POL3464
POL 3464 - The Politics of Economic Inequality (3 Cr.) Race, Power, and Justice US
Political Science Department (10984)
TCLA - College of Liberal Arts
POL 3464 - The Politics of Economic Inequality (3 Cr.) Race, Power, and Justice US
Course description
Distributional issues are at the core of the study of politics. This is because while democracy is premised on formal political equality, if wealth and property can shape political power then equal rights do not mean equal influence. This class meets the UMN "Race, Power, and Justice in the US" Liberal Education theme by engaging the question of the tension between democracy and economic inequality. What policies increase or decrease inequality? What are the political consequences of rising inequality - in general and particularly for ethnic and racial minorities? The course focuses on the USA but puts American politics in global perspective. To do so, the course explores how dominant socio-economic groups in the US have historically shaped political institutions and attitudes to generate, perpetuate, and defend inequality. We will also explore the extent to which and why white and non-white citizens have bought into the concept of the "American Dream," undermining efforts to redress social injustice.
Minimum credits
3
Maximum credits
3
Is this course repeatable?
No
Grading basis
OPT - Student Option
Lecture
This course fulfills the following Liberal Education requirement(s)
Race, Power, and Justice in the United States
Fulfills the writing intensive requirement?
No
Typically offered term(s)
Every Fall & Spring