88-285 Deconstructing and Dismantling Discrimination

9 units, Carnegie Mellon University

Prejudice and discrimination produce and perpetuate inequitable social outcomes for individuals and groups. However, shifting attitudes does not always change behavior, nor do behavioral shifts always lead to broader social and policy change to bring about societal equity. So, how should we engage in the action needed to address systemic inequality? In this course, students will learn key theories from social psychology, behavioral economics and decision-making, and review research from those disciplines on prejudice and discrimination, including racism, sexism, and classism. With that foundation, students will critically assess policy effectiveness in domains where social inequality persists, including environmental and criminal justice, education, healthcare, housing, and wealth and income. Policies will be examined through readings, podcasts, discussions, and writing activities. In a peer-evaluated final group project, students will propose a policy solution to a specific issue, analyze its efficacy, and present a plan to gain public support for the policy.

Prerequisites: (85-241 or 85-100 or 85-102 or 85-150 or 88-120) and (76-102 or 76-108 or 76-107 or 76-101)

Offered: Spring 2026

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