Tax Policy Seminar

3 units

Drop deadline: 11:59 pm the day after the first class meeting. The primary objectives of this seminar are to develop an understanding of some contemporary tax policy debates and to develop your research and writing skills. The seminar will include both a classroom component and an individual writing component. The first several weeks of the seminar will include assigned readings and class discussions on selected topics, which will vary year to year and may include: progressivity, inequality, American tax history, the nature of income, the tax base, and administrative issues in taxation. A 20- to 25-page research paper will be required. Students will select a research paper topic in consultation with the professor, and all students will be required to present their papers. Federal income taxation is a required prerequisite. Grades will be based primarily on your final paper but may take class participation and attendance into consideration.