HONORS SEMINAR ON RACE AND POLITICS IN THE UNITED STATES
This course examines the sources and policy implications of racial division in American politics by analyzing a range of issues, such as affirmative action in the workplace and in higher education, the use of black majority districts as a means of enhancing representation of minority interests in Congress, differences in public opinion between whites and blacks, and issues concerning multi-racial and ethnic tensions. We will examine the historical background of race relations and the current policy debates, with a focus on trying to find common-ground solutions. The goal of this seminar is to stimulate critical thinking on this important issue, causing students to think about race and politics in new ways.
Prerequisites & course information
Requisites: Junior standing and declared in an Honors program Course Designation: Core GenEd - Civics & Perspectives Ethnic St - Ethnic Studies Breadth - Social Science Level - Advanced L&S Credit - L&S Liberal Arts and Science Honors - Honors Only Courses (H) Repeatable for Credit: No Last Taught: Spring 2026 Learning Outcomes: 1. Analyze the sources and policy implications of racial division in American politics by analyzing a range of issues, such as affirmative action in the workplace and in higher education. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Examine the historical background of race relations and the current policy debates. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Explore differences in public opinion between whites and blacks, and issues concerning multi-racial and ethnic tensions. Audience: Undergraduate Learning Outcomes: 1. Analyze the sources and policy implications of racial division in American politics by analyzing a range of issues, such as affirmative action in the workplace and in higher education. Audience: Undergraduate 2. Examine the historical background of race relations and the current policy debates. Audience: Undergraduate 3. Explore differences in public opinion between whites and blacks, and issues concerning multi-racial and ethnic tensions. Audience: Undergraduate
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027