Spring 2010 “Signature Course” UGS302: Poverty and Rising Class Inequality in America
Unique Number: 63810 Class time: MWF 2:00pm-3:00pm
Professor: Arthur Sakamoto (Office: BUR458) Office hours: MW 5:00pm-6:30pm
Telephone: 232-6338 (email: asakamoto@austin.utexas.edu) Classroom: BUR228
Student Mentor: Katherine Foehrkolb (email: k.foehrkolb914@gmail.com)
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on poverty and rising class inequality in contemporary America. The topics to be investigated include the history and measurement of poverty in the U.S., the demographic characteristics of the poor, the sources and causes of poverty in the U.S., political and policy considerations, sociological theories of inequality and stratification, and related sociological issues. Our objective is not to engage in political rhetoric but to develop a greater understanding of the issues involved in debates about poverty, inequality, and related public policy. Emphasis will be placed on improving analytical and communication skills through expository writing, effective class discussion, and student presentations. Some interdisciplinary perspectives will be included into the course.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
- Attend all classes having read the assigned readings for that day.
- Do two class presentations.
- Take two multiple-choice quizzes.
- Complete three writing assignments of at least 1000 words each.
- Of the three writing assignments, the second is a required re-write of the first assignment.
- Complete a campus research project of at least 750 words.
- Meet with the professor during his office hours at least once during the semester.
- Attend the University Lecture (by Professor Rob Crosnoe) that is scheduled for Monday, February 1, 2010 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at ACE 2.302.
- Complete the final exam that will be held during the final-examinations week as scheduled by the University. During the three-hour final exam, the student should complete an essay of at least 500 words.
GRADING: Grading will be determined by the student’s total course points based on the following assignments.
Points %
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Class Presentation #1 20 4.00
Class Presentation #2 20 4.00
Quiz #1 40 8.00
Quiz #2 40 8.00
Class Participation for January and February 11 2.20
Class Attendance for January and February 5 1.00
Class Participation for March 6 1.20
Class Attendance for March 2 0.40
Class Participation for April and May 11 2.20
Class Attendance for April and May 5 1.00
Office Visit 5 1.00
Second and Third Writing Assignment Scores 200 40.00
Campus Research Project 75 15.00
Final Exam 60 12.00
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TOTAL 500 100.00%
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The possible number of total points for the semester is 500. Letter grades for the course will then be assigned as follows:
A 500 - 475;
A- 474 - 450;
B+ 449 - 433;
B 432 - 416;
B- 415 - 400;
C+ 399 - 383;
C 382 - 366;
C- 365 - 350;
D+ 349 - 333;
D 332 - 316;
D- 315 - 300;
F 299 - 0.
CLASS POLICIES: Absences will be excused for documented medical reasons as well as for religious services or religious activities. Assignments turned in late without valid medical or religious justifications will be penalized. This course will abide by and follow all University policies regarding scholastic dishonesty as summarized at http://dea
