Mar 29, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2022-23 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2022-23 [Archived Catalog]

Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)

POLS 4753 - American Whiteness


Engages Critical Race Theory and Critical White Studies in order to better understand how ‘whiteness’ perpetuates itself and racism as well. Critically examines the concept of whiteness, and what it has meant to the (white) public over time. To what extent is being white a biological, ideological, psychological, or political phenomenon? Introduces theories of whiteness as a legal construction, as a privileged status, and as a dynamic social identity. Aids understanding the political meaning of whiteness by examining the relationship of whiteness to American citizenship, immigrants’ motivations to assimilate into whiteness, and by learning how politicians and governmental bodies have protected the interests of white Americans by inscribing white privilege into public policies. Investigates white American public opinion on political issues, their attitudes about people of color, as well as what they think about their own racial group and racial identity. Discusses the normative quality of white racial identity, and how colorblind ideology makes it difficult to see and understand whiteness as power and privilege. Examines the contexts in which whiteness is made visible, and how awareness of white racial identity can be cultivated.

Requisites: 6 Hours in AAS or 6 hours in POLS or 6 hours in WGS
Credit Hours: 3
Repeat/Retake Information: May be retaken two times excluding withdrawals, but only last course taken counts.
Lecture/Lab Hours: 3.0 lecture
Grades: Eligible Grades: A-F,WP,WF,WN,FN,AU,I
Learning Outcomes:
  • Students will be able to differentiate and elaborate upon the various ways that whiteness acts to perpetuate white supremacy, including but not limited to: whiteness as a cross-class alliance, property, privilege, citizenship, and beauty.
  • Students will become familiar with trends in white public opinion, and will have a sense about how they compare to attitudes expressed by other racial groups.
  • Students will have developed sophisticated alternatives to whiteness as power, and will have knowledge in a variety of strategies for resisting white supremacy.
  • Students will learn that whiteness is not monolithic, and they will have a better understanding of how whiteness similarly and differently shapes the lives of people identified as white.
  • Students will understand how whiteness has been a key organizing force in domestic and global politics.



Add to Portfolio (opens a new window)