POEC-2130 Political Economy through The Wire
(SELF & SOCIETY, ENGAGING DIFFERENCE) Consistently ranked one of the best shows in television history, The Wire, because of its setting in Baltimore, Maryland, is a microcosm illustrating the social, political, and economic dynamics of the United States. This course focuses on The Wire in order to demonstrate the link between the self and society. We will cover a unique aspect of Baltimore social relationships and political economy, including its history, economy, politics, race, gender, class relations, poverty and welfare institutions, crime and criminal justice system, childhood and personality development, social and cultural capital, religion, education, suburbanization, and authoritarianism. Students will also explore their self in relation to the society that shaped them. Formerly POE-315.