Kari A Lerum
A socioeconomic investigation into the meanings and realities of inequality using a variety of theoretical frameworks and empirical research. Focuses on the determinants of economic mobility and social status. Addresses discrimination, poverty, welfare, and education.
This course focuses on describing and explaining the patterns and experiences of inequality and oppression within the contemporary United States. We will look at this topic through a variety of sources including: social scientific journal articles and books, census bureau statistics, documentary films, narrative writing, mainstream news and entertainment media, and your own data collection. Some specific topics to be covered are: poverty, income inequality, welfare reform, race and sex differentials in life outcomes (e.g. education, health, wages, housing), hate crimes, and specific examples of privilege & discrimination based on class/race/sex/sexuality. While examples of inequality are endless and at times paradoxical, the central mechanisms maintaining these patterns can be seen as overlapping, and at times fairly simple. And so a central goal of this course is to simultaneously enable you to articulate the complexity and magnitude of inequality while also to critically evaluate and envision less oppressive ways of organizing our lives.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
lectures, mixed media and documentary viewing, and small group work.
Class assignments and grading
Course activities will include two field research projects, blackboard discussions, 1-2 quizzes, and a final action/policy paper.