Fall 2019  |  SOC 4703 Section 001: A Nation Divided: Identity, Precarity, & Polarization (33849)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 415
Enrollment Status:
Open (13 of 15 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
This course explores how individuals and groups experience and understand current economic and political polarization in their daily lives. Our explorations will roam across changes in media and popular culture, work, religion, family, and social movements. prereq: 1001 recommended, soc majors/minors must register A-F
Class Notes:
Click this link for more detailed course information: http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tgowan+SOC4703+Fall2019
Class Description:
It's a time of fierce oppositions. Faith versus science, MSNBC vs Fox. Social movements like #BlackLivesMatter, LGBTQIA rights, and Me Too compete with anti-feminist men's movements and white supremacist mobilization. What can a sociological lens reveal about the social roots of political polarization?
Beneath the political turbulence, the rich are richer, the poor poorer, and the idea of one enormous "middle class" more mythical then ever. How does increasing inequality, insecurity and debt shape our political perspectives? And within this unequal nation, how do everyday experiences of family and friendship, work and leisure, popular culture and religion lead us towards different political ideas and identities? Let's explore together.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Anyone interested - we will be applying some social theory, but will give a chance to everyone to learn or revisit the theories first.
Learning Objectives:
To use reading, primary research and respectful but lively discussion to gain a strong understanding of the social roots of political and cultural polarization.
Class Format:
A mixture of discussion, lecture and group work. Depending on student interest, we may undertake a class project based on in-depth interviews.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33849/1199
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
26 July 2019

ClassInfo Links - Fall 2019 Sociology Classes

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