STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 I.      Through assigned readings, class participation, writing assignments, projects, debates, and examinations, the successful student will:

         A.      Describe the history and issue of racism and prejudice.

         B.      Demonstrate an understanding through discussion of the basic theoretical approaches to the study of racism and prejudice.

         C.      Explain psychological and sociological research practices.

         D.      Analyze and discuss race relations in the USA, the development of prejudicial attitudes, and the social impact and strategies for positive change.

         E.      Analyze and discuss tensions among racial, ethnic, religious, and other groups, with an emphasis on the psychological factors that condition such tensions.

         F.      Analyze and discuss group differences, social group awareness and prejudice, minority group status, and discrimination.

         G.      Within the above framework, analyze and discuss selected issues in the area of racism and prejudice as outlined:

                 1.      Prejudice: preferential thinking, group differences, perceiving and thinking about group differences, socio-cultural factors, acquiring prejudices, the dynamics of prejudice, character structure, reducing group tensions.

                 2.      Racism: reconstructing understanding, conceptualizing race, class, and gender, rethinking institutions, analyzing social issues, and making a difference.

         H.      Evaluate and recommend strategies for the reduction of prejudices and the eradication of racism.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 I.      Prejudice

         A.      Preferential Thinking

         B.      Group Differences

         C.      Perceiving and Thinking about Group Differences

         D.      Socio-cultural Factors

         E.      Acquiring Prejudice

         F.      The Dynamics of Prejudice

         G.      Character Structure

         H.      Reducing Group Tension

 II.     Racism

         A.      Reconstructing Understanding

         B.      Conceptualizing Race, Class, and Gender

         C.      Rethinking Institutions

         D.      Analyzing Social Issues

         E.      Making a Difference