SOC 2010
The Roots of Ferguson: Understanding Racial Inequality in the Contemporary U.S.
This course provides an overview of sociological understandings of race, with a particular focus on race relations in the contemporary United States. The course begins by inquiring how sociologists understand racial distinctions, asking: What comprises a racial group? What constitutes a "group" in the social sense? The course then shifts to explore patterns of racial inequality in the U.S., particularly through investigating the intersections of economic, political, and racial stratification. After analyzing national trends in racial stratification, the course narrows its focus to particular regions and metropolitan areas, including St. Louis, to shed light on pressing public concerns such as the interrelationships between race and the criminal justice system. The course ends by looking beyond U.S. borders to compare the way that race is understood in other countries. Are there common patterns of racial classification shared by many societies? What makes the U.S. system of racial stratification distinctive? No prerequisite.
Instructors
Reviews
2-4 hrs/week
I love Rosenfeld, he's passionate about the subject and he makes the information presented really interesting. While you can't take notes on a laptop, it actually ended up fine. He talks kinda fast but you can literally always ask him to repeat himself and he'll do it however many times you need.
11/26/2024
ONE OF THE BEST PROFESSORS AND CLASSES EVER!!!! Roots of Ferguson quite literally changed my world view and life. His lectures are captivating and I found myself constantly surprised class was over even though he has a technology ban and doesn't use slides very often. The exams are difficult, but if you go to class, you'll do great!
8/27/2024
2-4 hrs/week
Rosenfeld is a great lecturer! Be prepared to memorize lots for exams; they were a mixed of multiple choice and free response when I took the class.
7/15/2024
2-4 hrs/week
This is class is very interesting and Prof Rosenfeld is very engaging in the way he teaches. The tests are half multiple choice half essay but really aren't that bad if you study a bit. Highly recommend.
5/22/2024
So amazing one of the greatest minds of our generation. engaging lecturer and I learned so much. he backs up his information with facts
5/1/2024
LOVED this course. The lectures were engaging and I learned so much valuable information. Although the readings were heavy, my interest in the class made it easier. I would recommend this class to absolutely everyone. Rosenfeld is approachable, knowledgeable, and humorous when appropriate during class. Take lots of notes during lecture.
4/17/2024
I took roots of ferguson first sem freshman year and I loved the class. Rosenfeld (Jake) is very knowledgeable and engaging, TAKE GOOD LECTURE NOTES but he will always repeat something if you ask. I think everyone considering roots of ferguson should take it I enjoyed the class and learned a lot.
2/14/2024
I learned the most maybe out of any class at WashU from this. This should be a mandatory class for the whole country, and we're lucky to have it here. Rosenfeld is hilarious and keeps it serious yet light. Rare and hard to do for this topic. Just get the gist of the readings and understand the concepts and you'll be fine for the tests!
12/27/2023
Prof. Rosenfeld is the best lecturer I have ever had. He's incredibly engaging and really knowledgable. TAKE HIS CLASS
10/31/2023
It seemed like prof rosenfeld didn’t care about this class outside of class. When he finished lectures and students still had questions he would tell students to ask the TA and then walk out. He also never was present when exams were being handed back. LECTURES NOT RECORDED, and he doesn’t help when you need to fill in notes from lecture.
3/4/2022
Roots of Ferguson is one of the most interesting classes I've ever taken. The material is so fascinating and you learn a lot. The only catch is that your grade is based off 3 exams, so be ready to study. He lectures for all of class time, so take active notes and show up to class. Overall, a great class and it really challenges your thinking.
11/19/2021
Prof. Rosenfeld is really great and I really enjoyed The Roots of Ferguson. I got a lot out of the class and Prof. Rosenfeld is really interesting and knows his stuff. My only complaint was that he doesn't lecture with anything visual, just talks for an hour and a half straight which makes notetaking a challenge.
6/14/2021
This class was incredibly interesting due to the fact that Rosenfeld is an incredible lecturer. It is easy to stay engaged during class (which I advise you attend). Since the class is bigger now, he relies on 3 exams for grades and they are pretty tricky and somewhat difficult to study for but all in all would take again.
1/10/2020
He doesn't really do presentations so you need to take good notes. He is really interested in what hes teaching and is very engaging. However, he doesn't really give firm directions so its always a little scary to send things in. Also yes he's not hard on the eyes
5/8/2017
Professor Rosenfeld is both dynamic and extremely knowledgeable. Tricky prompt for essays and only one test, but the readings are very manageable. Encouraged a positive classroom environment and easily clarifies controversial topics. i think most people in the class really appreciated the class and respected him. also he's super hot
12/1/2015
The only grades given in my class were two papers and a final exam. He gave some opportunities for extra credit. He is a very dynamic and enthusiastic lecturer and he really cares about his subject matter. Very willing to help. I enjoyed this class and I would take another class with him.
11/12/2015
One of the best lecturers I've had the pleasure of listening to. Incredibly enthusiastic and engaging.
10/21/2015