Econ 398

Prof. Daphne Greenwood
University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS)
Columbine Hall 1059/Phone: 262-4031
Spring 1999
Office Hrs: 11-12 MW and by appt
e-mail: dgreenwo@brain.uccs.edu Home Phone: 444-0115

ECON 398: APPLYING ECONOMICS TO COMMUNITY PROBLEMS

This course builds on the knowledge of economics you already have to

help you identify economic concepts in practice as you observe social problems
increase your understanding of the economic dimension of social problems in our community and the costs and benefits of various solutions to those problems
discover ways that you can help/economic ideas can be applied in solving those problems

Grading:

Attendance is important – both in class and in your service-learning assignment
Participation is important – both in class and in your service-learning assignment
25% -- Final presentation/oral and written
25% -- Evaluation of contribution to agency
10% -- Interim report
15 % -- Journalling/conferences/resume
25 % -- Class participation and discussion of readings, concepts, other reports, etc.

Journal entries:

Looseleaf in three ring binder
Should be done at least weekly and dated
Focus on new learning/impressions/questions from reading/experience/discussion
Bring to class discussions/conferences/turn in for grading once a month

Presentations: Neatness and organization count!

1. Brief overview of the agency you are working with and primary problems dealing with

2. Discuss semester experiences in light of

what you expected from prior learning or assumptions/what really diverged from them è most important things you learned and others should know

ability to apply economic concepts to causes and possible solutions to problems
contrast to problems/experiences dealt with by other students in other settings

5-10 page handout for all class members, including a one page "executive summary"

and any tables/graphs/charts which would be helpful

ASSIGNMENTS FOR CLASS:

Date Topic Assignment

Jan 22 Social Problems: Economic Aspects Economic Concepts

How Can You be a Part of Solving Them? Discuss service contract

Guest Speakers: Urban League

Office of Dispute Resolution

Jan 29 Youth Problems: Causes and Cures ONE PAGE RESUMES

Guest Speakers: Tutmosse Family Services A State of Highs and Lows

Community Corrections

Feb 5 Poverty and Housing What is Poverty?

Guest Speakers: Housing Advocacy Coalition

Chins-Up Youth Programs

Feb 12 Oral report on placements

Reading to be assigned

Feb 19 No class meetings/6 hours per week on assignment Weekly journal entries

Feb 26 "

Mar 5 "

Mar 12 Meet for group discussion 9:25 –10:30 Reading to be assigned

Mar 19 No class meetings/6 hours per week on assignment Weekly journal entries

Mar 26 Spring Break – be sure to schedule with your host agency

Apr 2 No class meetings/6 hours per week on assignment Weekly journal entries

Apr 9 Meet from 9:25- 10:45 for discussion

Apr 16 No class meetings/6 hours per week on assignment Weekly journal entries

Apr 23 No class meetings/6 hours per week on assignment Weekly journal entries

Apr 30 No class meetings/6 hours per week on assignment Weekly journal entries

May 7 No class meetings/6 hours per week on assignment Weekly journal entries

May 14 9:25-12:05 FINAL PRESENTATIONS

SUGGESTED POSSIBLE READINGS:

Rethinking Social Policy, Christopher Jencks, 1993. (poverty, discrimination, welfare reform)

What Money Can’t Buy – Family Income and Children’s Life Chances, Susan E. Mayer, Harvard University Press, 1997.

(child poverty, welfare reform, family intervention)

Making Ends Meet: How Single Mothers Survive Welfare and Low-Wage Work, Kathryn Edin and Laura Lein. Russell Sage Foundation. 1997.

A New Look at Poverty. William O’Hare. Annie E. Casey Foundation. 1995.

Diverting Children from a Life of Crime: Measuring Costs and Benefits, Peter Greenwood, et al.

RAND Corporation, 1996.

The Evolution of Juvenile Justice and Youth Violence in America, J. C. Howell, Sage Publications, 1998.

Saving Kids from the Slammer: Costs and Benefits, Harry Boone, The Journal of State Government 70:1, Winter 1997.

AGENCY CONTACTS:

Denise Billingsley The Urban League 634-1525

early childhood education

job search and training

Pat Dolin, Education director Chins-Up Youth & Family Services 327-2042 family counseling/alternative education

Cindy Kulp, Director Housing Advocacy Coalition 634-0738

grassroots community organizing

Niki Moore COMMCOR 630-9316

alternative/community sentencing

Anita Stuckey Office of Dispute Resolution 448-7776

mediation of legal disputes

(child custody and support)

Dr. Anthony Young Tutmosse Community Services 599-6946

family intervention/alternative education