Sociology: Race Relations in the US

Analysis of racial prejudice, discrimination, and other dominant group practices directed toward Native, Asian-, and African-Americans and their social movements for integration, accommodation, and separatism. May not be taken for credit concurrently with, or following receipt of, credit for SOC 1372.

Open to degree and PACE students; Online Asynchronous course;

The main purpose of this course is to introduce students to the sociological analysis of race and ethnic relations. We will begin by looking at the concept of “race”—what is it? What does it mean to say that race is socially constructed? We will also examine prejudice and discrimination, as well as patterns of ethnic/racial relations. We will then turn to examining ethnic/racial groups within the United States and, in particular, look at the histories of European Americans, Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans.

EXAMS (50%): There are TWO exams and each is worth 25% of your final grade. WEEKLY QUIZZES (25%): Each Friday BY MIDNIGHT you must complete a quiz that will cover that week’s lecture material and films (not the readings). There are 11 quizzes throughout the semester, and I will drop your lowest quiz grade (so I will count only 10 quizzes). WEEKLY JOURNALS (25%): Each week you will complete a 1-2 page double-spaced journal entry on a topic provided. These journal assignments are intended to supplement your learning and correspond to the topics of the week.