First-Year Seminar (105-6-21)

Topic

The Legacy of Race in the United States

Instructors

Megan Elizabeth Geigner
847/491-4969
555 Clark ST, #202

Meeting Info

University Hall 218: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

We will investigate how media, academics, policy, and popular culture in US society have defined and codified race. Examples of materials include newspaper articles, podcasts, song lyrics, maps, personal essays, TV, and film. In studying how we define race, we will also consider the intersections of citizenship and immigration, gender and sexuality, and more. This seminar helps students transition into college-level inquiry and into being conscientious and ethical members of a diverse learning community. Students will demonstrate their new knowledge about racial formation in the United States through drafting and revising journal entries, analytical papers, and creative assignments.

Learning Objectives

Learning Objectives:
• Articulate thoughtful, respectful, and engaged questions and comments in seminar discussion
• Identify main arguments and evidence in texts, and synthesize multiple arguments
• Identify the idea of expertise, who is an expert, and where authority comes from; contact experts when needed
• Analyze and evaluate representation and construction of race
• Design an independent case study that results in the development of new knowledge about race in the United States

Class Materials (Required)

All reading will be posted online or made available through a coursepack.

Class Attributes

WCAS First-Year Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Year & Sophomore only
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required