University of Maryland
Sociology 498G: Homelessness 

Sociology 498G Home Page

Homelessness

Spring 2006
Art/Sociology 3207
Tuesday Thursday 12:30-1:45
Prof. Reeve Vanneman

This course analyzes the causes and consequences of homelessness. We have two main objectives: learning specific content about the homeless and learning generally how social scientists analyze a social issue. This more general objective means we will focus very closely on the readings to observe the different ways that leading authorities have approached the same problem. Most of our class period will be taken up with a detailed discussion of these readings. You will be asked both to understand what the authors have written and to evaluate how convincing their evidence is.

Required reading:

  1. Rossi, Down and Out in America. (with reading questions).
  2. HUD, Homelessness: Programs and the People They Serve (no reading questions) yet.
  3. Liebow, Tell Them Who I Am. (with reading questions).
  4. Jencks, The Homeless. (with reading questions).
  5. O'Flaherty, Making Room. (with reading questions).

Because the class meetings will discuss the readings, it is important that you keep close track of the course schedule and use its links to the reading questions that will be the basis for our class discussion.

We will also look at several kinds of data on homelessness:

  • Cross-city comparative data.
  • Survey data on demographics of the homeless.
  • Survey data on poverty and homelessness.

    • In addition to the class discussions, you will write a paper evaluating one causal explanation of homelessness.

    There will also be a midterm and final exam based on previously distributed questions.

    Grading:
    class discussion = 25%
    midterm exam = 15%
    paper = 30%
    final exam = 30%

    If you have a documented disability, the Sociology Department is experienced in making accommodations. Please contact me by the end of the first week of classes and we'll discuss those arrangements.

    Links to other organizations and courses. The web address of this home page is http://www.bsos.umd.edu/socy/vanneman/socy498
     

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    Last updated February 8, 2006
    comments to: Reeve Vanneman. reeve@cwmills.umd.edu