Problems of Contemporary Society
MW 12:20-1:10.
DeSantos. Fall.

This course examines contemporary social problems, with a focus on their sources in the organization of society. Modern societies are based on three fundamental types of institutions - social norms, hierarchies, and markets. Each is subject to distinctive types of failures resulting in problems that include poverty, prejudice and discrimination, intolerance and hate, alcohol and drug abuse, physical and mental illness, crime and delinquency, and urban problems. In analyzing these problems, the institutions through which they are created and perpetuated, and the forms of institutional change required to address them are emphasized.