SOAN 357 - Race and Ethnicity

Race is essential to understanding American life and identity, but has become among the most controversial topics today. Why do racism and racial inequalities persist and yet many people believe that our society has moved beyond race? Why has it become so difficult for people to talk about race? How does one become antiracist? Students will examine the complexities of various racial identities, reflecting on how their own racial identity has been shaped. We will learn about critical race theory and whiteness, including an examination of white privilege and how white people are socialized to think about and talk about race. We will also discuss racial justice movements, interracial solidarity, and how to be antiracist. Students will read a diverse set of authors and become more fluent in conversations about race. Students will select a race-related topic of their choice for an in-depth project that has a writing option. No prerequisite. Fall (Group I) (Diversity, Writing Option)