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Course Description
This course introduces you to the study of race, ethnicity and diversity in
American society. We'll learn the history of the concept of race in the "New
World" and how this idea came to have lasting social and political consequences.
We'll survey the history of America's indigenous and mestizo/a
(Mexican-American) people, and its colonization by European ethnic
groups. We'll explore the concept of "white privilege" and consider how we can
create meaningful, authentic
relationships across race and ethnicity. Some of the questions we'll ask
are:
What is ethnicity?
How does our ethnicity affect our lives?
What is race?
How does race affect our lives?
Who are you? What is your racial/ethnic biography?
What is white privilege?
How does white privilege affect white and non-white people?
What are some current issues around race and ethnicity today and why are they
important?
How might we create a society that accepts difference and eliminates inequality
based on racial and ethnic characteristics?
Course Objectives/Student Learning Outcomes
* Students gain an understanding of the centrality of diversity in
U.S. society and of the multi-faceted nature of American identities.
* Students demonstrate critical understanding of enduring cultural themes
and institutions in U.S. society, such as democracy, civil rights, and
Constitutional law.
* Students learn to synthesize and interpret American experience using
diverse primary and secondary sources, including cultural productions in the
arts, humanities, and social sciences.
* Students demonstrate ability to use problem-solving approaches to
address significant issues in U.S. society.
* Students demonstrate awareness of the complexities and legacies of the
U.S. abroad.
Assessment Tools
reading quizzes, short essays, group research reports
and presentations
Required Texts
Healey, Joseph. Diversity and Society: Race, Ethnicity and Gender
Viramontes, Helena Maria, Under the Feet of Jesus
Access to a computer for class schedule, readings and to view materials
at the website, Race: The Power of an
Illusion
Course Requirements
Attendance: Attendance is required. This is a
student-centered course that doesn't work without your active participation in
it. You are allowed 1 unexcused absence; all other absences
must be for medical or family emergencies. If you know you must miss a class,
please email me to let me know.
Excessive absence can cause you to fail the course.
Active Participation: Careful preparation for class and active participation in
discussion is essential for the success of the course. Be sure you've completed
all reading and writing assignments. (20%)
Short papers: I will assign several response papers (typed,
double-spaced) to films and readings.
(20%)
Quizzes: You
will take 8 in-class quizzes during
the semester. (20%)
Diversity Event: Attend an event (campus or
off-campus) that involves ethnic and/or racial diversity and write a report on
what you experienced and how it relates to our course--I'll post possible events.
(5%)
Group project: Small groups will choose a topic to research and present to
the class. Your purpose is to identity a problem/issue, analyze it, and if possible,
propose a solution to it. Your topic might arise from many different disciplines: politics,
religion, literature, film, music, history, sociology, etc. In your analysis of
your topic you must employ one or more concepts/terms from our course materials such as
racism
stratification
conquest and colonization and decolonization
immigration/immigration reform
assimilation/pluralism
modern or institutional racism
prejudice/ideological racism
discrimination/institutional discrimination
Theories of assimilation
Types of pluralism
acculturation/integration
Stereotyping
Forms of protest and resistance
Your project will have a written component of 6 pages,
typed, double spaced. You must use a minimum of three, credible (scholarly)
sources. Your presentation should be 20-25 minutes in length and
include a visual and/or aural component (film clips, songs, photos, etc.). I
will give you specific guidelines to help you plan your presentation.
Use critical thinking, be creative and have fun! (35%)
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