Overview of Course

This course examines racism in the context of globalization, and the nature and extent of racism across the world. It situates racism not just as an issue in the United States but as a global phenomenon with roots dating back to ancient times. It will explore the history and significance of race around the world, and its impact in various geographic regions. This course will examine a wide range of representations of non-Western peoples and cultures in media, film, literature, scientific and legal writings, popular culture, and artistic expression.
This course will emphasize the causes and consequences of racism, explore both existing and proposed anti-racism practices and policies, and consider potential outcomes of the various public and individual efforts in this area, from the local to the global. Students will challenge misconceptions and misrepresentations of race, and how these can in turn challenge racism itself. Additionally, students will earn what we know about this global issue as well as what we do not yet know about this subject.
Through lectures, in-class discussions, readings, videos, and field experiences, students will engage in these topics, with a special emphasis on the countries on our voyage. Students will have the opportunity to delve deeper during field experiences.