Special Topics in Political Science (390-0-25)

Topic

Race, Ethnicity, and Democracy

Instructors

Alvin Tillery

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-420: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Political Science 390: Race, Ethnicity, and American Politics is an upper-division course that examines the social and historical construction of race and ethnicity in American political life. Through a combination of foundational theoretical texts and contemporary scholarship, students explore how racial and ethnic identities have been formed, contested, and institutionalized across American history — from the politics of whiteness and Manifest Destiny to the distinct political experiences of Black, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian American communities. The course investigates how these identities intersect with gender and class, how American political institutions (including Congress, the presidency, and the judiciary) have shaped and been shaped by race, and how race continues to influence partisan politics, political attitudes, campaign strategy, and voter participation.

Learning Objectives

The course explores the following core questions: What are race and ethnicity? What are the best ways to think about the impact of race and ethnicity on American citizens? What is the history of racial and ethnic formation in American political life? How do race and ethnicity link up with other identities animating political actions like gender and class? What role do American political institutions—the Congress, presidency, judiciary, state and local governments, etc.—play in constructing and maintaining these identity categories? Can we use these institutions to overcome the points of division in American society? By the end of the course, students will be able to answer all of these questions.

Teaching Method

Lecture

Evaluation Method

There will be two multiple choice quizzes and one final exam.

Class Materials (Required)

Desipio et al., Uneven Roads: An Introduction to US Racial and Ethnic Politics, Third Edition, IBSN: 1071824562

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre-registration -- Reserved for Political Science students until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisites.