Foundational Perspectives on Poverty, Economic Inequality & Social Exclusion

Undergraduate / Graduate

This course examines sociological, economic, and political frameworks for understanding social inequality. From these perspectives, we will consider the causes and consequences of - and responses to - poverty, inequality and exclusion. The course will lay the foundation for students in this pathway to develop skills needed to work in a variety of key areas of the social safety net such as cash assistance, housing and homelessness, labor and employment, hunger and nutrition. It will consider philanthropic, governmental, nongovernmental, and grassroots change efforts. By integrating theory, research, and practice, students will explore diverse strategies for disrupting entrenched patterns of disadvantage and promoting equitable social change.