Drs. Lanning & Strain
Summer, 2008

Syllabus for IDS 2931H: Equality and inequality (version 2.1)

egal·i·tar·i·an·ism  n (1905)  1: a belief in human equality especially with respect to social, political, and economic rights and privileges  2: a social philosophy advocating the removal of inequalities among people

elit·ism  n (1947)  1 : leadership or rule by an elite  2: the selectivity of the elite; especially : snobbery <elitism in choosing new members> 3: consciousness of being or belonging to an elite

- http://search.eb.com/dictionary?book=Collegiate

Course overview

In this class, we'll consider the premise of human equality in light of the differences we see in contemporary America. We will examine statistical (e.g., Bartels)  and narrative (Epstein) treatments of differences, as well as explanations for these differences grounded in sociology (Shapiro), political economics, psychology, and history. Concepts such as "class," "stratification," "elitism," "snobbery," and "human worth" will be considered in depth.

Our treatment will largely focus on three parameters of difference:

We will consider wealth and power and the growing gap between rich and poor as forms of economic inequality. We will come to understand these growing differences, and we will consider whether this is the way it should be in America.

We will examine the concept of intelligence - what it is, what it is not, and how it is related to socially valued concepts (e.g., creativity and parenting skill) and cultural constructs such as merit. In addition to intelligence, we'll briefly consider other forms of psychological inequality.

Finally, we will consider moralism, snobbery, and resentment as manifestations of cultural or social inequality.  America is a country characterized and divided not just by rich and poor, but also by religion, by region, and by values. Here, the gap is not between rich and poor or smart and dull, but between effete "latte-drinking, sushi-eating, Volvo-driving, New York Times-reading" snobs and authentic Folgers-drinking, burger-munching, pick-up driving, Fox-TV-watching Americans. Do these differences matter, and if so, why?

Instructors

Dr. Kevin Lanning (lanning@fau.edu). Office is WB 220; office hours are MW 10-1130 and 4-5.

Dr. Christopher Strain (cstrain@fau.edu). Office is HC 103; office hours are MW 10-1130 and 4-5.

Readings

Although the schedule below is subject to change, we do anticipate assigning significant portions of each of the five required texts. In addition, you will be responsible for the hot-linked articles given on the syllabus below:

Required

Bartels, Larry M. (2008) Unequal Democracy: The Political Economy of the New
Gilded Age. Princeton, NJ: Princeton UP (978-0-691-13663-9)

Epstein, J. (2003). Snobbery: The American Version. NY: Mariner Books
0618340734 (paper)

Gould, S. J. (1996) The Mismeasure of Man. NY: Norton (0393314251)

Henry, W. A. (1995). In Defense of Elitism. NY: Anchor. (0385479433)

Shapiro, T. M. (Ed.) (2005). Great Divides: Readings on Social Inequality in
the United States, 3rd Ed. NY: McGraw Hill. (0767416406 paper)

Assignments and grading

Students will be expected to complete short (~4 page) papers and lead discussion on four topics.  Topics and due dates are Intelligence (May 19), wealth (May 26), race and gender (June 6), and elitism and snobbery (June 11). Taken together, papers and "discussion" will constitute 60% of the course grade.  You may find the paper guidelines here.

Students will be expected to attend class regularly and demonstrate that they have read the material in a timely fashion. Participation will constitute 20% of the grade.

Finally - and we mean that literally - students will be expected to contribute thoughtfully in a structured group oral examination during our last meeting. This will constitute the remaining 20% of the grade.

Schedule

Up to Dr. Kevin Lanning, Honors College, Florida Atlantic University

   Revised 06/02/08