32604

WiSe 20/21: Social Inequalities, Diversity and its representation

Min Kyung Yoo

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Online Synchronous

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This course investigates sociological understanding of various sociopolitical and economic inequalities found in the United States of America, with a particular focus on the mass media representations of these social status groups and their identities in the media. After reviewing classical sociological theories in identity and community building, the course first explores general issues in stratification and social mobility in the US. Then concentrating on social inequalities in the US, the course looks at the challenges or dilemmas in maintaining its social diversity, meanwhile trying to eradicate inequalities and a singular American national identity simultaneously. Following this section on American identities found within social inequality and diversity, I will give a short introduction to media theory (with a sociological focus) in order to conduct a critical analysis of the various texts and films, television shows and podcasts. Following different categories of race, ethnicity, class, gender, family, the Other and political parties, the rest of the semester will be dedicated to reviewing various mass media representations of these groups. Students will learn to connect sociological research with interdisciplinary approach in understanding various topics and field. With great emphasis in writing a long research paper, this class encourages students to write an essay on a project they will conduct from Week 5. close