Sociology 290Z - Generation Z Culture

Generation Z has been called the most progressive generation since the 1960s. This course takes an in-depth sociologically informed look at what makes the generation of young Americans born between 1997 and 2012 different from previous generations. We ask what Gen Z has in store for American society and culture, and for sociological theory. In Part I, we establish what sociologists mean by Gen Z and this generation?s culture. In Parts II, III, and IV, we consider the topics of gender and sexual justice, racial justice, and economic justice and democratic participation through the lens of Generation Z culture. For each one of these topics, we use sociology not only to drill down into the problems, but also to exercise our sociological and transformative imaginations to think of solutions. Come prepared to read deeply (this course uses original academic articles, and will teach you how to digest and use them) and talk honestly ? also to listen well, learn, and change!