This course is designed as broad overview of sociological theory and research on class.  We will begin the term with a section on “living class” – what is like to be middle class?  working class?  rich or poor? Do people even think of themselves in that way?   We look at how sociologists have thought about class.  Where do they draw the lines?  How many classes are there?  Who, actually, is defined as “elite”?  Other topics here include the history of classes and inequality, class formation, social mobility and the American Dream, and new understandings of class based on social networks and cultural capital.  We end the term with a section on studying class, where we look at topics such as how class effects values and political positions, the ways to measure inequality, and the connection between class, education, and jobs.   All students will engage in a series of small research projects related to these topics. Additionally, Graduate students who take the course will be expected to apply what they learn to an original research proposal involving class as a major variable (independent or outcome).