Whiteness in the World

Whiteness is a socially and historically constructed concept that is used to grant or deny privileges, opportunities and rights. This course gives students an opportunity for a comparative exploration of how whiteness is defined, structured and applied in different global contexts. Using materials from film, music, literature and scholarly texts, we will examine both the fluidity and rigidity of whiteness over time and across continents. By the end of the semester, students will have a thorough understanding of how societies have used and continue to use the status of whiteness to grant or withhold rights and resources.