PAM 3370 - Race and Public Policy

(crosslisted) SOC 3370

Spring. 3 credits.

S. Sassler.

Provides an overview of perspectives used in sociological studies of race and ethnicity. Students read classic and contemporary research on racial and ethnic relations in the United States. The first part of the course covers a variety of theories on race/ethnic relations and addresses issues related to the social construction of race, racial identities, and the impact of immigration on racial dynamics. Next, the course examines racial and ethnic inequality in social and demographic outcomes. It concludes with readings that explore interracial contact and multiracial populations.

Outcome 1: Describe how race has historically been defined in the United States, and how racial and ethnic classifications have changed over time. Assess how racial hierarchies have changed/are changing, and how discrimination is measured.

Outcome 2: Understand public policies designed to redress racial inequalities, why such policies have changed over time, and determine whether the evidence continues to support the need for such programs.

Outcome 3: Analyze current public policies designed to measure race, address racial inequality, assess targets of opportunity for policy change that might better address the demographic reality of particular groups.