UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS (AFS 352/SOC 382) SPRING 2017 Dr. Woody Doane

Transcription

1 UNIVERSITY OF HARTFORD COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS (AFS 352/SOC 382) SPRING 2017 Dr. Woody Doane Office: Hillyer 113B Telephone: ; if no answer, messages may be left on voice mail I check on a regular basis. Office Hours: TR 10:50-12:05; other times by appointment. Course Web Page: (Please note that this is NOT a Blackboard site) Textbooks: Bonilla-Silva, Eduardo Racism Without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in the United States. 4th ed. Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield. [Note: the 4 th edition has one chapter that is not available in earlier editions] Note: 1. Course textbooks will be supplemented by readings on the course web page and by material distributed in class. 2. The critical review assignment may require the purchase of one additional book Catalog Description: A socio-historical analysis of the impact of race and ethnicity upon the distribution of power, opportunity, and privilege in a social structure. Major theoretical perspectives on racial and ethnic prejudice and discrimination will be examined along with the diverse patterns of interracial and interethnic contact which develop in different societies. The course will also focus upon the politics of minority status, studying the growth and development of social movements which have challenged the legitimacy of racial and ethnic stratification. Course Objectives: 1. I want to encourage you to adopt a sociological perspective towards race and ethnicity in the United States. In particular, I would like you to understand how social forces (especially economic and political competition) shape intergroup relations and how the racial/ethnic structure of society in turn influences both social institutions and the day to day experiences of individual members of society. 2. I also want to encourage you to view race and ethnicity in the United States from a historical perspective. While society is constantly changing, current issues involving

2 racial/ethnic groups are rooted in the past. In addition, many current issues (e.g., immigration) can be better understood when compared with similar events in the past. 3. I encourage you to use this course to continue to develop your personal perspective on race and ethnicity in American society; that is, your understanding of how racial and ethnic structures have shaped and will continue to shape your life experiences. 4. I hope that this class will provide a forum for exchanging perspectives and gaining a broader understanding of current issues in race and ethnicity (e.g., affirmative action, immigration). I encourage all students to ask questions, share experiences, and to be open and honest in discussing issues. 5. I also hope that this course will serve as a vehicle for combating racism. I approach this course from the perspective that racism is contrary to basic human values of equality and human dignity. I hope that participating in this course will increase your resolve to address racism in social institutions. Method of Evaluation: Course grading will follow the traditional academic letter grade system (A=outstanding, B=above average, C=satisfactory/ competent college level work, D=below average/ marginal, F=unsatisfactory/ failing). Final course grades for students will be determined as follows: Reaction/Discussion Papers and Participation 20% Midsemester Examination 20% Personal Experience Essay 20% Critical Review 20% Final Examination 20% Students are encouraged to discuss any concerns regarding grading with the instructor. Additional Academic Information: 1. The essay and critical review assignments are described in detail in separate handouts that will be distributed during future class meetings. This information will also be available on the course web site. 2. The reaction papers portion of the grade consists of responses to questions related to the reading and/or posed in class. Since the purpose of these assignments is to stimulate learning and class discussion by encouraging you to analyze or respond to course material, these assignments will not normally be accepted more than one class meeting following the due date. Reading and written assignments will also be posted on the course web site.

3 3. Students experiencing difficulty with course work are encouraged to seek help from the instructor as soon as possible. Students with special concerns (e.g., health problems, documented learning disabilities) are requested to meet privately with the instructor to discuss any necessary accommodations. 4. It is important that all students have access to the textbooks and to supplemental readings. Please speak with me if you experience difficulty in gaining access to this material. 5. Additional academic challenges (e.g., honors contract) are available for outstanding students. Opportunities for extra credit will be announced in class and listed on the course web site. 6. In the event of inclement weather, class meetings will only be canceled due to the closure of the University. Call or check for details. Students are encouraged to register with the University s text alert system at 7. In the event of a delayed opening due to weather, I will only hold class if there will be at least 40 minutes of meeting time (i.e., classes begin at 10:00 AM or earlier). 8. Students who wish to use computers during class should discuss their needs with me at the first class meeting. Expectations: In addition to the academic requirements for the course, I expect the following from all students: Responsibility. If you miss class, you are responsible for obtaining the assignment and any class notes. Reading and written assignments are always available via the course web site. I do not accept absence as an excuse for not knowing about an assignment or a topic. If you have special concerns or problems with any aspect of the course (e.g., an assignment deadline), it is up to you to contact me to discuss the matter as soon as possible so that we can make necessary arrangements. Commitment. I expect that you will be committed to giving a professional effort in this class. This includes attending classes, participating in class discussions, and asking questions when you need clarification. It also involves doing whatever is necessary to succeed--being willing to spend the time necessary to understand reading material, doing a thorough job on assignments and papers, and seeking extra help if necessary. Honesty. I expect that you will follow all University policies pertaining to academic honesty. University policies are described in your student handbook. Information on

4 referencing and plagiarism will be made available when the project is assigned. Major violations of academic honesty will result in a failing grade for the course and may also be referred to University authorities for further action. Consideration. I expect that you will be considerate of both me and your fellow students. This includes minimizing disruptions such as arriving late or leaving early, getting up during class, or carrying on conversations during class. If you have cell phones, please be sure that they are turned off before class begins. Please do not send or read text messages during class. Given the nature of discussions in this class, it is also important that you be respectful of others--even when you disagree with their comments. If you act in accordance with the above, you will find me to be very understanding of special circumstances and more than willing to do my part to help you succeed. On the other hand, you can expect that I will impose appropriate penalties for late work, missing exams, disruptive behavior, and academic dishonesty. I also hold myself to high professional standards. If you have concerns with any aspect of the course, please feel free to discuss them with me. If you ever feel that you were treated in less than a respectful manner, please raise the issue with me. Course Calendar: (please put these dates in your calendar) Personal experience essay due Thursday, March 9 Mid-semester examination Thursday, March 16 Last day to drop class and receive a W Monday, April 10 Critical review due Tuesday, May 2 Last class meeting Thursday, May 4 Final examination Friday, May 12, 2 PM- 4 PM COURSE OUTLINE Note: This course outline is a projected schedule and may be modified at the discretion of the instructor and/or in response to class interest and current events. Specific reading and written assignments will be given in class and posted on the course web site. Week Topic(s) Jan. 23 Rethinking History: Martin Luther King, Jr. Jan. 30 Rethinking History: Martin Luther King, Jr Organizational Material/Introduction to course U.S. Racial Demography

5 Feb. 6 Feb. 13 Race: Challenging Myths Basic Concepts: Ethnicity/Nationality Ethnic Change vs. Assimilation Feb. 20 Racial Identities/Whiteness Racial Ideologies Feb. 27 Historical perspectives Mar.6 Historical perspectives Civil Rights Movement Mar. 13 Civil Rights Movement Mid-semester Examination Mar. 20 Spring Break Mar. 27 Color Blind Racial Ideology Apr. 3 Apr. 10 Color Blind Racial Ideology Racial Ideologies and Racism Racial Stratification Apr. 17 Racial Stratification: Explanations and Policies Segregation Apr. 24 Current Issues Policing, Incarceration, and #BlackLivesMatter Current Issues Immigration May 1 Current Issues/Future of Race and Ethnicity Current Issues/Combating Racism Final Examination (Wednesday, May 4, 2 PM-4 PM)