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,鈥痶he
role of racism in maintaining structures of inequality,鈥痑nd the policy implications
of those structural鈥痠nequalities.鈥���
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