Learners will deepen their understanding and appreciation of ways in which race, ethnicity and cultural diversity have shaped American institutions, ideology, law, and social relationships from the colonial era to the present. 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 ideology of race and cultural diversity in America’s past and present. The primary focus is on the historical and social relationships among European Americans, Native Americans, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian/Pacific Americans. Issues of race and ethnicity are examined across different ethno-cultural traditions in order to interweave diverse experiences into a larger synthesis of the meaning of race and ethnicity in American life. In this course, we conceive of “race” and “diversity” as references to the entire American population, even as we recognize that different groups have unique historical experiences resulting in distinctive and even fundamental cultural differences. We treat race and ethnicity as dynamic, complex ideological and cultural processes that shape all social institutions, belief systems, inter-group relationships, and individual experiences.
Offered By
Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History
University of Illinois at Urbana-ChampaignAbout this Course
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Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Introduction to Concepts of Race and Identity
Historical Legacies of Race in the United States
Legacies of Race and Racism Today
Race and Ethnicity in American Social Institutions
Reviews
- 5 stars72.10%
- 4 stars21.42%
- 3 stars3.74%
- 2 stars0.34%
- 1 star2.38%
TOP REVIEWS FROM RACE AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY IN AMERICAN LIFE AND HISTORY
The topics were good, and the professor clearly knows his subject. The final paper took more time than expected, but overall I felt like I came away with more knowledge on the subject.
This course is an excellent source of education! I learned so much, and feel so proud of myself for completing it, and getting grades that I never thought I could! Thank you, Coursera! :)
This course was outstanding. The video presentaions, additonal readings, and peer reviews allowing insight into other students perspectives was a definite plus. Will recommend to other co-workers.
Critical content for anyone looking to sharpen their understanding of institutional racism and how it impacts daily life.
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