SOCIAL STRATIFICATION

Prerequisites & course information

Requisites: SOC 181 , SOC/C&E SOC 140 , 210 , or 211 Course Designation: Core GenEd - Social & Behavioral Science Breadth - Social Science Level - Advanced L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Fall 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Critically evaluate major sociological theories of stratification, including functionalist, Marxist, Weberian, and elite theories, and apply them to historical and contemporary contexts of inequality. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Analyze the structure and dynamics of social class in the United States, identifying patterns and mechanisms of socio-economic inequality and mobility using empirical data and scholarly interpretations. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Explain how race, ethnicity, and gender intersect with class to shape life chances and social outcomes, drawing on current and historical research, case studies, and theoretical frameworks. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Assess the impact of economic transformations - such as globalization, deindustrialization, and welfare policy changes - on social stratification patterns in the U.S. and globally. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Synthesize and communicate sociological knowledge about inequality through clear written arguments and oral presentations, connecting academic research to real-world events and policy debates. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Critically interpret and engage with primary texts in the sociology of inequality, demonstrating an ability to identify core arguments, assess evidence, and reflect on their contemporary relevance. Audience: Undergraduate 7. Collaborate effectively in small groups to research, report on, and discuss current events related to social stratification, developing teamwork, analytical, and presentation skills. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Critically evaluate major sociological theories of stratification, including functionalist, Marxist, Weberian, and elite theories, and apply them to historical and contemporary contexts of inequality. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Analyze the structure and dynamics of social class in the United States, identifying patterns and mechanisms of socio-economic inequality and mobility using empirical data and scholarly interpretations. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Explain how race, ethnicity, and gender intersect with class to shape life chances and social outcomes, drawing on current and historical research, case studies, and theoretical frameworks. Audience: Undergraduate 4. Assess the impact of economic transformations - such as globalization, deindustrialization, and welfare policy changes - on social stratification patterns in the U.S. and globally. Audience: Undergraduate 5. Synthesize and communicate sociological knowledge about inequality through clear written arguments and oral presentations, connecting academic research to real-world events and policy debates. Audience: Undergraduate 6. Critically interpret and engage with primary texts in the sociology of inequality, demonstrating an ability to identify core arguments, assess evidence, and reflect on their contemporary relevance. Audience: Undergraduate 7. Collaborate effectively in small groups to research, report on, and discuss current events related to social stratification, developing teamwork, analytical, and presentation skills. Audience: Undergraduate