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.

The goal of EDFS 1010 is to explore, examine, and discuss the origins and consequences of racial oppression in the United States. In EDFS 1010, we will critically investigate the history of racism and discrimination in the U.S. Such a critical examination necessarily includes an understanding of how race intersects with other forms of discrimination (e.g. sexism, sexual orientation, ageism, etc). Topics will include the idea of race, immigration and citizenship, racial ideologies, racism in the media, educational inequality, income and labor market inequality, racial inequalities in housing and wealth, the criminal legal system, and environmental racism.

Through large and small group discussions, lectures, readings, and other related media, we will explore the origins of race and its consequences in the 21st century. This course is centered on the belief that reflection is a necessary ingredient for the successful navigation and understanding of race. Students will be expected to spend about 2 hours outside of class completing readings and reflections. Course learning objectives 1. Students will become familiar with conversations and issues surrounding race and racism in the U. S.; 2. Students will explore various moments in U.S. history through a lens of race and racism and interrogate how these systems were constructed. 3. Students will gain a deeper understanding of basic topics, concepts, and terms such as white privilege; structural/institutional racism; and equity, to list only a few. 4. Students will, through thoughtful and respectful discussions, critically challenge their own beliefs and views on the ‘reality’ or ‘falsity’ of race. 5. Students will develop a ‘systemic’ understanding of race and of their own role in a society that includes a thing called race.

Students will be evaluated on their attendance, participation, weekly reflection submissions, and a final project and presentation that will be delivered to the class.