Course Focus & Objectives
The basic purpose of this General Education course is to stimulate critical thinking and broaden appreciation for the marvelous racial and ethnic diversity that characterizes our nation. We will begin by confronting the pervasive nature of prejudice and discrimination as these terms apply to racial and ethnic groups. The approach embraced in this course is called the social constructionist perspective. We will be examining the social origins of groups and trace how these groups have become transformed over time. We will look at how these groups have contributed to the enrichment of mainstream America and how these groups have been transformed by it. Students are encouraged to share their insights and experiences with the class as they are relevant to topics discussed. In addition, you will be required to participate in class discussions of selected topics in a variety of different settings and formats which include some panel discussions. My hope is that you will come away from this course with a much enhanced appreciation of the positive values of ethnic diversity and how it is that American society has been built upon this foundation.
The unifying course objectives are as follows:
- Enhance the student's appreciation of the value of ethnic and racial diversity to American society.
- Better understand how American racial and ethnic identities have evolved over the past centuries.
- Better understand the role of American law, social customs, and organizational policies in promoting racial inequalities in this country; and to better understand the subsequent role of the law and protest movements in promoting racial equality.
- Enhance the student's appreciation of what it means to be "an American" and to appreciate the commonalities that bind Americans as a people.