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Discipline ID
51014742-2282-4ae4-803e-fc0fbff3c1c1

COURSE DETAIL

THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF INEQUALITY AND REDISTRIBUTION IN THE US
Country
Germany
Host Institution
Free University of Berlin
Program(s)
Free University Berlin
UCEAP Course Level
Upper Division
UCEAP Subject Area(s)
Political Science Economics American Studies
UCEAP Course Number
138
UCEAP Course Suffix
J
UCEAP Official Title
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF INEQUALITY AND REDISTRIBUTION IN THE US
UCEAP Transcript Title
POL ECON INEQUALITY
UCEAP Quarter Units
4.50
UCEAP Semester Units
3.00
Course Description

The aim of this course is to understand why income and wealth inequality varies across space and time by focusing on one of the richest, but also one of the most unequal democracies of our time: The US. While in theory all citizens in a democracy have the same voting power - so one would expect democratic governments to act to keep inequality as low as possible - there are quite significant differences in economic inequality over time and space. Why is this? To answer these questions, the course examines different theories of inequality and different policy areas that affect inequality. It looks at long-term trends in inequality and the structural features of capitalism that tend to push inequality upwards. The course examines the wide range of policies in what is loosely termed the 'welfare state' that tend to mitigate the inequalities generated by market capitalism. Students discuss how demography, gender differences, migration and ethnicity relate to inequality. And they try to understand why elections sometimes produce governments that redistribute income and wealth from rich to poor, and sometimes produce governments that do the opposite. Finally, the course reviews how rising inequality - a clear trend in the rich world since the late 20th century - affects politics and democracy.

Language(s) of Instruction
English
Host Institution Course Number
32602
Host Institution Course Title
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF INEQUALITY AND REDISTRIBUTION IN THE US
Host Institution Campus
Host Institution Faculty
Host Institution Degree
Host Institution Department
John F Kennedy Institute für Nordamerikastudien

COURSE DETAIL

AMERICAN STUDIES
Country
Japan
Host Institution
International Christian University
Program(s)
International Christian University
UCEAP Course Level
Upper Division
UCEAP Subject Area(s)
American Studies
UCEAP Course Number
130
UCEAP Course Suffix
UCEAP Official Title
AMERICAN STUDIES
UCEAP Transcript Title
AMERICAN STUDIES
UCEAP Quarter Units
4.00
UCEAP Semester Units
2.70
Course Description

This course aims to deepen students' understanding of the United States by exploring diverse topics through an interdisciplinary approach.

The topics and materials covered in class includes historical events; traditional concepts rooted in the nation's founding ideals; a wide range of famous and lesser-known works of American literature, and even the lyrics of 1930s blues. All of these are relevant to contemporary America. Furthermore, this course encourages students to develop an interest in and critically explore racial issues in the United States, particularly in the ongoing era of the Black Lives Matter movement.

 

Language(s) of Instruction
English
Host Institution Course Number
AMS301E
Host Institution Course Title
AMERICAN STUDIES
Host Institution Campus
International Christian University
Host Institution Faculty
Host Institution Degree
Host Institution Department
American Studies

COURSE DETAIL

THE GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL
Country
United Kingdom - England
Host Institution
University of London, Queen Mary
Program(s)
University of London, Queen Mary
UCEAP Course Level
Upper Division
UCEAP Subject Area(s)
English American Studies
UCEAP Course Number
177
UCEAP Course Suffix
N
UCEAP Official Title
THE GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL
UCEAP Transcript Title
GREAT AMERICA NOVEL
UCEAP Quarter Units
6.00
UCEAP Semester Units
4.00
Course Description

This course looks at various candidates for the "Great American Novel," a term for fictional narratives that seem to capture the essence of the United States. The course examines the concept's origins following the American Civil War, evolution throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, and enduring appeal in the popular imagination. Selected fiction is considered in relation to US national identity, the ideal of the American dream, notions of authorship, and anxieties toward social issues such as class, gender, race, ethnicity, disability, and sexual orientation.

Language(s) of Instruction
English
Host Institution Course Number
ESH6098
Host Institution Course Title
THE GREAT AMERICAN NOVEL
Host Institution Campus
Host Institution Faculty
Host Institution Degree
Host Institution Department
English
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