Race and Rhetoric

This course examines the role of symbols, speech, and trope in the invention of race, the perpetuation of racism, and anti-racist resistance through a historical, global, and intersectional lens. The course provides an introduction to rhetorical scholarship on topics such as the voices and vernaculars of marginalized communities, cultural and political racial representations, and racialized public discourse linked to borders and national identity. The course investigates topics through case studies tied to subjects such as social movements, branding, entertainment industries, protests, economic crises, presidential speeches, court cases, legislation, fashion, debate, standup comedy, documentaries, scientific inquiry, and digital media.