Sociology 331

SOCY 331

Race and Ethnicity

Catalog Entry

SOCY 331. Race and Ethnicity
Three hours lecture (3).

Prerequisite: SOCY 110 or SOCY 121

This course critically examines the social construction of race and ethnicity, the role of racism in maintaining structures of inequality, and the policy implications of those structural inequalities.    

Note(s): Cultural or Behavioral Analysis designated course.

 

Detailed Description of Content of Course

I. Concepts of Ethnicity and Race

 

A. Terminology
B. Factors in Prejudice and Discrimination

 

1. Personality
2. Culture
3. Intergroup conflict and competition

 

C. Types of Intergroup Relations

 

1. Assimilation (Anglo-conformity)
2. Amalgamation (Melting pot)
3. Cultural pluralism

 

D. "Ethclass"
E. Minority Images

 

II. Ethnic Identity and Ethnic Immages
III. Racial Stratification

 

A. Minority Demographics
B. The Extent of Inequality As Measured By Income and Occupation Distributions
C. Factors in Lack of Mobility

 

1. Minority characteristics (the Assimilationist Model)
2. Majority attitudes (White Racism)
3. Social Structure (Internal Colonialism, the Class Model, Metropolis/Satellite Model)

 

 

IV. Meeting Ethnic Groups

 

A. African Americans
B. Hispanic Americans
C. People of Appalachia
D. Asian Americans
E. Native Americans

 

V. African Americans: The Struggle for Civil Rights in Historical and Legal Perspective
VI. Native Americans: White/Native American Relations From the Perspective of Federal Policy

 

Detailed Description of Conduct of Course

A lecture/discussion approach is used; emphasis is on the social status of ethnic groups in the United States.

 

Goals and Objectives of the Course

Students will:

 

1. be provided an introduction to ethnic diversity in the United States;
2. explore the cultures of the various groups and the ways they have interacted, both historically and today.

 

Assessment Measures

Graded and checked assignments may include in-class or take-home examinations and quizzes, homework assignments, in-class writing, and in-class discussions. Journals may be required and checked periodically. Formal oral presentations may be required.

 

Other Course Information

None.

 

Review and Approval

DATE ACTION REVIEWED
January, 2004 Reviewed Peggy A. Shifflett

March, 2009

March 01, 2021