Social inequality is at the core of community economic development policy and practice. The basic premise of this course is that any doctoral dissertation or thesis in CED must address, at some level, social inequality. This course is designed to lead doctoral and advanced MA students through an examination of how social scientists, policy makers, and practitioners conceptualize and address (or fail to address) social inequality. As a wide-ranging examination of diverse perspectives on social inequality and of its diverse empirical manifestations (race, gender, ethnicity, among others), this course will lead each student to produce a comprehensive literature review on a topic directly pertinent to his or her dissertation or thesis interests. While many required readings are US-based, emphasis will also be placed on global perspectives. Students will be actively involved in shaping optional readings and the specific content of some sessions.