Sociology 241: Inequality in American Society
Scott Albrecht
Fall 2014
MWF, 12:00 – 12:50
ASY 2309
Office: Art-Socy 1108 My Email:
Hours: MWF 11:00 – 11:50 Class Blog: socy241.blogspot.com
Class Twitter: @socy241
Course Description
This course will focus on economic inequalities in American society. By the end of the semester students should be familiar with different inequality measures and general trends through US history. Students will be encouraged to think critically about sources of economic inequality, and when and why it is important. We will explore a variety of perspectives on the causes and consequences of inequality, but we will emphasize perspectives that acknowledge the social construction of markets.
This course will require students to actively engage the material and contribute to class discussion. A significant portion of class time will be devoted to class discussion. Students will be divided into discussion groups. At the end of the semester, students will evaluate members of their group based on their contribution to the group discussions.
Readings
Every two weeks we will introduce a new book to read, to write about, and to discuss in class. I have chosen these books because 1) they cover a range of approaches and 2) they are good reads. There are also a few short articles that you can access through the class blog. I would recommend you find these books on Amazon or something similar.
Outliers: The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell
Who Rules America: Power, Politics, and Social Change, William G. Domhoff (2005)
Categorically Unequal: The American Stratification System, Douglas Massey
The Undeserving Rich: American Beliefs about Inequality, Opportunity, and Redistribution, Leslie McCall
Liar’s PokerorThe Big Short, Michael Lewis
Assignments
Students will be graded on bi-weekly writing assignments and two exams. Bi-weekly writing assignments will be turned in every other Monday and will deal with readings for that week. These papers will be between 250-300 words. Papers will be evaluated by classmates and the professor based on three criteria: does the paper accurately represent the reading; does the student make an interesting point; is the paper well written. I anticipate six writing assignments during the semester. Only grades for the four best assignments will be kept.
Students are required to engage in discussion on the class blog (socy241.blogspot.com). At least once a week I will post material (new articles, charts, etc.) that are relevant to the class. Students are expected to comment/respond at least 15 times during the course of the semester (about one per week). I will count a maximum of five for any one week (so you can’t wait until the last week to catch up). You will need a record of which posts you commented on and when you commented.
Exams will include essay and multiple choice questions. The essay portion will be take-home; I generally use these to challenge you to compare readings.
Grade Breakdown
Weekly Writing Assignments 4x40 = 160
Groups Evaluations 50
Midterm 100
Final Exam150
Blog Comments 50
Total 500+10(bonus)
Reading and Assignments
Sep3 – Sep 5: Class Introduction; Groups
Sep 8 – Sep 19:Inequality of what?History of inequality theory/ethics; Economic inequality in the United States
Communist Manifesto; Beyond Good and Evil; Grapes of Wrath ch. 19;
Anthem; Animal Farm; Piketty
Sep22 – Oct 3:Mobility in America; Micro inequality; Log-normally unequal
Understanding Mobility in America; *Outliers
Oct 6 – Oct 17:Class and inequality; Opportunity hoarding/Ownership
Building a Better America; *Who Rules America?
Introduce Exam I questions
Oct 20 – Oct 24: Exam Prep and Exam I
Oct 27 – Nov 7: Race and Inequality; Theories of discrimination
*Categorically Unequal;Day of Affirmation
Nov 10 – Nov 21: Poverty and Inequality; Deindustrialization; Urban and rural
*The Undeserving Rich; Economic Growth and Income Inequality
Nov 24 – Dec 5:Financialization and Inequality; SBTC
The Inequality that Matters; *The Big Short or *Liar’s Poker
Introduce Exam II questions
Dec 8 – Dec 12: Group Evaluations; Exam Prep
Introduce Exam 2 questions
Dec 19 – Final Exam (8:00-10:00)
Course Policies
I will not accept any late assignments. Due to the nature of the bi-weekly writing assignments, it is impossible for late work to be evaluated. I will deal with exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Students should know that their email and my email still work when they are sick; I will take it into account if students let me know in advance.
Academic Integrity
As part of a community of scholars, as well as a moral community which is responsible for the integrity of scholastic work, you are required to uphold the University of Maryland code of academic integrity. Cheating or any form of academic dishonesty usually results in a permanent grade of “F/dishonesty” for the course. Written documents regarding absences or late assignments that contain false information are considered academic dishonesty cases and will be handled accordingly.
The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council. This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit To further exhibit your commitment to academic integrity, remember to sign the Honor Pledge on all examinations and assignments: “I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this examination (assignment).”
\
Syllabus Modification Statement
This syllabus is intendedto give thestudentguidancein what will be covered during the course, and willbe followed ascloselyas possible. However, Dr. Albrecht reserves the right to modify, supplement, and make changes as courseneeds arise.
ADA Statement
If you have a documented physical or learning disability, necessary accommodations will be made. Contact me to discuss this as soon as possible.