Eric Nilsson wrote: > > Next fall I'll be teaching an introductory course on a variety > of different economic topics. The focus will be on the U.S. > The course will focus on issues, not on the use/misuse of > economic theory of any particular brand. > What readings for a class mostly of first year college > students would people recommend on topics like: > the "bankruptcy" of social security, immigration, income > distribution/standard of living changes, size of goverment > and growth/efficiency, healthcare, debt/deficit, and so on. > > Does EPI or similar organization put out a reader. I haven't > used URPE material ("XXX in the real world") in recent years; > does such stuff still exist, is it any good, is it appropriate for > a non-principles course, it it up-to-date? EPI put out a book this past year called Reclaiming Prosperity which is an anthology of policy articles proposing progressive alternatives on a wide range of problems, including many you list above. It would be suitable for students. It would not fulfill the type of function served by the URPE/Dollars and Sense material, e.g., parsing basic theoretical issues. Our State of Working America will be available around Christmas and will be very up-to-date in terms of providing data on a wide assortment of economic trends (especially wages, taxes, and income distribution). Check our web page (EPINET.ORG) for more info, or call me any time. MS ==================================================== Max B. Sawicky 202-775-8810 (voice) Economic Policy Institute 202-775-0819 (fax) 1660 L Street, NW [EMAIL PROTECTED] Suite 1200 Washington, DC 20036