Class Schedule, Spring 2009
Race and ethnic relations is a controversial topic. Anyone who attends my class knows that I try to listen to all sides while at times expressing my own opinion. But for most of the course, we will be examining sociological research on the topic as opposed to engaging debate and polemics.
Many people who do not know much about sociology think that this course is about how people of different races and ethnicities interact in social situations. While that is part of the topic, it is only a fraction of what we will examine. We will begin by defining terms and orienting the student to the particular way sociologists view our topic. Then we will explore the history of racial and ethnic relations in the United States.
For the first time I will not be using a standard textbook. Instead we will use a book of readings, and the textbook that I have written myself. The textbook is a work in progress, so any feedback from the students is welcome. If fact, part of the course will be for students to provide me with written evaluations of the text. I am always fiddling around with my classes and this semester is no exception. I look forward to every semester because no two students are the same, no two classes, no too periods of time in history in which the class takes place.
In the post 9/11 world things have changed so much that a new approach to racial and ethnic relations is needed. I intend to discover a new approach, and with your help, I will. At least I'll try as hard as I can. I hope you learn a lot this semester and I know you will if you try.
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