Race, Ethnicity, and Identity

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

Background and Aim of the Course: The first part of the module explores the social construction of race, ethnicity and identity before investigating the origins of nationalism and processes of racialisation. We will examine sociological theories of the racial state and situate race and ethnicity within social, political and economic processes. Students will gain an overview of various approaches to 'race' including exploring how differences 'beyond race', such as hybridity and diaspora are negotiated. Finally, we will ask if it is possible to move 'beyond race' and look at the possibilities and the problems of anti-racism. Learning Objectives: On successful completion of this module, you will be able to: distinguish between key concepts of race, ethnicity and identity; discuss and critically evaluate theories of racism and nationalism; evaluate processes of racialisation and othering; identify and critically analyse the links between race and ethnicity in Irish and global contexts; critically engage and examine current empirical research and policy documents in the fields of race and ethnicity