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SOC 329 Race and Ethnicity: Sociological and Anthropological Perspectives

This course uses comparative methods to explore sociological and anthropological understandings of the significance of race, ethnicity, and racism in the United States. We will review concepts and theories of race and ethnicity. We will examine racialization processes affecting the lived experiences of diverse racial and ethnic groups and racial and ethnic inequalities, ranging from institutional discrimination to implicit bias. The course will also explore the pervasive influence of racism as found in domains such as education and the media. How we as individuals and groups can create positive change through anti-racist responsibilities and efforts will also be central to the course. Significant focus is given to issues of race and racism.

Prerequisites

Special information

Overlap: ANTH 329 Race and Ethnicity: Sociological and Anthropological Perspectives. Note: Formerly offered as SOC 305.

Learning outcomes

General

  • Critically analyze the impact of racial and ethnic inequalities on lived experiences and opportunities of diverse racial and ethnic groups.
  • Demonstrate understanding of ways that the social construction of race, ethnicity, and racism shape American society and differential opportunities available in that society.
  • Distinguish among forms of racism and associated effects on groups and individuals.
  • Explain the concept of anti-racism and identify individual and collective strategies toward achieving racial and ethnic justice.
  • Integrate and synthesize theoretical and empirical studies of racism through oral presentations and essays that are informed, well-reasoned and literate at an upper division college level.

Minnesota Transfer Curriculum

Goal 5: History and the Social and Behavioral Sciences

  • Employ the methods and data that historians and social and behavioral scientists use to investigate the human condition.
  • Examine social institutions and processes across a range of historical periods and cultures.
  • Use and critique alternative explanatory systems or theories.
  • Develop and communicate alternative explanations or solutions for contemporary social issues.

Goal 7: Human Diversity

  • Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States' history and culture.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
  • Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.
  • Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.
  • Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in a society with great population diversity.

Spring 2024

Section Title Instructor books eservices
01 Race and Ethnicity: Sociological and Anthropological Perspectives O'Dougherty, Maureen E Books for SOC-329-01 Spring 2024 Course details for SOC-329-01 Spring 2024