4cr This course surveys research and evidence on the effects of high income inequality on a host of social, economic, and quality-of-life indicators. It studies trends in poverty and inequality in the U.S. and internationally by economic class, gender, and race. The course explores the leading explanations for these trends. It critically evaluates policy options for addressing them, and considers how society's views of these problems and their underlying causes influence policy responses to them. Lastly, the course examines the effects on income distribution and social mobility of a wide range of public policies.