Sociology 10: Race and Ethnic Relations

In 1903, W.E.B. Du Bois, the founder of U.S. sociology, famously predicted that “the problem of the twentieth century is the problem of the color line.” While Du Bois was referring to segregation and colonialism, the color line is still with us today. In this class, we will study how race and ethnicity continue to shape our lives and structure our society at every level of analysis from personal interactions to media portrayals to larger social institutions, such as employment, housing, criminal justice, education,and others. As sociologists, our goal is to use theory and evidence to understand  and explain the history that created the color line, diagnose how these policies continue to affect our present,and identify paths to a liberated future.

Required Textbook: Tanya Golash-Boza. 2021. Race and Racisms: A Critical Approach, 3rd Edition. Oxford University Press

 You can use either the 2nd or 3rd edition,just be sure to pick up the full version with 15 chapters, not the ‘brief’ edition with 10 chapters

 If you would rather not buy the book, a copy is on reserve at RCC’s Digital Library

 There is also one required reading available online and posted to Canvas as a PDF. I am glad to make physical copies for anyone who prefers that format.

Student Hours

These are a time to discuss assignments, course material, grades, sociology, school, work, or whatever else is on your mind. My office is Quad 23E, in the basement near the outdoor patio. I also have student hours in other amazing spaces on campus. If our schedules don’t match up or if there is something you would rather discuss in private, talk to me before or after class or set up an appointment. My student hours for the semester are:

 Mon: 10am-noon in the Rainbow Engagement Center (MLK 304)

 Tues: 8-9am in my office

 Wed: 10-11am in the Umoja HOME Room (Bradshaw 110) and 11am-noon in the LHSS Engagement Center (Music 104)

 Thurs: 8-9am in my office

Graded Course Activities

Class Objectives

This is a summary of what we will work on this semester. By the end, you will be able to

 Demonstrate knowledge of concepts and classical and contemporary theoretical explanations of race and ethnic relations in the social sciences and analyze and articulate concepts of ethnic studies, including but not limited to race and ethnicity, racialization, equity, ethno-centrism, eurocentrism, white supremacy, self-determination, liberation, decolonization, prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, racism and anti-racism.

 Critically discuss the intersection of race and ethnicity with other forms of difference affected by hierarchy and oppression, such as class, gender, sexuality, ability, religion, spirituality, national  origin, immigration status, and age as sources of intergroup conflict.

 Demonstrate knowledge and apply theory of the history and contemporary status of racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States, with special focus on the lived-experiences and social struggles of historically defined racialized core groups: Indigenous/Native, Black/Africa Americans, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islanders and/or Middle Eastern Americans and emphasizing agency and group-affirmation.

 Demonstrate the ability to think critically, provide a critical analysis, and make content relevant to current issues of foreign and domestic systems of race and ethnic relations in a manner to understand their causes and consequences.

 Describe possible remedies for local, national, and global inequalities, with a focus on struggles, resistance, social justice, solidarity and liberation as experienced by communities of color.

 Demonstrate active engagement with anti-racist issues, practices and movements to build a diverse,just and equitable society beyond the classroom.

Land Acknowledgement

Riverside City College and the other colleges in the Riverside Community College District were built on the unceded ancestral homelands of the Tongva, Cahuilla, Payómkawichum (Luiseño), Kizh,

Yuhaviatam/Maarenga’yam (Serrano), and other Indigenous peoples. I wish to acknowledge and give respect to those whose presence here stretches back in time immemorial and remains strong today. Furthermore, I believe that RCC and other settler-colonial institutions have a responsibility to empower Indigenous peoples and support the redistribution of land and other resources. I commit to these principles and to living in harmony with the land, water, air, and creatures of this place.

Course Policies

Attendance and Engagement

 Consistent attendance is one of the best ways to succeed in this course. I use our time to present new material, go over assignments, make announcements, answer questions, and lead discussions. People who attend class regularly are less likely to miss assignments and more likely to pass.

 If you are sick, don’t come to class. I will work with you to make sure you have the chance to learn material and make up assignments you miss due to illness. If you miss an extended amount of time, contact me to discuss options.

 If you find yourself struggling with the material or dealing with personal, medical, legal, work-related, or other types of issues, please talk to me before dropping! Maybe we can find a way to get you the support you need to succeed. If that isn’t an option, we can find the way of withdrawing that is best for your situation.

 Because of the nature of the course, we will spend time discussing controversial and sensitive topics. We will all have our different perspectives. Disagreement and debate are essential to the learning process, but personal attacks are not. I expect everyone to listen carefully, think seriously about new ideas, and respond thoughtfully and constructively. I will hold myself to the same standard.

 As students, I expect you to stay up to date on readings, be active and participatory, complete all assignments, and to stay in touch about important or issues.

 As an instructor, you should expect me to post all materials on time with clear directions and expectations, be active and enthusiastic in facilitating the learning process, grade your work fairly and quickly, and to be responsive to your concerns.

Grading and Late Work

 Course grades will be strictly based on the percentage of total points earned.