Social Class and the American Dream: Analysis Through Storytelling

Does the "American Dream" still exist, and how do different people experience it? Understanding social class in the United States requires looking beyond statistics to the lived experiences of individuals. In this introductory text-only course, you will learn how to analyze social class, mobility, and inequality through the powerful lens of storytelling. By reading and dissecting memoirs, ethnographies, and contemporary narratives, you will gain a deep understanding of how class shapes daily life and intersects with race, gender, and the modern economic landscape. What you will learn: Understand foundational sociological and anthropological frameworks for analyzing social class; Analyze personal narratives, memoirs, and cultural texts to uncover hidden class dynamics; Examine how social class intersects with race, gender, and geographic location; Explore modern economic shifts, including the gig economy and the digital divide, and their impact on social mobility; Evaluate the historical and contemporary myths surrounding the American Dream; Apply critical reading and analytical writing skills to interpret real-world stories of class struggle and success. The course begins with essential terminology and classic theories of stratification before moving into structured text-based analyses of diverse American lives. You will progress from foundational concepts to evaluating complex modern narratives of wealth, labor, and identity. This course is designed for beginners interested in sociology, anthropology, literature, or cultural studies, with no prior academic background required. Start reading today to build a deeper, more empathetic understanding of social dynamics in America.