Classes matter; they are a means by which you can interact with the course material, and their worth has been proven over the years for helping you do better. They provide opportunities for you to develop skills you can embellish your CV with, and hence for shaping your future with. Please take them seriously both for your own sake, and the sake of your classmates.
In class you will be divided into two groups, who will argue:
The case that deficit reduction should be a priority may reflect that as economic growth has returned, the economy is no longer fragile and unable to withstand substantial cuts. Such an argument is making reference to the point we are at in the business cycle and suggesting confidence is sufficiently high that even if government activity falls, there is a growing private sector that is creating jobs. You might make use of data on job creation and employment.
The case that economic growth and confidence should be nurtured is that the recovery is still young; cutting back spending now would put that recovery in jeopardy. The point in the business cycle we’re at would be the early stages of an expansion. There’s still lots the government can do to aid the recovery as there’s still high unemployment hence space capacity in the economy. GDP per head, and net national disposable income have not recovered their 2008 levels, nor has output in any part of the economy other than the service sector.
In the class, you will be expected to debate your case against other members of the class who have prepared arguments related to the other two cases. Your class tutor will moderate the debate. Have respect for your classmates and your tutor: put forward your points in a manner which treats everyone with dignity.