Race & Society

What is race? Is it something we’re born with? Is it an idea that society imposes on us? An identity we perform? A beneficial privilege? Does our own culture’s conception of race mirror those found in other parts of the world? These are just a few of the questions that students in this course explore together as they approach the concept of race as a social construct that shapes and is shaped by societies and cultures in very real ways.

Throughout the course, students learn about the changing relationship between race and society across time and across cultures. Engaging with readings, films, and speakers from a variety of academic fields (history, sociology, anthropology, literature) students explore, research, reflect on, and discuss the complex set of relationships governing race and society.

Students in GOA courses will need reliable access to a computer with webcam/microphone connections, an email address (preferably school-based), a Web-conferencing app (GOA courses use Zoom), and a Word processing app (GOA courses use Google’s G Suite). When necessary, alternative arrangements may be made. Some courses require additional materials which can be found here.

NCAA-approved course

UC-approved course

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