Course Descriiption
Analyzes the historical construction of the concept of race
Course Descriiption
Analyzes the historical construction of the concept of race in the United States in the face of persistent racial tensions, social practices, and policy and legislative actions that affect racially minoritized groups of people. Examines the ways in which the concept of race became institutionalized in various public and private arenas with an emphasis on the role that policy played in such processes. Engages theological approaches that either reflect or address critically the institutionalization of the concept of race. Evaluates the progress that has been made in dismantling racialized institutions, particularly since the Civil Rights Era. Students will have the opportunity to assess the role of faith communities and their theological commitments in either the perpetuation or dismantling of racial discrimination
2. describe key pieces of legislation, court decisions, and policies that contributed to the institutionalization of racial discrimination throughout major historical eras in the United States.
identify various mechanisms involved in the process of the institutionalization of racial discrimination.
1. A link to a piece of news, opinion, podcast, radio reporting, newsletter article, etc. on recent (or relatively recent) events related to the topic of race. This can be negative (i.e. police brutality, housing discrimination, driving while Black/Brown, etc.) or positive (i.e. elections won by a person of color, appointment of people of color to positions of influence, etc.). The selected event can be of something that took place in society in general or in religious settings.
2. Your reflection on how this piece of information/opinion on recent events relates to the reading material of the week. The purpose of this exercise is to start thinking on the lasting implications (positive or negative) of policy decisions made in the past. The goal is not necessarily to find a cause-effect connection, but to keep you thinking of the possible consequences of policies adopted and implemented in the past. The length of this reflection should be between 300 and 400 words. Please engage critically and creatively with both, the reading material in the syllabus and the piece of information that you are going to provide. Please submit your reflections by 10 pm on the day before class.
