SOC 322
Elites, Leadership and Society (II, SA) na, npdf

Professor: S. Keller

Description/Objectives: To explore the phenomenon of the rise, reign, and fall of elite groups in human societies (the powerful, the influential, the celebrated, the stars) with major emphasis on the contemporary United States. The focus is comparative, drawing on history, anthropology, and political and social theory. Specific contemporary elites--e.g., business leaders, political leaders, military commanders and media celebrities--will be studied with a view to answering questions about their social profiles, their duties, their rewards, and their effectiveness. Please see "other info." for remainder of description.


Sample Reading List:

• Marx, 'Selected Works'
  
• Pareto, 'Lions and Foxes'
  
• Keller, 'Celebrity Elites'
  
• Mosca, 'The Ruling Class'
  
• Dye, 'Who's Running America'

See instructor for complete reading list

Reading/Writing Assignments: 70-100 pages of reading per week. A number of in-class films.

Requirements/Grading:

• Midterm Exam 30%
  
• Final Exam 40%
  
• Class/Precepts Participation 30%
  

Restrictions: A basic course in one of the following: sociology, politics, or history is recommended.

Other Information: Description continued: The rise and fall of elites and their impact on society will be a major theme.

Schedule:

• Lecture 1.0: 11:00-11:50 TTh
  
• Precept 1.0:To be arranged.