Course # 33215 Section Number 1 Day(s) M- W Time(s) 10:30am-11:50am Term Spring 2027 Course Instructor Bruce D. Meyer Specialization Social & Economic Inequality Syllabus Syllabus 1/13/26 This course covers the extent and nature of poverty, mainly in the United States and other rich countries. We begin with the measurement of poverty, deprivation and homelessness. We then discuss causes of these problems, rationales for government interventions, and the effectiveness of various public policies. The course will focus on the empirical evidence on each topic, but begin with the theoretical foundation in each area. Notes Students should complete Microeconomics (PPHA 32300 or equivalent) and Statistics (PPHA 31000 or equivalent) prior to enrolling. Course Sections Quarter Course # Title Instructor Day(s) Time(s) Syllabus Spring 2027 PPHA 33215/1 Poverty and Public Policy Bruce D. Meyer Monday, Wednesday 10:30am-11:50am Syllabus Recent News More news Q&A: Harris Social Impact Fellow Alor Sahoo on AI and Education Thu., October 08, 2026 Harris Launches New Specialization to Help Students Turn Evidence into Better Policy Tue., October 06, 2026 Harris Public Policy Launches Custom Executive Education Program with Paraguay’s BECAL Thu., October 01, 2026 Upcoming Events More events Get to Know Harris! MS in Computational Analysis and Public Policy Program Mon., October 12, 2026 | 9:30 AM Austin Coffee Chat Mon., October 12, 2026 | 3:00 PM Up Front Featuring Professor Wioletta Dziuda Tue., October 13, 2026 | 2:00 PM
September 02, 2026 Harris Social Impact Fellowship: Program Roundtable with Faculty Director Austin Wright