This course explores the social construction of race through the lens of whiteness.
By examining whiteness as both a race and historical system of privilege, students will gain a deeper understanding of the persistence of racism. Students will examine the distribution of privilege within American society at both the interpersonal and institutional levels; as well as consider how whiteness operates within the social constructs of class and gender. Through writing and in-class group discussion, students will examine their own identities and consider how consciously or unconsciously they are affected by these processes, as well as consider strategies for challenging racism.