SOC 2220 - Controversies About Inequality

(crosslisted) AMST 2225, DSOC 2220, GOVT 2225, ILROB 2220, PAM 2220, PHIL 1950
(SBA-AS)

Fall. 4 credits.

A. Haskins.

In recent years, poverty and inequality have become increasingly common topics of public debate, as academics, journalists, and politicians attempt to come to terms with growing income inequality, with the increasing visibility of inter-country differences in wealth and income, and with the persistence of racial, ethnic, and gender stratification. This course introduces students to ongoing social scientific debates about the sources and consequences of inequality, as well as the types of public policy that might appropriately be pursued to reduce (or increase) inequality. These topics will be addressed in related units, some of which include guest lectures by faculty from other universities (funded by the Center for the Study of Inequality). Each unit culminates with a highly spirited class discussion and debate.