Course title:
“Economic Realities of the American Dream”
What sparked the concept for the course?
One of us – Steve Fazzari – was a trained economist, and the opposite – Mark Rang – as a sociologist. As colleagues at Washington University in St. Louis, we’ve got shared common scientific interests through the years. But our teaching partnership actually began with a chat Mark gave about his book “An underprivileged nation“, which examines the causes and consequences of poverty and the way the fact of poverty contradicts American values. This talk inspired Steve at a time in his profession when he was trying to include economic inequality into his teaching.
Our conversations deepened as Mark researched his next book: “Pursuing the American Dream: Understanding What Shapes Our Destiny.” We realized we each had something unique to bring to the table in regards to the American dream, and that was the impetus for the category.
What shall be examined within the course?
A paradox of American history is the idea that every one residents are entitled to certain rights and opportunities. But in point of fact the country is doesn’t achieve this goal. While the American Dream captures these desires, our course also takes under consideration the fact of the dream.
We change course leaders every week, but at all times have a vigorous exchange based on many years of social science teaching and research. Our students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines equivalent to political science and engineering offer a kaleidoscope of perspectives.
The course begins by exploring the historical and philosophical background of the American Dream. While the course lessons provide multiple perspectives on the meaning of the dream, we give attention to three principles common to most Americans' understanding of the dream: the liberty of Americans to pursue their passions to satisfy their potential; an economic agreement that onerous work should result in an economically secure life; and hope and optimism for higher days ahead.
We then give attention to the pathways to achieving the American dream, including economic mobility, equal opportunity, increasing living standards, and the provision of good jobs.
Next, we discuss how poverty and economic insecurity, unemployment and underemployment, economic inequality, and racial and gender discrimination prevent many Americans from achieving the American dream. We particularly give attention to how economic conditions have modified larger hurdles within the last many years.
In the ultimate section, our focus shifts to policy ideas to make the dream tangible for more Americans and explore alternative guiding principles for successful living.
What materials does the course include?
Students read a wide range of articles and a number of other books in whole or partly, including:
“The American Dream vs. the Gospel of Wealth: The Fight for a Productive Middle-Class Economy,” by Norton Garfinkle
“Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Grief on the American Right“, by Arlie Russell Hochschild
“Pursuing the American Dream: Understanding What Shapes Our Destiny“by Mark Robert Rank, Thomas A. Hirschl and Kirk A. Foster
“Poorly Understood: What America Gets Wrong About Poverty“by Mark Robert Rank, Lawrence M. Eppard and Heather E. Bullock
“After the Great Recession: The Struggle for Economic Recovery and Growth“, edited by Barry Z. Cynamon, Steven M. Fazzari and Mark Setterfield
Why is that this course relevant now?
The idea of the American Dream is central to American identity. Media representatives and politicians from each parties constantly debate about it.
Therefore, it will be significant to know what people mean once they talk in regards to the American dream, recognize a few of the challenges to its reality, and look for tactics to make it more accessible and realistic. We consider the U.S. economy and its institutions should deliver on the promise of a protected and hopeful life for all Americans.
What does the course prepare students for?
Each student writes a comprehensive essay to explain their very own understanding of the meaning and viability of the American Dream. They receive feedback throughout the semester to sharpen each their arguments and their writing style.
The course also lays the inspiration for college kids to acknowledge how central and essential the concept of the American Dream is to the country's identity. In this fashion, they gain a greater insight into the dynamics of American society.
For example, that of Donald Trump second presidential victory refers to voters' frustration with the economic establishment, which we interpret as a failure to attain the American dream.
Examining the meaning and reality of the American Dream provides our students with a critical insight into modern life within the United States.
image credit : theconversation.com