SOCIAL CLASS AND INEQUALITY

SOC 331

Spring 2008

OBJECTIVE OF COURSE:

The goal is to familiarize students with the many ways that sociologists and others have put forth to account for the origins, persistence and consequences of socio-economic inequality (social class and poverty) in America. It examines sociological theories of inequality and stratification, as well as empirical investigations of the institutions and processes by which social rewards and resources are differentially distributed. While the main focus is the examination and analysis of patterns and trends in poverty, class, race, gender inequality and immigration in contemporary U.S., the material includes a description of historical patterns, social change, and global economic inequality. The policy implications of the various theoretical perspectives and empirical findings will be discussed.

REQUIRED READINGS:

1. Leonard Beeghley. 2007. The Structure of Social Stratification in the United States. 5th ed. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
2. Barbara Ehrenreich. 2002. Nickeled & Dimed: On (Not) Getting by in America. NY: Wheeler Publisher, Inc.
3. Morris Edward. 2006. An Unexpected Minority: White Kids in an Urban School. NJ: Rutgers University Press.
4. Alexander Portes & Ruben Rumbaut. 2006 (3 rd ed). Immigrant America: A Portrait. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
5. Barbara Ehrenreich.2005. Baitand Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream. New York: Henry Holt and Company.
6. Jean Williams. 2003. A Roof Over My Head: Homeless Women and the Shelter Industry. Boulder, CO: The University Press of Colorado.

Books are available at University Bookstore or on Reserve in Main Parks Library. Course notes are on e-Reserve via the Main Library.

Films, videos and guest lectures will be announced.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Students will be evaluated in terms of three (3) in-class exams consisting mainly or entirely of objective questions (one short answer), five (5) Analytical Group Exercises and five (5) Descriptive Individual Exercises. All exercises MUST be typed. There will be t hree (3) In-Class Group Quizzes that will prepare you for the three (3) in-class exams. Students will work in groups of 2 or 3 and will be allowed to use notes and books during the quiz. I will take an average of the 3 quiz grades (a missed quiz will be assigned a zero) and assign extra credit to each group member. Each member of the group will be assigned the same score per quiz. Students will voluntarily select a group, however, I can assign groups if necessary. The average quiz grade will be used as extra credit to determine borderline grades (e.g. change a B+ to an A-). Please let me know if you have problems with your group, or finding a group. A quiz grade cannot be substituted for a group exercise. Extra credit in-class activities and quizzes will be given throughout the semester.

Students are expected to complete the Analytical Group Exercises as a group of 2 or 3. There cannot be more than 3 members per group. The due date will appear on each class exercise. Each member of the analytical group must briefly note (2-3 sentences) the part of the exercise in which they made a contribution followed by their initials; only student initials are needed for descriptive group exercises. This statement with initials is required for a student to get a grade for each Analytical Group Exercise. Students will not be given a grade for an exercise in which this statement/initials does not appear. If you have circumstances that prevent working in a group, please discuss it with the instructor. Extra credit points will be summed at the end of the semester to help determine borderline grades.

Anyone missing an exam, or is late submitting the Class Exercises will be required to bring a written excuse from the University Health Services or other written justification for the absence. For best results, discuss your possible absence with me before you miss the exam. You will have one week in which to make up an excused exam without penalty. In subsequent weeks you may make up the exam at a penalty--the lowering by one grade level of your score for each intervening week.

Regular class attendance is expected and class attendance will be checked regularly. Students who attend class on a regular basis and read weekly reading assignments prior to class meetings in which they are to be discussed will maximize their success in the course. There will be NO INCOMPLETES (except under extraordinary circumstances). Grades are assigned + or -. University policies on academic dishonesty apply to all work in this course (please see Student Handbook). I encourage students to make active use of the instructor outside of the classroom, and office hours are provided for this purpose. Please call me at my office ( 294-2947) or stop by my office, 202 East Hall during my office hours before and if you have a problem. Leave a message with your telephone number on my office answering machine if I am not available and I will return your call as soon as I can. I DO NOT accept telephone calls at my HOME unless it is an EMERGENCY, however, I will be happy to make an appointment to discuss your concerns. Students can also reach me by e-mail. Please get copies of exercises (descriptive and analytical) from my course web page via the Sociology Department web page. The class notes are available through the library- homepage/e-reserve.

    Your final course grade will be based on the following:

1. All quotations of exact words must be enclosed in quotation marks, with indication of the exact source from which they are copied (e.g. articles, books, newspapers).
2. All paraphrases, summaries, or adaptations of passages which a writer sees fit to borrow must have the source of such material clearly indicated.
3. All factual material, except that which is of common knowledge, must have the source from which it is taken properly and completely acknowledged.
4. All assistance given to you as the writer either by books, by fellow students, or by experienced persons whom one interviews must be properly and completely acknowledged.

Please address any special needs or special accommodations with me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become aware. Those seeking accommodations based on disabilities should obtain a Student Academic Accommodation Request (SAAR) from the Disability Resources Office (515-294-6624). Disability Resources is located in Room 1076 of the Student Services Building. TTY 515-294-6335 or email Steven Moats.

Sociology Code of Ethics for Human Relations:  The Department of Sociology is committed to providing a professional and educational environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. The department's Code of Ethics for Human Relations and the Procedures for Filing Complaints of Discrimination or Harassment are posted on the bulletin boards on all five floors of East Hall.

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