SYO 3530: Social Inequalities in a Global Society
Cooper Hall, Room 352
University of South Florida, Main Campus
Fall 2015
Meeting Time: Tu Th 12:30-1:45
Professor: Julia Meszaros, Ph.D.
Contact Information
Office: Cooper Hall, 214
Email Address: jmeszaros@usf.edu
Office Hours: Tu Th, 11:00-12:00
Course Description and Goals
This course provides an introduction to the major concepts and theories used to explain
inequality on a global scale. Students will examine social inequalities based around class,
sexuality, race, and gender within the United States, as well as within a broader
transnational perspective. The course will begin by examining the great debate amongst
many philosophers and theorists regarding the nature and desirability of social inequality.
The course will then move on to discuss various dimensions of social inequality, such as
class, race, gender, sexuality, etc. Finally, the course will move towards discussing the
challenges that inequality presents in the U.S. context, and within a global context at the
current moment.
Course Objectives and Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:
1. Identify and analyze the major debates in classical and contemporary theories
regarding social inequalities.
2. Recognize the socially constructed nature of inequalities across both time and
space, and how inequalities change over time.
3. Critically analyze how various inequalities are produced and reproduced in the
media and daily discourses.
4. Make connections between social inequalities occurring within the U.S. and those
occurring globally.
5. Identify institutional forms of global inequality.
6. Understand, define and explain globalization in all of its forms: economic,
political, socio-cultural and historical.
Textbook Information
Sernau, Scott. Social Inequality in a Global Age. Sage Publications. Editions 4-6
The textbook assigned to the class places the American experience within a larger global
context, but you will be expected to read journal articles from outside of the book as well
that cover more global topics. I will post all additional articles on canvas or e library
reserve. You can buy older editions of the textbook in order to cut book costs. Any
additional readings will be available online on canvas or library e-reserve.
Course Expectations
In this course, we read some texts and watch films that include explicit language and
explore sensitive topics. At times, these materials and our discussions may make you
uncomfortable. It is important to be willing to struggle with this material, and its
implications, while also treating one another with respect. If you are uncomfortable or
offended, you always have the right to leave the room. We will work to create a space in
this classroom to think about serious and difficult questions together in a respectful
manner. This class will be discussion oriented, meaning you must do the readings in
order to participate. While I will lecture about difficult concepts from the readings, I
assume that you will have done most of the readings before we discuss them in class.
You will complete in class group assignments that will count towards your participation
grade. These in class assignments cannot be made up. The class will also be discussion
oriented, and you will be graded on your in class participation. There will be difficult
words and concepts in the readings; if you do not understand something, ask questions!
Feel free to email me or drop in during my office hours to discuss concepts that you are
having difficulties with.
Course Requirements
The course will include a number of assignments that students must complete by the
appropriate deadline. NO LATE ASSIGNMENTS without the prior consent of the
instructor will be allowed. NO MAKE UP QUIZZES without the prior consent of the
instructor will be allowed either. There will be no exams for this class. It will be writing,
reading, and discussion oriented.
1. Participation and Attendance (100 points): You must attend class in order to do
well and engage in the learning process with your fellow peers. Thus, you will not
be able to do well or pass the class if you miss more than four class sessions. For
every class missed over 4 sessions, you will be downgraded by one letter grade.
Participation in group and class discussions is essential to fostering an academic
community, so participation will also count for this grade.
2. Weekly Reading Quizzes (300 points, 15@ 20 points each): You must complete a
weekly reading quiz that will be available on the class’s canvas website. These
quizzes will be due weekly at 11:59PM on the Friday of each week. The questions
will be multiple choice, T/F or short answer and will cover the readings from the
chapter. In order to participate in weekly class activities, you must come prepared
having done the readings!!!
3. Media Analysis Paper (200 Points, due October 15th): You will find an example
of race, class, gender and sexuality portrayed within the mainstream media (films,
news, movies, television shows, etc.). I want you to analyze the media’s portrayal
of three of the four privileges discussed in class. For example, if I watched an
episode of the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, I could discuss how class, race, and gender
are portrayed in a show about a poor young African American male coming to
live with his affluent relatives in Bel Air [please do not use this topic]. You must
make this paper an argument about how the three privileges are
portrayed/discussed/represented and you must give supporting evidence from the
readings. The paper will be 3-5 pages long, double-spaced. You may bring in
outside sources, but the majority of the ideas and citations for evidence should
come from the class readings. If you want to include outside sources, you must
provide a bibliography in the ASA approved format (available online). You will
be graded upon how clear of an argument you provide, how well you incorporate
the readings and ideas from class, and stylistic elements of grammar, etc.
4. Final Paper (400 points, due December 7th): The final paper will require you to
think critically about globalization and make links between three sections of the
course. Choose a topic that is globally linked and highlights things you are
interested in. An example would be discussing the rise of nationalism in Greece. I
would discuss the economic crisis occurring there and link it to Hardt’s discussion
of Empire, and then discuss how the economic crisis influences people’s
definition of the Greek nation, linking it to Anderson’s ideas about nations as
imagined communities. Then I would discuss how the Golden Dawn is a social
movement that has arisen out of the crisis and how they adopt a rhetoric of
nationalism in order to fight the economic crisis situation in Greece [please do not
use this topic]. You must make this paper an argument and you must give
supporting evidence from the readings. The paper will be 5-7 pages long, doublespaced. You may bring in outside sources, but the majority of the ideas and
citations for evidence should come from the class readings. If you want to include
outside sources, you must provide a bibliography in the ASA approved format
(available online). You will be graded upon how clear of an argument you
provide, how well you incorporate the readings and ideas from class, and stylistic
elements of grammar, etc.
Grading Policies
Your grade will consist of four parts:
Participation & Attendance 100 points (10%)
Weekly Reading Quizzes
300 points (30%)
Media Analysis Paper
200 points (20%)
Final Paper
400 points (40%)
Total
1000 points (100 %)
Your final letter grade will be calculated according to the following scale:
A = 100-94% A- = 90-93% B+ = 87-89% B = 84-86% B- = 80-83%
C+ = 77-79% C = 74-76% C- = 70-73%
D+ = 67-69% D = 64-66%
D- = 60-63% F = below 60%
Extra Credit
I will allow students to attend up to three on campus activities that relate to class topics
and discussions. Each extra credit event will be worth 20 points, but you must relate the
topic to the readings and ideas from class explicitly. Do not provide a summary of the
event!!! I want you to think about how the event helps you to think sociologically!!
Incompletes
I will not give incompletes unless extreme circumstances arise, and all of USF’s
requirements have been met (please refer to the USF handbook).
Intellectual Property and Privacy
I do not allow students to sell their notes from class nor to record, tape, and/or sell class
lectures.
Syllabus as Contract
The course syllabus is a contract between the teacher and each student. However,
due to increased interest on a particular topic or current events, school cancelations, etc. I
reserve the right to revise the readings and assignments as I see appropriate. Students will
always be involved in any changes, which will be immediately posted on Canvas
following any revisions.
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Important and Helpful Resources
USF Writing Center
Student Government Computer Service
USF Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity
Victim Advocacy Program
USF Policies
1. Final Examinations Policy
All final examinations are to be scheduled in accordance with the University's final
examination policy.
http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/FinalExams.pdf
2. General Attendance Policy
http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/GeneralAttendance.pdf
3. Early Notification Requirement for Observed Religious Days
Students who anticipate the necessity of being absent from class due to the
observation of a major religious observance must provide notice of the date(s) to
the instructor, in writing, at the beginning of the term.
http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/ReligiousDays.pdf
4. Academic Integrity of Students
http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/AcademicIntegrityOfStudents.pdf
“Plagiarism is intentionally or carelessly presenting the work of another as one’s
own. It includes submitting an assignment purporting to be the student’s original
work which has wholly or in part been created by another person. It also includes the
presentation of the work, ideas, representations, or words of another person without
customary and proper acknowledgement of sources. Students must consult with their
instructors for clarification in any situation in which the need for documentation is
an issue, and will have plagiarized in any situation in which their work is not
properly documented” (USF 2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalogue, p.58).
“Cheating is using or attempting to use materials, information, notes, study aids, or
other assistance in any type of examination or evaluation which have not been
authorized by the instructor” (USF 2011-2012 Undergraduate Catalogue, p.58).
5. Disruption of the Academic Process
http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/DisruptionOfAcademicProcess.pdf
6. Gender-Based Crimes
Educators must report incidents of gender-based crimes including sexual
assault, sexual harassment, stalking, dating violence and domestic violence. If a
student discloses in class, in papers, or to an instructor, the instructor is
required by law to report the disclosure. The Center for Victim Advocacy and
Violence Prevention (813-974-5757) is a confidential resource where you can talk
about such situations and receive assistance in confidence. Additional confidential
resources on campus are: the Counseling Center (813-974-2831) and Student Health
Services (813-974-2331).
7. Student Academic Grievance Procedures
http://www.ugs.usf.edu/policy/StudentAcademicGrievanceProcedures.pdf
8. Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities are responsible for registering with Students with
Disabilities Services (SDS) in order to receive academic accommodations. SDS
encourages students to notify instructors of accommodation needs at least 5
business days prior to needing the accommodation. A letter from SDS must
accompany this request.
o See student responsibilities: http://www.sds.usf.edu
o See instructor responsibilities:
http://www.asasd.usf.edu/instructorresponsibilities.asp?refer=FACULTY
9. SafeAssign Privacy Policy
In order to comply with privacy laws, students are not required to include personal
identifying information, such as your name, in the body of the document. Submitting
to the SafeAssign Global Reference Database allows papers from other institutions to
be checked against your paper to protect the originality of your work across
institutions. Please follow your instructor's instructions carefully regarding what
identifying information to include.
o Blackboard Quick Reference Guide - Submitting SafeAssignments
10. University Emergency Policy
In the event of an emergency, it may be necessary for USF to suspend normal
operations. During this time, USF may opt to continue delivery of instruction through
methods that include but are not limited to: Blackboard, Elluminate, Skype, and email
messaging and/or an alternate schedule. It's the responsibility of the student to
monitor Blackboard site for each class for course specific communication, and the
main USF, College, and department websites, emails, and MoBull messages for
important general information.
Course Schedule
Week One: Introduction and the Gordian Knot of Class, Gender & Race
-Tuesday, August 25th: Introduction and Syllabus
-Thursday, August 27th: Chapter 1 in Textbook
-Friday, August 28th: First Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Two: The Great Theoretical Debate Surrounding Inequality
-Tuesday, September 1st: Chapter 2 in Textbook
-Thursday, September 3rd: Excerpt from Book 1 of Aristotle’s Politics [on Canvas] and
entire Marx’s Communist Manifesto [on Canvas]
-Friday, September 4th: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Three: Colonialism and Slavery
-Tuesday, September 8th: Excerpt from Said’s Orientalism [on Canvas]
-Thursday, September 10th: Excerpt from Roberts’ Killing the Black Body [on Canvas]
- Friday, September 11th: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Four: The Global Divide
-Tuesday, September 15th: Chapter 3 in the textbook
-Thursday, September 17th: Wallerstein’s “Culture as the Ideological Battleground of the
Modern World System [on Canvas]
- Friday, September 18th: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Five: Class Privileges
-Tuesday, September 22nd: Chapter 4 in the textbook
-Thursday, September 24th: Chapters 3 “States of Shock” and Chapter 14 “Shock Therapy
in the USA” in Naomi Klein’s Shock Doctrine [on Canvas]
- Friday, September 25th: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Six: Racial and Ethnic Inequality
-Tuesday, September 29th: Chapter 5 in the textbook
-Thursday, October 1st: Excerpt from Alexander’s The New Jim Crow [on Canvas]
-Friday, October 2nd: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Seven: Gender Inequality
-Tuesday, October 6th: Chapter 6 in the textbook
-Thursday, October 8th: Excerpt from Kimmel’s Guyland [on Canvas] and Mohanty’s
“Under Western Eyes”
-Friday, October 9th: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Eight: Sexual Inequalities
-Tuesday, October 13th: Pascoe’s “‘Dude you’re a fag’: Adolescent masculinity and the
fag discourse” [on Canvas]
-Thursday, October 15th: Sanchez Taylor’s “Female Sex Tourism: A contradiction in
terms?” [on Canvas]
-Thursday, October 15th: Media Analysis Paper due at 11:59 PM
-Friday, October 16th: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Nine: The Nation and the State
-Tuesday, October 20th: Excerpt from Anderson’s Imagined Communities [on Canvas]
-Thursday, October 22nd: Nagel’s “Masculinity and Nationalism: gender and sexuality in
the making of nations” [on Canvas]
-Friday, October 23rd: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Ten: Education and Social Mobility
-Tuesday, October 27th: Chapter 9 in the textbook
-Thursday, October 29th: Giroux’s “Racial Injustice and disposable youth in the age of
zero tolerance” [on Canvas]
-Friday, October 30th: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Eleven: Gentrification
-Tuesday, November 3rd: Chapter 10 in the textbook
-Thursday, November 5th: Cummings’ “Confronting Favela Chic: the gentrification of
informal settlements in Rio de Janiero, Brazil” [link to USF library on Canvas]
-Friday, November 6th: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Twelve: Race to the Bottom?
-Tuesday, November 10th: Chapter 11 in the Textbook
-Thursday, November 12th: Hardt’s “Globalization and Empire” [on Canvas]
-Friday, November 13th: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Thirteen: Social Movements
-Tuesday, November 17th: Chapter 12 in Textbook
-Thursday, November 19th: Readings on Occupy Wall St. and Black Lives Matter [on
Canvas]
-Friday, November 20th: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Fourteen: Modern Romance
-Tuesday, November 24th: Excerpt from Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance [on Canvas]
-Thursday, November 26th: THANKSGIVING BREAK
-Friday, November 27th: Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Fifteen: Conclusions
-Tuesday, December 1st: Excerpt from Ong’s Neoliberalism as Exception: Mutations in
citizenship and sovereignty [on Canvas]
-Thursday, December 3rd: Giroux’s “Beyond the Biopolitics of Disposability: rethinking
neoliberalism in the New Gilded Age” [on Canvas]
-Friday, December 4th: Final Canvas Online Quiz Due
Week Sixteen: Finals Week
-Monday, December 7th: Final papers due at 11:59 PM