PSCI 20717 - Politics of Inequality

Course Credit: 1
A systematic examination of equality and inequality in the United States, examining the causes, consequences, and potential solutions to growing inequality. Thomas Jefferson inscribed equality into the ethos of the United States when he penned the words “We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal.” in the preamble of the Declaration of the Independence. Many of the most notable obstacles U.S. democracy as faced have dealt with the struggle to achieve greater equality. Inequality economically, socially, and political is a complex and interconnected phenomenon. How to we measure inequality? What has caused recent growth in inequality? What are the consequences of inequality? What are ways to reduce inequality? In this class, we will seek answers to these questions through reading scholarly and mainstream literature on inequality, in-depth discussion, and writing. [HSS]