FIRST UNIT : INTRODUCTION

In this section of the course we will begin with the important terms and concepts that inform the study of race and ethnic relations in the United States: vocabulary words and processes.

Film: "Eye of the Storm"

Readings:  Bakanic, Prejudice, Sec. 1 Ch. 1, 2,3, Marger Ch 1. Robert Staples

 Kipling Poem

All good people agree
And all good people say
All nice people like Us, are We
And everyone else is They.

Quoted from We and They, London, Macmillian, 1926, p. 8327-328.

SECOND UNIT: Prejudice, Discrimination, Bigotry In this segment of the course we will look at the impact of prejudice (Holocaust), discrimination and bigotry on inter-group behavior. We will discuss the formation of ethnic groups, the formation of theories. andideologies.to explain and defend different perspectives. How does Cal Poly do in student admissions?  Click here to see. Polyview Readings:  Bakanic, Sec II Ch. 4, 5, 6, Marger  Ch 2 and 3. Merton "Discrimination and the American Creed" Key decisions by the Supreme court on Affirmative Action Films: "Beyond Hate: the Heart of Hatred"

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In this section we will examine the immigrant experience and its role in defining who is an American and expectations of new groups.  Who are we and where have we begun to define ourselves.

Film: "Race: the Power of an Institution"

Readings:  Bakanic, Sec. III Ch. 7, 8, 9, Marger Ch 4, 5, 7 , Race a Chameleon: How the idea of Race changes over time, Howard Zinn

Citizenship exam

Issues 1 Discussion January 26, 2009

Exam 1 and Issue 1 paper: January 28, 2009

One of our basic freedoms is the freedom to practice religion any way we want and prevent government interference in religious practice. In this segment of the course we look at the impact of this on minority religious groups.  Religious activism has recently been identified with terrorism and perpetuating prejudice, this relationship will also be examined.

Readings:  Marger Ch 8

FIFTH UNIT: Assimilation: Native Americans

Assimilation to mainstream culture is a major expectation of our society but what of people who cling to an older, different way of life? What is the experience of Native Americans in modern society? How have they been stereotyped by our media?

Film: "In Whose Honor?"

Readings: Mihesuah, all; Marger Ch 6

U.S. laws pertaining to relations with Native tribes

U.S. Policy pertaining to relations with Native tribes

Timeline of events in Native American affairs.

 Discussion 2 February 9, 2009

Exam 2 and Issue 2 paper February 11, 2008

If time permits we will see the film "What's Cooking?"

Six Unit: Black Experience

SEVENTH UNIT: Hispanic Minorities

This group is the fastest growing minority group in the United States and it is also quite diverse. How does a common language affect the way in which members of the group are identified and treated?  What are the main issues over bilingual education?

Film: "Hispanic Mosaic"

Readings: Marger Ch 10

EIGHTH UNIT: Asian Americans This is the only group to be specifically excluded from U. S. citizenship on the basis of their ethnic background, yet today they are often viewed as model Americans. How have attitudes towards this group changed? or have they? Read about a recent case of discrimination of Asian Americans. Film: "Unfinished Business" "Crash" (if time permits we will see this as a closing) Readings : Marger Ch 11 From Yellow Peril through Model Minority to Renewed Yellow Peril, Doobo Shim "Japanese and Japanese-American Interment Documents" edited by Barbara Mori (see blackboard for the course) Yellow Peril

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