Description: (Formerly numbered Labor and Workplace Studies 179A.) Lecture, three hours. Study of intersection of neoliberalism, democracy, and rise of social justice movements primarily in U.S. This offers in-depth, theoretically rigorous, and empirically-based understanding of dynamics that have produced specific form of crisis that envelopes contemporary politics. Focus on understanding and explaining development and current structures of neoliberalism as both ideological frame and form of governance. Examination of some of main works on democratic theory and their relationship to issue of social justice that demonstrate how specific pattern of development of neoliberalism in U.S. since 1980 has undermined democratic governance and produced conditions that have deepened levels of inequality. Examination of emergence of grassroots politics that have organized around issues that challenge or contest neoliberal dominance and attempt to reassert principles of democratic inclusion through their struggles for social change. P/NP or letter grading.

Units: 4.0