This survey course focus on three major themes of the contemporary United States: government, resources, and cities. Stress on the importance of transition from the 1960's. Examination of how each sector is influenced by policy currents, economic trends, and social conflicts.

The main objective of this class is to introduce students to sociological thinking about how markets, firms, and governments interact in modern capitalist societies. The class begins by offering a set of theoretical and conceptual tools to analyze the links between states and markets and a sociological view of how markets work. Then we use this understanding to consider how sociologists have understood many of the important economic changes of the past 30 years. We first discuss shareholder value capitalism in the U.S. and its impact on work and income inequality. Then we discuss the evolution of two of the most vibrant industries in the U.S.: the rise of finance since the 1980s and the internet platforms (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Google). Finally, we use the model to make sense of the global governance of world trade.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills