Power in American Society (fall)

Description

This program will investigate the nature of economic, political, social, military, ideological and interpersonal power. The interrelationship of these dimensions will be a primary area of study. We will explore these themes through lectures, films, seminars, a journal and writing short papers.

The analysis will be guided by the following questions, as well as others that may emerge from our discussions: What is meant by the term “power”? Are there different kinds of power and how are they interrelated? Who has power in American society? Who is relatively powerless? Why? How is power accumulated? What resources are involved? How is power utilized and with what impact on various sectors of the population? What characterizes the struggle for power? How does domestic power relate to international power? How is international power used? How are people affected by the current power structure? What responsibilities do citizens have to alter the structure of power? What alternative structures are possible, probable, necessary or desirable?

In this period of war and economic, social and political crisis, a good deal of our study will focus on international relations in a systematic and intellectual manner. This is a serious class for serious people. There will be a good deal of reading and some weeks will be more complex than others. Please be prepared to work hard and to challenge your and others’ thinking.