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Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History

Learners will deepen their understanding and appreciation of ways in which race, ethnicity and cultural diversity have shaped American institutions, ideology, law, and social relationships from the colonial era to the present. Race and ethnicity are ideological and cultural categories that include all groups and individuals. Hence, this course is designed in significant part to take a broad look at the ideology of race and cultural diversity in America’s past and present. The primary focus is on the historical and social relationships among European Americans, Native Americans, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian/Pacific Americans. Issues of race and ethnicity are examined across different ethno-cultural traditions in order to interweave diverse experiences into a larger synthesis of the meaning of race and ethnicity in American life. In this course, we conceive of “race” and “diversity” as references to the entire American population, even as we recognize that different groups have unique historical experiences resulting in distinctive and even fundamental cultural differences. We treat race and ethnicity as dynamic, complex ideological and cultural processes that shape all social institutions, belief systems, inter-group relationships, and individual experiences.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Concepts of Race and Identity

This module introduces the concept of "race," and begins to address the use of the concept in the United States. It also explores both fears and opportunities raised by the realities of racial and ethnic diversity.

Historical Legacies of Race in the United States

This module begins to address in greater detail a number of specific issues in the context of the United States: the legacy of slavery in the case of African Americans, the position of native Americans post colonization, and the particular circumstances of Asian American immigrants. These examples raise further complexity in the understanding of race and ethnicity.

Legacies of Race and Racism Today

The course now turns in this third module to the complex lived realities of race and ethnic diversity in contemporary American society. Among the issued explored include geographical segregation and racial bias.

Race and Ethnicity in American Social Institutions

The course concludes in this fourth module with an investigation of institutional racism, systemic social inequalities, and patterns of discrimination.

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Fosters an understanding and appreciation for the ways in which race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity have shaped American institutions, ideology, law, and social relationships from the colonial era to the present

Taught by James D. Anderson and Yoon Pak, who are both recognized for their expertise in race and ethnic studies

Provides a broad perspective on the ideology of race and cultural diversity in America, examining historical and social relationships among various ethnic groups

Delves into contemporary lived realities of race and ethnic diversity, addressing issues such as geographical segregation and racial bias

Investigates institutional racism, systemic social inequalities, and patterns of discrimination, providing insights into the impact of race and ethnicity on social institutions

Requires a strong foundation in American history and social studies, as well as critical thinking and analytical skills

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Reviews summary

Race & cultural diversity in america

learners say this course explores the evolution of race and cultural diversity throughout American history, as well as its modern implications. Featuring engaging lectures from Dr. James Anderson, the course examines topics such as institutional racism, the civil rights movement, and contemporary issues surrounding race and ethnicity. At the end, learners turn in a research paper focused on a specific aspect of race and diversity in America.

Allows for feedback and collaboration

"Excellent presentation of information and the chance to discuss and explore race and cultural diversity in American life and history.I gained new insights from the lectures and course materials, as well as the presentations from my peers who were enrolled with me."

"I think it is wonderful to have this kind of course work available for free, and I am grateful to the professor and University of Illinois for doing this work."

Requires learners to conduct their own research

"This course has been a very positive experience for me. The lectures were informative, precise, and helpful in navigating race in my very own life and in the world, as it is, today, especially. It has also been very uplifting to read and grade my classmates' work, learning from them and reflecting on their findings and resources."

"I had to extend my deadlines a couple of times because I struggled a bit, probably mostly because I had not thought a lot about some of the concepts of identity and how my identity is perceived by others."

Provides insights into current events and issues

"What a solid and enjoyable course. Such a relevant topic and never more so than our current time."

"An absolutely exception course covering history right up to the present. Really puts race and ethnicity into perspectives."

Well-organized and covers important topics

"Excellent course. The course was well-organized, incredibly informative, and filled with fantastic resources."

"The course content was great! The information was well-organized and presented well."

Challenges perspectives and encourages critical thinking

"This is an excellent course that will cause you to do a bit of self-reflection and learn a great deal about race and culture in America."

Some learners experienced glitches with the platform

"I also had a technical issue week three with no way to remedy the situation. I was unable to copy and paste my work -- received a "coursersa is undergoing maintenance" message."

"The help screens offered to real solution and there is no way to reach out for technical support. Frustrating."

Can be time-consuming, especially the final project

"WOW. This blew my mind. It was unexpectedly rigorous. I took the certificate course. I wasn't expecting to write research papers but that was required. I loved it."

"Although, I didn't expect to spend as much time as I did on the assignments, it was worth it."

Concerns about consistency and fairness of peer grading

"Shouldn't that person HAVE to give feedback so I can defend my work?"

"For 2 separate assignments one person, anonymous, gave me significantly lower ratings than the other 2 reviewers."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History with these activities:

Review the History of Race and Ethnicity in America

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Recalling and refreshing your knowledge of the historical development of race and ethnicity in the US will provide a solid foundation for understanding the contemporary issues discussed in the course.

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Review your notes or consult textbooks on American history.
Identify key events and developments in the history of race and ethnicity.
Create a timeline to visualize the progression of these events.

Organize and Review Course Materials

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Organizing and reviewing your notes, assignments, and other course materials regularly will help you retain information and reinforce the key concepts covered in the course.

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Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, readings, and presentations.
Organize the materials into a logical structure (e.g., by topic or date).
Review the materials periodically, making connections between different concepts.
Identify any areas where you need further clarification or reinforcement.

Read James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time

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Baldwin's powerful collection of essays offer deep insights into the realities of racial inequality in America, providing a historical and contemporary perspective that complements the course material.

View Encounter on the Seine: Essays (James Baldwin... on Amazon

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Read the book actively, highlighting and annotating key passages.
Summarize the main arguments of each chapter.
Connect Baldwin's ideas to the course themes.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Participate in a Discussion Group on Contemporary Issues of Race and Ethnicity

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Engaging in discussions with peers allows you to share perspectives, learn from different experiences, and broaden your understanding of the complexities of race and ethnicity today.

Browse courses on Intersectionality

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Find a discussion group or forum that aligns with your interests.
Read and prepare on current events related to race and ethnicity.
Actively participate in discussions, sharing your thoughts and listening to others.

Read Michelle Alexander's The New Jim Crow

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Alexander's book provides a compelling analysis of the ways in which the criminal justice system perpetuates racial inequality in the United States, complementing the course's exploration of systemic racism.

View The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age... on Amazon

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Read the book actively, highlighting and annotating key passages.
Summarize the main arguments of each chapter.
Connect Alexander's ideas to the course themes.

Analyze Historical and Contemporary Data on Race and Ethnicity

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Practicing the analysis of data on race and ethnicity will enhance your ability to understand and interpret quantitative information related to these topics, which is essential for informed discussions and decision-making.

Browse courses on Data Analysis

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Find credible sources of data on race and ethnicity.
Choose a specific topic or issue to analyze.
Apply appropriate statistical methods to analyze the data.
Interpret the results and draw conclusions.

Volunteer at a Community Organization Focused on Racial and Ethnic Justice

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Volunteering your time to support organizations working towards racial and ethnic justice will provide you with practical experience and a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field.

Browse courses on Community Engagement

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Research and identify organizations that align with your interests.
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Commit to a regular schedule and fulfill your volunteer responsibilities.

Career center

Learners who complete Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. They use their knowledge of the past to help us understand the present and prepare for the future. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will provide you with a solid foundation in the history of race and ethnicity in the United States. This knowledge will be invaluable as you conduct research and write about the American past.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and inclusion managers lead initiatives to encourage diversity, equity, and inclusion at their organizations. To ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace, they need to understand the complexities of race, ethnicity, and cultural diversity. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will deepen your understanding of these complexities, giving you a strong foundation for a successful career in this critical field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal issues and represent them in court. They need to have a deep understanding of the law, as well as the social and historical context in which it operates. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will give you a strong foundation in the legal issues surrounding race and ethnicity. This knowledge will be invaluable as you advise clients and represent them in court.

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Educator

Educators play a vital role in shaping the minds of young people and preparing them for the future. By understanding the historical and contemporary experiences of diverse racial and ethnic groups in America, educators can create more inclusive and equitable learning environments. This course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History can help educators build a foundation for teaching about these complex issues in a sensitive and informed way.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They need to have a deep understanding of their subject matter, as well as the ability to communicate their knowledge effectively. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will give you a strong foundation in the history and culture of the United States, which will make you a more effective professor.

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Museum curator

Museum curators are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions and programs that educate the public about history, art, and culture. They need to have a deep understanding of the historical and cultural context of the objects they display. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will give you a strong foundation in the history and culture of the United States, which will make you a more effective museum curator.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Public Historian

Public historians use their knowledge of history to engage the public in meaningful ways. They work in museums, libraries, archives, and other public institutions. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will give you a strong foundation in the history and culture of the United States, which will make you a more effective public historian.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Historian

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers lead organizations that work to solve social problems. They need to have a deep understanding of the social and historical context in which they operate. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will give you a strong foundation in the history and culture of the United States, which will make you a more effective nonprofit manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Urban Planner

Urban planners design and implement plans for the development of cities and towns. They need to have a deep understanding of the social and historical context in which they operate. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will give you a strong foundation in the history and culture of the United States, which will make you a more effective urban planner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They use their findings to make recommendations to policymakers. They need to have a deep understanding of the social and historical context in which they operate. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will give you a strong foundation in the history and culture of the United States, which will make you a more effective policy analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Social Worker

Social workers help people overcome social problems and improve their lives. They need to have a deep understanding of the social and historical context in which they operate. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will give you a strong foundation in the history and culture of the United States, which will make you a more effective social worker.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Journalist

Journalists inform the public about important issues and events. They need to be able to understand and communicate about complex topics, including race and cultural diversity. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will help you develop a deeper understanding of these issues, which will make you a more effective journalist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Sociologist

Sociologists study society and social behavior. They use their findings to understand how society works and how it can be improved. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will give you a strong foundation in the history and culture of the United States, which will make you a more effective sociologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Sociologist

Political Scientist

Political scientists study politics and government. They use their knowledge to understand how political systems work and how they can be improved. Taking this course on Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History will give you a strong foundation in the history and culture of the United States, which will make you a more effective political scientist.

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Consultant

Consultants help organizations optimize their processes. They use their outstanding understanding of business, technology, and data analysis to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and gain a competitive edge. Taking a course that offers a deep dive into the complexities of race and cultural diversity in America can provide a competitive edge. This deep understanding of cultural diversity can help Consultants build trust and rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds, leading to more effective consulting engagements.

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Reading list

We've selected 16 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History.

Crook Manifesto

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Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that tells the story of a young slave who escapes to freedom on the Underground Railroad. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand the courage and determination of those who fought for freedom during the antebellum era.

Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

Save this course

Reviews summary

Race & cultural diversity in america

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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