POLS 5739 - Politics of Race

Examines various, intricate relationships between race and politics in the United States. Starts with a basic introduction to the concept of race, its origins and evolution. Attention paid early on to the contradictory projects of democracy and racial hierarchy, specifically, the enterprise of white supremacy. Looks at past and present racial topographies, including, but not limited to, trends in partisanship, political ideology and voter turnout per racial group. Examines how the three branches of government have supported America’s war on drugs, and subsequently how this war has differentially impacted the American people on lines of race, gender, and class. Investigates how racial identity is shaped by varying economic, social and political contexts, and further how these identities can be mobilized for collective purposes. We think critically about what is at stake in adhering to or diverging from particular racial identities in the political and social arena, how racial identities are policed by group members, and lastly, what is at stake in defining racial authenticity. Last set of readings treat the ways racial anxieties are manipulated during electoral campaigns as a strategy for specific political gains.

Requisites:
Credit Hours: 4
Repeat/Retake Information: May not be retaken.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Eligible Grades: A-F,PR,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I