ETHN 268 - Race, Ethnicity, and Representation in the United States

(3 S.H.)

This course will focus on the historical and contemporary popular culture representations of race in the United States. In particular, we will examine stereotypes, archetypes, and caricatures of People of Color in the U.S., in order to better understand the historical roots of these images as well as their pervasiveness in contemporary representation. We will also examine the impact of these representations, discussing how stereotypes and archetypes both shape and reflect structural inequalities such as those found in public policy, housing, education, and other institutions. This course begins by examining the various definitions of “popular,” “culture,” and “popular culture” and moves through racialized representations from the 19th century to the present. Meets GOAL 5 and GOAL 9. Prerequisite: ETHN 168 - Introduction to Ethnic Studies or instructor permission. Grade or P/NC. Offered annually.

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