LSTU 298 - Topics in Labor Studies: American Dream in the Age of Decline

American Dream in an Age of Decline is the interdisciplinary exploration of frameworks within which the notion of the American Dream has been constructed and changed over time in relation to the working class. What is the American Dream? How do the dreamers envision equality in their societies? How do perceptions of and struggles for equality impact definitions of success and happiness? There is no simple response that would be sufficient to these questions. In this course, we will examine what has happened to the American Dream and the life chances of working people.   We will focus on the present state of working Americans and see how the standard of living for Americans has been affected (defined) by the larger social, political and economic environments.