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851-0583-01L 2 Credits BSC , DS D-GESS

Social Stratification

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Debra Hevenstone
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:28:46

Abstract

This seminar is an introduction to social stratification, with an emphasis on the USA and Switzerland. Topics covered include income inequality, poverty, redistribution, social mobility, gender and racial wage gaps, residential segregation, and migration.

Objective

The goal of this course is a general introduction to the topic of social stratification. The course requirements include reading (approximately 2 academic articles per week plus a popular press article), class discussion, occasionally leading class discussion, and a semester-long project (with regular benchmarks checking progress on the project) and a final presentation. Reading material includes popular press articles, public policy briefs, and academic articles from Sociology, Economics, and Political Science. While one goal of the course is to understand the academic literature and to contribute to the academic debate, another goal is more public policy oriented; namely, we will consider how the media treats stratification, framing the debate around stratification, and related public policy decisions.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , DS

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Social Stratification
  • Wed 17:15-19:00 (CAB H 56)
2 h weekly

Offered In