Race and Ethnicity in the United States: Social Constructs with Real World Consequences

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Race is often thought of as a biological characteristic of individuals. Yet research consistently demonstrates that race, rather than a biological reality, is a social reality. This course will introduce you to how to think sociologically about race and racism. We will explore the origins of race, and the theoretical and empirical analysis of race, ethnicity, and immigration. We will also examine patterns of racial/ethnic inequality in a variety of domains including education, income and wealth, criminal justice, media, and health. Throughout the course we will view race through an intersectional lens, emphasizing the interplay between social categories such as race, ethnicity, gender, and social class. We will also discuss immigration patterns and how they affect race and ethnic relations. While we will talk about historical and global processes and patterns, most of the class will focus on racial and ethnic stratification in contemporary U.S. society (post-1960s).