SOC 244 Sociological Perspectives On Race And Ethnicity

3 credit hours

The major purpose of this course is to help students understand sociological perspectives on internal and inter-group relations. Students explore how racial and ethnic groups are socially constructed, reproduced, and changed. Course content includes information on the ways in which racial and ethnic categories of people are linked to ecological, technological, economic, political, social, and symbolic systems. An emphasis is placed on the differential power between various racial and ethnic groups. This includes an analysis of the social structures which are utilized to maintain these power differences. Personal levels of responses of majority and minority groups will also be addressed. The specific experience of several minority groups within the United States will be used as case studies, along with some international examples. The focus will be on groups that future professionals in the course (e.g. social workers, educators, business managers, artists) may be working with during their careers. Students use sociological frameworks, along with anthropological concepts, and methods which focus on ethnic and racial groups to enhance their understandings of creative processes. This includes the refinement of empathic skills and the further development of their critical thinking abilities, using social justice perspectives. A variety of interactive educational methodologies, including service-learning assignments are used in the course.

Prerequisite:

SOC 111 Introduction To Sociology or SOC 113 Cultural Anthropology

Course is Offered: FA and WI Every Year