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Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History

Approx. 8 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course explores the complex issues of race and cultural diversity in American life, examining their impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole.

Key Learning Points

Gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural contexts that have shaped race relations in America
Examine the impact of race and diversity on various aspects of American life, including education, healthcare, and criminal justice
Explore strategies for promoting greater awareness, understanding, and inclusion in diverse communities

Learning Outcomes

Develop a better understanding of the complex issues related to race and cultural diversity in American life
Gain insights into the impact of these issues on individuals, communities, and society as a whole
Learn strategies for promoting greater awareness, understanding, and inclusion in diverse communities

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

No prior knowledge or experience is required
A willingness to engage in thoughtful and reflective discussions about race and diversity

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Self-paced
Online

Similar Courses

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace
Race and Cultural Diversity in American Politics

Related Education Paths

Notable People in This Field

Ta-Nehisi Coates
bell hooks

Related Books

Description

Learners will deepen their understanding and appreciation of ways in which race, ethnicity and cultural diversity have shaped American institutions, ideology, law, and social relationships from the colonial era to the present. Race and ethnicity are ideological and cultural categories that include all groups and individuals. Hence, this course is designed in significant part to take a broad look at the ideology of race and cultural diversity in America’s past and present. The primary focus is on the historical and social relationships among European Americans, Native Americans, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian/Pacific Americans. Issues of race and ethnicity are examined across different ethno-cultural traditions in order to interweave diverse experiences into a larger synthesis of the meaning of race and ethnicity in American life. In this course, we conceive of “race” and “diversity” as references to the entire American population, even as we recognize that different groups have unique historical experiences resulting in distinctive and even fundamental cultural differences. We treat race and ethnicity as dynamic, complex ideological and cultural processes that shape all social institutions, belief systems, inter-group relationships, and individual experiences.

Outline

Introduction to Concepts of Race and Identity
1.1 Introducing the Key Concepts and Social Challenges
1.2 Exploring Attitudes to Race and Identity
1.3 What Is Race?
1.4 Race and American Identity
1.5 Fear of Multiethnic Democracy
1.6 Social and Economic Benefits of a Diverse Democracy
Supplementary Readings and Videos

Historical Legacies of Race in the United States
2.1 Race: The Power of an Illusion
2.2 Race in the Foundation of American Society
2.3 Slavery as an Economic and Political System, and its Abolition
2.4 Racial Exclusion for Asians and Native Americans
2.5 Revisiting “Race” as a Socio-historical Construction
2.6 Race and Immigration
2.7 Practices of Racial Subordination
2.8 Laws and Customs Based on Race
2.9 Past Is Prologue
Further Reading

Legacies of Race and Racism Today
3.1 Progress and Contestation
3.2 How Race Is Lived in America (1)
3.3 How Race Is Lived in America (2)
3.4 Geographical Segregation Today
3.5 Implicit Racial Bias
3.6 Facing the Future
Supplementary Resources: How Race is Lived in America

Race and Ethnicity in American Social Institutions
4.1 Institutional Racism
4.2 Social Disparities of Race and Ethnicity
4.3 Identifying Discrimination in Everyday Social Practice
4.4 Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Wealth and Income
4.5 Inequalities in Education and Housing
Supplementary Resources: Institutional Racism
Video Update, 2020
Additional References and Links

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the role of race and cultural diversity in American life with this comprehensive course. Students have praised the course for its engaging content, thought-provoking discussions, and knowledgeable instructor.

Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course

The instructor is knowledgeable and presents the material in an engaging way.

Pros from User Reviews

Engaging content that encourages thought-provoking discussions
Insightful lectures that provide a comprehensive overview of the topic
Instructor is knowledgeable and presents the material in an engaging way

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the workload to be too heavy
A few users felt that the course could benefit from more interactive elements
A couple of users reported technical difficulties with the platform

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