Poverty In America       

W. Edward Reed, PH.D

E-mail: reede@seattleu.edu

wed_reed@hotmail.com

Office: (206) 296-5404

Phone: (206) 320-7980

ISSS-120-03

MTTHF 11:45 to 12:50 pm

PIGT 306 LEC

Course Description:

            “Poverty in America” is an interdisciplinary social science course that explores the perspectives of sociality, economic, political science, philosophy, and theology in relationship to the causes, consequences, and solutions to the problem of poverty.  The relationship between the human person and society will be the foundation for our exploration of the reality of poverty in America. 

            This offering of ISSS-120 Poverty in America will begin with two narrative expositions of poverty to establish a vision of the human person suffering from the causes and effects of poverty.  Next, the causes and effects of poverty in the abstract will be studied to engage the student in critical thinking upon his or her social, economic, and cultural milieu.  The relationship between wealth and poverty in America will be studied on economic and sociological analytical level as well.  The final part of this course will introduce the student to possible solutions to poverty in America from sociological, political, and economic perspectives. 

            This offering has three components, lecture, groups, and community service.  All students are required to participate fully in lectures, the groups, and the mandatory community service with people suffering from the effects of poverty.  Because this is a service learning class, the student must be willing and open to experience and the process of being placed in contact with those in most need in our community.

Course Objective and Student Outcomes:

ISSS-120 Poverty in America will provide the students with a survey the economic, sociological, and political dynamics of poverty.

1.       An overview of narrative experiences of poverty in America.

2.       The economic, sociological, and political causes and effects of poverty in America.

3.       The dignity of the human person in poverty.

4.       Economic, sociological, philosophical, and political solutions to poverty.

5.       Definitions of justice in relation to poverty.

6.       An understanding of the distribution of wealth in America n relationship to poverty.

The student can expect to gain skills and tools in the following areas:

1.       The knowledge that comes from the experience of service among those in need in our community.

2.       Reading and analyzing economic, sociological, philosophical, and political texts.

3.       Writing analytical papers.

4.       Methods for individual and group presentation of information and experiences.

5.       Collaborative learning,

6.       New experiences and insights of the student’s own culture and others.

Required Works:

Mother Teresa and Damien Molokai, Caring for Those Who Suffer

Gary Smith, S.J., Radical Compassion

Karen Lebacqz, Perspectives from Philosophical and Theological Ethics: Six Theories of Justice.

***** Photocopied material available at Copy Mart on demand. See Professor.

Expectations:

Class Participation:

            Students are expected to attend class promptly and regularly.  After three absences,          missing class will begin to influence your grade.  Conduct appropriate to education on the      university level is assumed.  It is imperative that you arrive to class on time so that you do       not interrupt the class.  Active and enthusiastic participation in the day’s discussion will             provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your preparation.  Careful and critical          preparation is expected for each class.  This includes reading, writing, reflections, and            integration on all of the assignments for each class.  Talking on the cellular phones is not       permitted in class.  Do not bring phones, beepers, or electronic materials to class.

Experience as Text:

            Each student is expected to perform sixteen hours of community service with those            experiencing poverty in our local community.  The Service Learning Center at SU will provide the student with sufficient opportunities during the first week of class. The         community service experience will be used as “text” for the student’s learning and   integration in this class.  You will also be provided the opportunity to present a critical    question from you community service experience to the group.  Since your experience             will be used as “text” for the class, you need to actively engage in your community             service in increments spread throughout the quarter.  Spending two full days at a       placement at the end of the quarter will not be accepted.  The student must acquire and             begin a service-learning placement during the first two weeks of the quarter.              Evaluations are due during finals week.

Class Groups:

            Each student will be assigned to a small group later in the quarter that gathers for a            selected period once a week.  The groups will meet to discuss selected class materials and each individual’s community service experience over the course of the quarter.  Your           contribution to the group is a formal part of your participation grade.  Respectful listening,    support, and challenge of each other’s experience and participation are anticipated.