Economics 316 - The Debt Economy
Spring
2026
01
3.00
Kaleb Karolak
M W 4:00PM 5:15PM
UMass Amherst
77621
Machmer Hall room W-15
kkarolak@umass.edu
We will analyze how debt works in the economy, and the broader political economic context of debt financing and financialization. We will explore debt and it's function in society, and how debt emerged in capitalist economies. We will look at the student loan debt crisis, and potential policy solutions. Debt plays a role in other parts of the economy, including corporations and the govenment, that have implications for the stability of the economy. Throughout the course, we will explore a mix of theory, applied empirical studies, history, and policies relevant to debt.
ECON 104 & 103/RESEC 102 Open only to Primary majors in Econ, Stpec, Res-Econ, and MgrEcon until November 17. Then open to all.