RACE AND ETHNIC RELATIONS (AFS 352/SOC 382)
WINTER 2009
Dr. Woody Doane
Office: Hillyer 113B
Telephone: 768-4878; if no answer, messages may be left on voice
mail
E-mail: doane@hartford.edu
[campus: Doane]. I generally check e-mail on days that I am not on
campus.
Office Hours: MTR 1:00-2:30 [I will generally be in my office at
these times; however, I recommend appointments to avoid any inconvenience];
other times by appointment.
Course Web Page: http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/doane/racemenu.htm
Textbooks:
Feagin, Joe R. 2000. Racist
Note: Course textbook will be supplemented by library
reserve readings and by material distributed in class. A University
computer account is needed to access the reserve material.
Catalog Description:
A socio-historical analysis of the impact
of race and ethnicity upon the distribution of power, opportunity, and
privilege in a social structure.
Major theoretical perspectives on racial and ethnic prejudice and
discrimination will be examined along with the diverse patterns of interracial
and interethnic contact which develop in different societies. The course
will also focus upon the politics of minority status, studying the growth and
development of social movements which have challenged the legitimacy of racial
and ethnic stratification.
Course Objectives:
1. I want to encourage you to adopt a sociological
perspective towards race and ethnic relations. In particular, I would
like you to understand how social forces (especially economic and political
competition) shape intergroup relations and how race and ethnic relations in
turn influence both social institutions and the day to day experiences of
individual members of society. A related goal for this course is to
increase your understanding of the key concepts and theories in the
sociological study of race and ethnic relations by having you apply these ideas
to intergroup relations in the
2. I also want to encourage you to view race and ethnic
relations in the
3. I encourage you to use this course to continue to
develop your personal perspective on race and ethnic relations in American
society; that is, your understanding of how race and ethnic relations have
shaped and will continue to shape your life experiences.
4. I hope that this class will provide a forum for
exchanging perspectives and gaining a broader understanding of current issues
in race and ethnic relations (e.g., affirmative action, immigration,
multiculturalism). I encourage all students to ask questions, share
experiences, and to be open and honest in discussing issues.
5. I also hope that this course will serve as a vehicle for
combating racism and prejudice. While many courses claim to be
“value-free,” I approach this course from the perspective that racism and
ethnic prejudice are contrary to basic human values of equality and human
dignity. I hope that participating in this course will increase your
resolve to address racism in social institutions and individual interactions.
Method of Evaluation:
Course grading will follow the traditional academic letter
grade system (A=outstanding, B=above average, C=satisfactory/ competent college
level work, D=below average/ marginal, F=unsatisfactory/ failing). Final
course grades for students will be determined as follows:
Reaction
Papers/Participation 33%
Analytical Essay 33%
Final Examination 34%
Students are encouraged to discuss
any concerns regarding grading with the instructor.
Additional Information:
1. The essay assignment is described in detail in a
separate handout that will be distributed by January 9. This information
will also be available on the course web site.
2. The “reaction papers” portion of the grade consists of
responses to questions related to the reading and/or posed in class.
Since the purpose of these assignments is to stimulate learning and class
discussion by encouraging you to analyze or respond to course material, these
assignments will not normally be accepted more than one class meeting following
the due date. Information on daily
reading and written assignments will be distributed during the first week of
class.
3. Students experiencing difficulty with course work are
encouraged to seek help from the instructor as soon as possible. Students
with special concerns (e.g., health problems, documented learning disabilities)
are requested to meet with the instructor to discuss their needs.
4. It is important that all students have access to the
textbooks and to library reserve readings. Please speak with me if you
experience difficulty in gaining access to this material.
5. Additional academic challenges are available for
outstanding students. Opportunities for extra credit may be granted at
the discretion of the instructor.
6. Class meetings
will only be canceled in event of the closure of the University. Call 768-4100 or check www.hartford.edu for
details.
Expectations:
In addition to the academic requirements for the course, I
expect the following from all students:
Responsibility. If
you miss class, you are responsible for obtaining the assignment and any class
notes. Reading and written assignments are always available via the
course web site. I do not accept absence
as an excuse for not knowing about an assignment or a topic. If you have
special concerns or problems with any aspect of the course (e.g., an assignment
deadline), it is up to you to contact me to discuss the matter as soon as
possible so that we can make necessary arrangements.
Commitment.
I expect that you will be committed to giving a professional effort in this
class. This includes attending classes, participating in class
discussions, and asking questions when you need clarification. Given the
nature of winterterm courses (each class meeting is
equivalent to a week of classes during a traditional semester), it is essential
to attend class. It also involves doing
whatever is necessary to succeed--being willing to spend the time necessary to
understand reading material, doing a thorough job on assignments and papers,
and seeking extra help if necessary.
Honesty. I expect
that you will follow all University policies pertaining to academic
honesty. University policies are described in your student
handbook. Information on referencing and plagiarism will be made
available when the essay is assigned.
Consideration. I
expect that you will be considerate of both me and your fellow students.
This includes minimizing disruptions such as arriving late or leaving early,
getting up during class, or carrying on conversations during class. If you
have cell phones or beepers, please be sure that they are turned off before
class begins. Given the nature of discussions in this class, it is also
important that you be respectful of others--even when you disagree with their
comments.
If you act in accordance with the above, you will find me
to be very understanding of special needs and more than willing to do my part
to help you succeed. On the other hand, you can expect that I will impose
appropriate penalties for late work, missing exams, disruptive behavior, and
academic dishonesty.
I also hold myself to high professional standards. If
you have concerns with any aspect of the course, please feel free to discuss
them with me. If you ever feel that you were treated in less than a
respectful manner, please raise the issue with me.
COURSE OUTLINE
(Subject to Change)
January 5 Rethinking
History: Martin Luther King, Jr.; Measuring Race/Ethnicity; Racial Demography
January 6 Basic
Concepts: Ethnicity and Nationality; Ethnic Change
January 8 Ethnic
Change; Race: Challenging Myths
January 9 Race:
Challenging Myths; Racial Identities
January 12 Racial
Ideologies and Racism
January 13 Color-Blind
Racism; Historical Perspectives
January 14 Historical
Perspectives
January 15 Civil
Rights Movement
January 16 Everyday Racism; Racial Stratification
January 19 Racial Stratification; Racial Segregation
January 19 Current Issues; Combating Racism
January 20 Final Examination