First-Year Writing Seminar (105-8-21)

Topic

Writing Race

Instructors

Robert Anthony Ward

Meeting Info

Annenberg Hall G29: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course aims to deepen our understanding and appreciation of ways in which "race", ethnicity and culture are performed in both American writing and contemporary discussions on such topics. "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 intimate connections between qualitative and quantitative research, perception, everyday lived experiences and especially writing about "race". The primary focus is on the ideology of "race" as a social construction, how we understand and therefore discuss it, and how we can then effectively write about "race" as it pertains to our cultural norms, and dominant social institutions.

Although "race" and ethnicity are categories that include all groups and individuals, traditional patterns of writing and teaching about "race" and ethnicity have still not equipped us to discuss it comfortably or accurately. In America we continue to reinscribe the nation's incomplete historical understanding and willful ignorance towards "race" as a concept and lived reality. We exclude from analysis the experiences and perspectives of the various ethnic groups that comprise the American mosaic and how we came to know the concept in the first place. In this course we explore racial ideology as part and parcel of American history and culture. We aim to fully interweave experiences and research into a synthesis of the social construction of race. We also work together to openly discuss and write about it.

Class Materials (Required)

Resisting Racism and Promoting Equity Through Community Engaged Social Action / ISBN: 978-1032133614

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar