Critical Problems in Modern Society

Catalog description

Social inequality is deep-rooted in our culture and society, but often unacknowledged because the mechanisms of that inequality serve dominant groups and those in power. In this course, we will study specific social problems in modern society as a way to understand how and why we allow inequality and problems to exist, for whose interests, and the consequences for individuals and society. Topics can rotate, but will address issues related to wealth and capitalism; technology; structural racism and sexism; health disparities; and political disenfranchisement. We will discuss how all of these intersect with gender/sexualities, race/ethnicity, and social class. After taking this course, students will be able to: 1. Evaluate social conditions that harm some individuals or all people in society. 2. Translate "private troubles" into "public issues." 3. Articulate the purpose and contributions of public sociology. 4. Recognize dimensions of social inequality that cause or perpetuate disadvantage. Counts as a CAS Global & Cultural Diversity course. Counts as a Communication Intensive course. Counts as a Moral & Ethical Reasoning course.