Course Description
An applied approach to understanding the significance of ethnicity-race in communication in Western Society. The societal influences of history, language, and mass media in shaping our knowledge and understanding of race and ethnicity, as well as positive interracial relationships.
Athena Title
Ethnicity-Race Communication
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The focus of this course is on the impact race has on interpersonal communication processes. In order to educate students about the salience of race, the following objectives have been set for the course: (1) To explore the inextricable and multidimensional relationship between race, culture and communication; (2) To understand, process, and critique theories enhance understandings of interracial communication; (3) To apply various theories about race to experiential learning opportunities; and (4) To reflect on and critique interpersonal interactions that occur within and outside of the classroom that deal directly with race in contemporary society. Students will apply their learning through written assignments and examinations.
Topical Outline
Week 1 Discussion of “Community Guidelines”; Interracial Alliances Week 2 History of Race Week 3 Understanding an Ethnic Viewpoint Week 4 The Power of Language, Labels, and Naming Week 5 Racial/Ethnic Identity and Racial Perception; Multiple Self-Identities and Other Identities Week 6 Interracial Communication Theories Week 7 In-class viewing of Film (Reaction Paper to Follow) Week 8 Political Correctness Week 9 Interracial Friendships and Interracial Dating Week 10 Moving Theory to Practice Week 11 Group Presentations Week 12 Racialized Communication in Corporate America Week 13 Speaking to Diverse Racial/Ethnic Audiences; Week 14 Group Presentations Week 15 Mass Media Representations of Race Week 16 The Future of Interracial Communication Scholarship and Application
Syllabus