SOCIAL STRATIFICATION SOC 6350

University of Texas at Dallas Fall, 2011

Professor: Sheryl Skaggs, Ph.D. Office: GR 2.531 Phone: 972-883-4460 E-Mail: slskaggs@utdallas.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES: Social stratification is at the core of sociology and much of social science. Social stratification refers to social inequality, including inequalities of class, social status, race and ethnicity, and gender. This course is designed to introduce students to the relevant theories and body of literature related to these broad areas of social inequality. Implications for social policy are also addressed. The key goals of this course are to: 1) develop a knowledge-base of classical and contemporary theories of social inequality; 2) develop an understanding of how theory relates to research in the areas of social inequality; 3) explore strategies for influencing social policy targeted toward the reduction of social inequality. REQUIRED TEXTS: The Inequality Reader: contemporary and foundational readings in race, class, and gender. 2011 (2nd edition). Grusky and Szelnyi (editors). Westview Press. Being Black, Living in the Red: race, wealth, and social policy in America. 2010 (10th anniversary edition). Dalton Conley. University of California Press. Unequal Childhoods: class, race, and family life. 2003. Annette Lareau. University of California Press. COURSE REQUIREMENTS: To enhance your comprehension of the assigned readings and encourage knowledge-based class discussions, students will select 4 class periods in the semester to write a two page summary/critique from the weeks assigned readings (except for the weeks of 10/17 and 11/21). Summary/critiques should briefly highlight the main points from the readings and then provide an insightful critique (just saying you agree or dont agree with the authors will not be sufficient). These writing assignments should be type written and double-spaced. This component will comprise 20% of your final grade. Students will be required to complete a small group video project that examines perceptions of social class within the UTD community. Details of the project will be provided to students within the first few weeks of class. This project, to be presented in class, will be graded on content as well as creativity. The video project will comprise 20% of your course grade. A literature review of 12 to 14 pages will be required and should address a specific area of social inequality research selected by the student. Students should begin early in the semester on the paper assignment and provide an outline no later than Oct. 24, 2011. Specific details for this assignment will be distributed in class. The literature review will comprise 30% of our course grade and will be due no later than Monday, Dec. 5th at 5:00pm. No late papers will be accepted! Students are also required to submit papers to the eLearning turnitin.com link. Each student will be required to make a 10 to 12 minute class presentation of their research. This component of the course will comprise 15% of your course grade. Two eLearning based discussion sessions will be established requiring that students contribute no less than 5 comment threads (for each session) to the posed questions. Questions will be based on the weeks assigned reading (as noted on the course schedule) and are intended to foster in-depth discussion of the materials. Although the specific responses will not be graded, content is important. In other words, students should elaborate on their responses rather than simply stating they agree or do not agree. A participation grade will be given for each discussion session (25 points each) and in totality will comprise 15% of your overall course grade.

Seminar: Monday, 4:00 6:45 PM Room: FO 2.608 Office Hours: Monday 3:00 3:30; 7:007:30PM (or by appointment)

COURSE EVALUATION/GRADING: Evaluation of the student will be based upon performance on examinations, class participation, attendance and a term paper. The grade will be determined on a percentage of the total points earned. If the student earns 93% of total points or more, the grade will be an A; 92% - 90% = A-; 89% - 87% = B+; 86% - 83% = B; 82% - 80% = B-; 79% - 77% = C+; 76% - 73% = C; 72% and below = F.

COURSE-RELATED POLICIES: All students are expected to attend class on a regular basis. If for some reason you are unable to attend a class, it will be your responsibility to obtain class notes, announcements, assignments and handouts form a classmate prior to the next class session. Participation in class discussions is an important part of the learning experience but should remain relevant to the particular readings and lecture materials. Students are expected to always be respectful of others opinions and beliefs in the classroom. Personal attacks and racially/sexually harassing behaviors are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Anyone involved in such behaviors will be asked to leave the class session. As a courtesy to your fellow students and professor, all cell phones should be turned off before class begins. If, however, you are expecting an important call during class, you should place your phone on vibrate mode and find a seat near

the door for that session.

GENERAL POLICIES For UT Dallas policy related to the following go to: http://go.utdallas.edu/syllabus-policies Field Trip Policies Student Conduct & Discipline Academic Integrity Email Use Withdrawal from Class Student Grievance Procedures Incomplete Grade Policy Disability Services Religious Holy Days

TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE AND READING ASSIGNMENTS

Aug. 29: Sept. 5: Sept. 12: General Introduction Holiday No class Defining Social Class Does Inequality have a purpose? Sept. 19: Sept. 26: Oct. 3: Oct. 10: Oct. 17: Oct. 24: Oct. 31: Nov. 7: Nov. 14: Nov. 21: Nov. 28: Dec. 5: Structure of Inequality Marx and Weber Power Elite Poverty Video Presentations Race and the Wealth Gap Poverty and Policy eLearning Discussion no class on campus Family and Inequality Class Divides Literature Review Outline Due Family and Inequality continued Inequality and Education Gender and Inequality - Discrimination Gender and Inequality Workplace Segregation eLearning Discussion no class on campus Health and Inequality Paper Presentations Policy and Practice Paper Presentations Literature Review Due Lareau and Conley: chapter 1 by M. Holt (McDermott course reserves) Grusky and Szelnyi: pp. 16-32 Grusky and Szelnyi: pp. 36-67; pp. 86-97 Grusky and Szelnyi: pp. 100-135 Grusky and Szelnyi: pp. 136-169 Conley: pp. 1-53; 109-170 Grusky and Szelnyi: pp. 182-219 Lareau: pp. 1-103 Laurau: pp. 107-257 Grusky and Szelnyi: pp. 452-454; Conley: pp. 55-81 Grusky and Szelnyi: pp. 351-388 Grusky and Szelnyi: pp. 389-411; pp. 332-350 Grusky and Szelnyi: pp. 614-635 Grusky and Szelnyi: pp. 711-746 Grusky and Szelnyi: pp. 2-13

These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.