MODULE 1: CLASS

The first module will begin with a look at class in the U.S., its relationship to the concept of the American Dream, and what can be done to remedy it.

Reading/Viewing: Our reading and viewing may include but is not limited to: 

  • Video: American Dream by Barbara Koppel

  • From Rereading America: “Class in America” by Gregory Mantsios

  • From Rereading America: “Generation R: The Changing Fortunes of America’s Youth” by Don Peck

  • From Rereading America: From “The Great Divergence: America's Growing Inequality Crisis and What We Can Do about It” by Timothy Noah

In-class Dialog, Group Discussion, and Exploratory Writing: We will begin this module writing a response to the question “What class do I consider myself a member: upper, middle, or lower?” As we progress through the module, we will choose specific aspects of our topic to focus on through group and class discussions and exploratory writing exercises. To help facilitate our class discussions, you may be asked to: 

  • Create a budget for a family of three with an annual income of $21,160 (the poverty guideline for 2017)
  • Skim through a few financial magazines. Who is the audience for these magazines? What type of advice is offered? What types of products or services are advertised? What levels of income and investment are discussed?
  • Write a response on where you see yourself in five years.
  • As a group, select a city or county and research the types and amounts of aid being distributed and the demographics of those receiving aid. Create a report to share in class.

Reading Response Blog Posting: All readings will be assigned as homework. These homework assignments will not be considered complete until you have added a reading response post to the course blog if one is assigned for that reading. This is an informal posting but should be a thoughtful response, and posts will be taken up at length in class.

Response Essay: As we read and discuss the problem of class, you should make notes and mark places in reading material where you wish to speak back related to your own experiences surrounding the subject matter. At the end of the module, you will choose one of the places you have marked or noted and write about an experience that prompted your response. This should be in the form of a narrative. The assignment is 2–3 double-spaced, typed pages. It should be ready for peer review the class session before its official due date.

Click here to download assignment sheet.