SMNR: Critical Conversations on Race, Racism and the Law

• Semester: Spring 2021
• Course ID: 397S
• Credit Hours: 3
• Unique: 29635

Description

This course will be taught entirely online via Zoom.

The United States finds itself amid a national conversation about race unlike any it has seen in a generation. Through the lens of critical, interdisciplinary, and innovative scholarship, this course will examine contemporary manifestations of racial discrimination, and will evaluate the centrality and complicity of law in upholding racial hierarchies. This course will include both discussions of more frequently examined topics such as hair discrimination as well as less explored issues at the intersection of race and disability, motherhood, and gender identification. It aims to analyze legal tests, doctrines and policies while also considering what might be necessary for change.  Special guests with legal, advocacy, legislative and other expertise will be introduced as a part of a series of moderated discussions on these topics.

This seminar is dependent upon an informed and lively discussion.  Students are expected to complete assigned readings and come to class with thoughtful comments and questions.  Students will be evaluated on brief, weekly response papers.