MAT 104 Mathematics of Inequality
Among the central questions of every society are questions about poverty and wealth, and the unequal distribution of goods, income, wealth, or resources. This courses analyzes inequity by mathematical methods. Based on real data collected throughout the course, students construct measures of inequity, like Lorenz curve, Gini index and others. Students will investigate what effect certain policies, like taxes or even marriage patterns, have on these measures, and also try to answer the question of whether inequity is increasing or decreasing within different nations and worldwide. Students will also critically discuss literature and opinions on these inequality trends, and may have a glimpse on the recent modeling of inequality from "econophysics". The basics of Excel will also be taught in this class, since Excel will be used heavily for analysis and modeling. (Not open to students who have completed MAT 199).
Prerequisite
MAT 100 or placement test