This course is about division, separation, and individuality.  Paradoxically, it is
also about cohesion, unification, and togetherness, because it is often by coming
together in groups that we separate ourselves from others.  The readings for this
course are about race and gender, education and social networks, economic and
political power, and how those things are related.  The readings present qualitative
and quantitative evidence that helps us identify the things that separate us from
each other and from the things we want or need.  We will explore why some people are
powerful and others are powerless and why some people are wealthy and others are
poor.  We will also examine why it can be difficult to move from one of those groups
to the other.  Finally, this course leads us to question whether it is possible or
desirable to reduce or eliminate inequality.  In short, this course provides an
in-depth look at the question that drives most inequality research, namely, "Who 
gets what and why?" 

During the course, students are required to explain and critique readings that offer
alternative explanations of inequality.  Students also produce oral and written:
1. descriptions of the types of inequality that exist in the U.S. and abroad
2. explanations of how personal and structural characteristics affect life chances
3. discussions of the consequences and desirability of inequality

The following topics may be covered in this course:     
1.  Trends in income and wealth inequality
2.  The meaning and consequences of race, gender, and class
3.  The intersection of race, gender, and class
4.  Classical theories of stratification
5.  Contemporary theories of stratification
6.  Social mobility
7.  Legitimation