CONN 301

American society displays troubling signs: increasing homeless and addiction; high cost of housing and education; declining confidence in elected officials and leading institutions like the news media. Many people feel ignored and exploited by the political and economic elite while also alienated from other average Americans. People are increasingly placed into hostile camps divided by politics, race, gender, education, generation, location, and other factors. What is going on in the country? What does it mean for the individual to live in times of such strain? Where are we headed? And what can be done about it? This course provides an understanding of our personal troubles and social problems by examining several underlying causes: First, a social system that operates largely in the interests of the elite and has produced historic levels of inequality; second, an American empire that, despite continuing displays of military force, is showing clear signs of overreach; third, a system of propaganda and disinformation that desperately seeks to maintain legitimacy and consent. While we face challenges, the course explores a hopeful vision for our individual and collective future.

Offered fall semester.

CO24 - CONN (Connections 200-400 Level), CO24 - SOCSCI (Social Sci and Historical), CORE - SL (Social Scientific Approaches), INTD - AFAM (African American Studies AFAM), INTD - EDUC (Education Studies Minor EDUC), INTD - SOAN (Sociology & Anthropology SOAN)