POLISCI147P
The Politics of Inequality
Political Science
H&S - Humanities & Sciences
Course Description
This course is about the distribution of power in contemporary democratic societies, and especially in the US: who governs? Is there a ``power elite,'' whose preferences dominate public policy making? Or, does policy reflect a wide range of interests? What is the relationship between income and power? What are the political consequences of increasing income inequality? How do income differences across racial and ethnic groups affect the quality of their representation? What are effective remedies for unequal influence? Finally, which institutions move democratic practice furthest towards full democratic equality? This course will address these questions, focusing first on local distributions of power, and then considering the implications of inequality in state and national politics. Students will have the opportunity to study income inequality using income and labor force surveys in a mid-term assignment. Then, in a final paper, students will conduct an empirical examination of the implications of income inequality for American democracy.
Cross Listed Courses
Grading Basis
RLT - Letter (ABCD/NP)
Min
5
Max
5
Course Repeatable for Degree Credit?
No
Course Component
Discussion
Enrollment Optional?
Yes
Course Component
Lecture
Enrollment Optional?
No
This course has been approved for the following WAYS
Social Inquiry (SI)
Does this course satisfy the University Language Requirement?
No
Programs
POLISCI147P
is a
completion requirement
for: