An examination of stratification and inequality in societies, with particular emphasis on American capitalist society.  The course explores sociological explanations of the development, existence and perpetuation of institutionalized inequality in society, and the impact of inequality on personal and family life, education and politics. 

Upon completion of the course, the student will understand and be able to:
1. explain the meaning and nature of many dimensions of stratification
2. explain and describe the describe the economic stratification 
    of society in the United States historically.
3. explain & describe the history of stratification from early human society to the present.
4. explain and critique the early theories of stratification.
5. explain and critique the modern theories of stratification.
6. describe and explain the nature of the American upper class.
7. describe and explain the nature of the American corporate class.
8. describe and explain the nature of the American middle and working classes.
9. describe and explain the nature of the American poor, theories of poverty.
10. explain and critique the practice and theory of welfare.
11. describe and explain the persistence of gender, race and ethnic inequalities.
12. explain and describe the nature of social mobility especially 
       in relation to class ascription and achievement.
13. explain and describe the process of legitimization 
      in the formulation and maintenance of social classes.
14. explain and describe the characteristics of the world stratification system
      and the impact of that system on the developed and lesser developed nations. 
15. describe the nature of stratification in Japan
16. demonstrate the value of their own power of effective, reading.
17. demonstrate the value of their own power of effective, written communication
18. demonstrate the value of their own power of effective, oral communication.
19. demonstrate the value of their power of effective, creative thinking.
20. demonstrate the value of their own power of making ethical choices.
21. demonstrate the value of diversity in American and world culture.

The course is organized as a seminar, emphasizing the readings and discussion.  Students are expected to assist in creating a collegial, professional setting similar to one they will find in their career.  This may be done by completing all readings in advance and coming prepared to discuss and analyze the issues presented in the readings. 

At times, formal discussion teams will be organized around specific issues as In-Class Projects.  After discussion and analysis, the teams report back to the class.  Students may be asked to perform as professionals in the roles of decision-maker, team leader, facilitator, editor and various resource specialists from a variety of disciplines.  When  an assignment is given by the Professor, the team is to solve the problem and present their solution to the class. 

Exams will include objective & writing questions such as:  multiple-choice, true-false, fill-in-the-blank, completions, short-answer & essays 

Students are expected to take time to stay informed on the news and current events of the day in order to enhance their ability to analyze the social problems examined in class. 

See the other sections of this syllabus for further discussion of these course requirements.

There is a  List of Syllabus Links  at the top of the syllabus.

The following book is available at the book store:
Social Stratification and Inequality:  Class Conflict in Historical and Comparative Perspective.  Harold R. Kerbo.  (1996)  New York:  McGraw-Hill.

Outlines the schedule of the chapters covered, test dates, etc.

All readings from:  Social Stratification and Inequality:  Class Conflict in Historical and Comparative Perspective.  Harold R. Kerbo.  (1996)  New York:  McGraw-Hill.

EXAMS:  There will be two chapter exams and the final exam. 
The final will be comprehensive. 
Exams may include any of the following types of questions:  multiple-choice, true-false, fill-in-the-blank, completion, and short-answer type questions & essays.

Save all reviews, in-class projects, and other materials handed out in class since they are fair game for exams and the final. 

Questions may be derived from any material presented in class. 

Please include the Honor  Code, in full, on all assignments, exams, in-class projects, EVERYTHING.

12.1. Make-up form:  This form must be filled out by the student 
         if she/he wishes to make up an assignment                                   Link

Literature Review:  optional; 
                                   you may review two or three sources for one page of the paper
Methods:  optional; 
                  you may substitute a survey or other applied research method for one source

For this paper you simply revise the Draft Term Paper 
       in accordance w/ the feedback given by the Professor

Literature Review:  optional; 
                                   you may review two or three sources for one page of the paper
Methods:  optional; 
                  you may substitute a survey or other applied research method for one source