Course Description
Evolution of cultures among racial groups as part of, and in contrast to, Western civilization. Particular attention is given to the ways race and culture intersect to provide styles, practices, and patterns of living for individuals in contemporary society.
Athena Title
RACE AND CULTURE
Prerequisite
SOCI 1101 or SOCI 1101H or SOCI 2600 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
These theories have broad implications for analyzing the current trajectory of the world and are particularly relevant today given the demise of the socialist paradigm and the peaking (and hence expected decline) of the freedom (markets and democracy) paradigm. What visions supersede these, or survive these? What is the role of theory development? What are the possibilities for the world's dispossessed? In this course we look at global racial inequality and ask how has the research question been defined (growth, development, democracy, etc.)? We look at the sociological models available to measure goal attainment. Then we use feminist and Afrocentric theory to evaluate arguments suggested by world-systems approaches and North-South polemics.
Topical Outline
1. Evaluate the Human Goal--Set the Research Question A. Peace and Life over Death B. Adequate Food for All C. Education and Creativity D. Freedom and Mobility 2. Define the Sociological Model(s) of Evaluation A. Have measures of goal attainment B. Employ method of Seeking Primary Contradiction - measure it - evaluate forces of change and stasis - identify resolution possibilities 3. Apply the Sociological Approach defined above to evaluating Lines of Inquiry suggested by North-South Polemics and the World-System theory A. Feminist B. Cheikh Anta Diop C. Rudolph Bahro and the Greens D. Marimba Ani E. Andre Gunder Frank 4. Consider Marxist and Development Theory Critiques
Syllabus