SEMINAR-RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS

C&ESOC/SOC 987

Analysis of recent research and theory, based on reviews of literature and presentations of research in progress.

SOC 550

An introduction to the sociological study of racial orders in comparative and historical perspective. As W.E.B. Du Bois famously wrote, "The problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line," but as he also insisted, the social meaning of race is shaped by specific historical and economic contexts. Half of the content focuses on the American experience, especially over the last 50 years, exploring historical and contemporary meanings of race in America, and how racial dynamics have changed (and not changed) across time. The other half continues to explore the American experience, but now using a comparative historical approach, discussing patterns of racial inequality and social change in South Africa and Brazil, both to understand how these issues have played out in those contexts, and to gain new insights into our experiences in the United States.

C&ESOC/SOC 923

Advanced study of current research in social stratification, e.g., historical and comparative studies of inequality; mathematical and econometric modeling of mobility and achievement processes; demographic approaches to power and inequality.

SOC 134

The nature of inter-group relations; emphasis on various forms of racism, discrimination, and white privilege; historical background and characteristics of American Indians, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities; a consideration of economic, housing, political, legal, educational, familial, and health challenges faced by minority groups in US society.

ASIANAM/SOC 220

Sociological analysis of historical and recent ethnic/racial conflict and movements in the U.S., including the relations between European Americans, African Americans, Mexican Americans, Native Americans, and Asian Americans, with additional material on other groups and relations.