 4: (Due September 29)
Watch or Read: Wilbur J.. Cohen, and Milton Friedman. Social Security: Universal or Selective?. American enterprise institute for public research, 1972.
on youtube or in print
and
DeWitt, Larry. “Research Note #25: Ponzi Schemes vs. Social Security.” Historians Office, Social Security Administration.
Answer based on readings:
Why are Wilbur Cohen and Milton Friedman useful sources for discussing social security (in 2-4 sentences each)?
What are 3 pros of Social Security according to Cohen and 3 pros according to Friedman?
What are Friedman’s main criticisms of Social Security (in 1 or 2 paragraphs)?
How does Cohen respond (in 1 paragraph)?
Answer:
What does the government do with OASDI payroll tax revenue?
What do you think the government should do with the revenue?
Is social security bad? Is it a ponzi scheme (1 or 2 paragraphs)?