Foundations: Race and Racism in the U.S.

Students will investigate the multi-faceted concepts of identity, racism, and the dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression in the United States.

Open to Degree and PACE students

https://catalogue.uvm.edu/undergraduate/courses/courselist/edfs/

While there is little doubt that racism and discrimination are realities in all societies throughout the world, principles of equality are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the Fourteenth Amendment, and our Pledge of Allegiance ends with the words “liberty and justice for all.” Yet, as all of us know, grave inequities based upon race, socioeconomic class, ethnicity, gender, ability, age, size, and sexual orientation exist in virtually every facet of our society. The purpose of EDFS1010 is to explore examine, and discuss the origins and consequences of racial oppression that exist in the United States. Our exploration will include, but is not limited to, looking at (a) the social construction of race and other categories of difference; (b) the history of racism and discrimination in the U.S.; (c) intersections between the various “isms”; (d) privilege; (e) identity; (f) current events and policies as they relate to race and racism; and (g) discerning the difference between fact-based journalism and unverifiable, unsupported information “called” journalism. It is our hope that we will challenge ourselves to discover ways in which we might work to change systems that perpetuate inequality, and explore the transformative roles that we can assume now and in the future. We will gain knowledge and understanding, as well as raise critical questions, through course readings, media, assignments, and ongoing class discussions. An important ingredient necessary for the successful navigation and understanding of race, is reflection. Reflecting upon one’s own original beliefs and understanding about race is the first step in the journey toward eradicating the system of race.

In EDFS 1010, students are expected to: Dive into the topic of racial oppression in the U.S. Actively participate in class discussions and assignments. Read and analyze provided materials on race, racism, and related topics. Reflect on personal beliefs and views about race. Challenge themselves to think critically about the content. Engage with current events and evaluate the accuracy of different news sources. Aim for personal growth and understanding, thinking about ways they can make a positive impact in the future. Remember, this course is not just about learning but about understanding and transformation.