From Sally Hemings to Barack Obama, this course explores how racial identity has been experienced, represented, and contested throughout American history. Engaging historical, legal, and literary texts, as well as film, we will examine the major historical transformations that have shaped our understandings of racial identity.
We will also explore autobiography, memoir, photography, and music to consider the ways that racial identity has been represented in American society. Our discussions will be guided by questions such as:
- What is the interplay between racial and American identity?
- What role do mixed-race identities play in American society?
- Is race merely a performance? What does it mean for race to be a “social construct”?
- What roles do class, gender, and sexuality play in the construction of racial identity?
Students are expected to approach topics with respect for different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints, fostering an inclusive learning environment. This course invites students to engage with the complexities of race in America, fostering a deeper understanding of its cultural, historical, and personal significance.
