POL4630 Critical Race Studies
4 Advanced Liberal Arts Credits
This course aims to provide an in-depth understanding of race and ethnicity from a sociological perspective. Together, we will examine our previously held beliefs surrounding racial and ethnic categorization, address the historical construction of race and racism as phenomena, and explore the enduring impact that such categories have had on our present and future. Attention will be paid to patterns of migration and dispossession, historical narratives establishing and reinforcing racial differences, and the theoretical bases of such perspectives. We will address questions such as: Why do racial and ethnic categories exist? How do we understand identities beyond a Black-White racial binary? This course will conclude with an overview of ongoing efforts to mitigate the significance of racial and ethnic hierarchies, and perhaps, as a class, we will imagine an alternative future. Readings will make up the bulk of assigned material, in addition to films, videos, and podcasts. I aim to cultivate a learning environment that is supportive yet intellectually challenging.
Prerequisites: Any combination of 2 ILA (HSS, LTA, CSP, LVA, CVA)