Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family & Culture in Crisis – Book Study [EDUU 9343]

Instructor: Dr. Nancy Dome

Credits: 1 | Schedule: 4 weeks

The online book studies are offered to anyone who has a sincere interest to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the systemic issues that plague the USA around race, class and marginalized groups and who care deeply about social justice. Each book study addresses current issues in society and allow opportunities for participants to reflect, discuss and hear multiple perspectives that can lead to greater understanding and empathy.

In Hillbilly Elegy we explore a passionate and personal analysis of a culture in crisis—that of white working-class Americans. The decline of this group, a demographic of our country that has been slowly disintegrating over forty years, has been reported on with growing frequency and alarm, but has never before been written about as searingly from the inside. J. D. Vance tells the true story of what a social, regional, and class decline feels like when you were born with it hung around your neck.

Course Work

Module 1: Introduction

What You’ll Learn

• Student introductions and background discussion
• Reflection: Current events tied to reading
• Read: Chapters 1-3
• Discussion: Chapters:2-3 Reflection

Module 2: Residential Segregation

What You’ll Learn

• Reflection: Current events tied to reading
• Read: Chapters 4-7
• Discussion: Chapters 1-3 Reflection

Module 3: A Reality: A Hidden America

What You’ll Learn

• Reflection: Current events tied to reading
• Read: Chapters8-11
• Discussion: Chapters 8-11 Reflection

Module 4: Social Capital

What You’ll Learn

• Reflection: Current events tied to reading
• Read:Chapters 12-15
• Discussion: Chapters 12-15 Reflection

Final Steps

What You’ll Learn

• Assignment: Racial Autobiography
• Final Course Quiz
• Course Evaluation: Give Us Your Opinion

NOTE: This course section is specifically for individuals seeking graduate units through Seattle Pacific University (SPU) or Brandman University (BU). There are graded assignments due in order to receive credit. Students seeking units must register directly with SPU or BU and pay required fees which are separate from the fee to take this course.Books are not provided by Epoch Education and may need to be purchased separately. Please check with the University.