Race in American history and politics
Time: 12:30 - 14:30
Location: Keeley Street
- Course Code: HAH77
- Dates: 03/06/24 - 01/07/24
- Time: 12:30 - 14:30
- Taught: Mon, Daytime
- Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
- Location: Keeley Street
- Tutor: Dale Mineshima-Lowe
Course Code: HAH77
Duration: 5 sessions (over 5 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
On this brief five-session course, through presentation, short activities and/or readings, and discussion, we will assess the topic of race and race relations in America. While the story of race relations and racism in the US has a long history, this course will focus on the topic in the period since the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s through to today. To gain better insight into the subject, we will examine race and race relations in the USA through a different topic each week: voting rights & representation, education, employment, health, and the impact of race on the everyday lives of both Americans and immigrants.
What will we cover?
- Brief historical overview of race and racism pre-1960s
- Some of the key areas that racism and racial issues impact America today including: voting rights & representation, education, employment, health care access, everyday life/everyday discrimination.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Identify key turning points in America’s history
- Identify some of the key issues different racial groups in America face
- Explain the impact racism and race relations has on America today.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an `introductory` course and does not assume any previous study or reading, although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. You will gain more from the course, in terms of enjoyment and learning, if you are able and willing to engage with in-class activities and short readings. As with most of our history and current affairs courses, an open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The class will be delivered through a mixture of presentation, accompanied by PowerPoint slides, small activities to consider different perspectives, and discussion (small groups/pairs/whole class). We will use a variety maps, images, video and text throughout the session.
Optional Background Reading
American Racial and Ethnic Politics in the 21st Century: A cautious look ahead (brookings.edu)
Race in America - The Washington Post.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No additional costs. A list of recommended resources will be provided to follow-on from the session, but this is optional.
Dale joined City Lit in 2010 and has taught a range of courses in the history and politics programmes. She also teaches in the Politics and Geography Departments at Birkbeck, University of London. She has a PhD in Politics from the University of Durham, and has taught at the Universities of Durham, Limerick, Bedfordshire, and has guest lectured at the University of Birmingham. She has a keen interest in American history/politics, European history/politics, democratic transitions & states, and global issues like the environment, migration and civic edudation. When not teaching, Dale is usually found buried in books (both textbooks and fiction!), baking, still making attempts to learn French, hiking, or squeeking away as a beginner - learning to play the violin.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
