This course is the study of topics relevant to issues of race, ethnicity, social class, poverty, and gender in the United States. This class will give students the opportunity to understand how these social factors are interdependent and how they form a complicated social web that impacts individuals in a variety of ways. This course will discuss complex, controversial issues and students will be expected to actively participate in frequent seminar discussions, simulations and presentations as well as frequent personal reflections. Students must come with an open mind, willing to learn from the experiences of others and willing to challenge their preconceived notions. Students will learn to advocate for individuals impacted by issues relevant to race, ethnicity, social class, poverty, and gender. Students will also be expected to complete 10 hours of outside community service as part of this course to help put their learning into context.

Units of study include:

• Introduction to Sociological Thinking

• Social Class & Poverty

• Race & Ethnicity

• Gender