American studies

Race and Ethnicity in US History

Module code: V3029
Level 5
15 credits in autumn semester
Teaching method: Seminar, Lecture
Assessment modes: Computer based exam

This module examines the history of race and ethnicity in the United States. It covers the period from 1865 to the present, tracing political, cultural and social developments.

You’ll consider the role of race and ethnicity in politics, education, activism, housing and the criminal justice system. You’ll also examine the ways in which:

• a wide range of racial and ethnic identities have been constructed in America
• race and ethnicity have affected Americans' life experiences
• Americans have both challenged the role of race and ethnicity in society and sought to maintain existing structures.

Module learning outcomes

• Initiate critical analysis of the history of race and ethnicity in the United States.
• Critically apply knowledge and understanding of the history of race and ethnicity in the United States, including effectively communicating this knowledge in written work.
• Evaluate key debates in the history of race and ethnicity in the United States, focusing on the second half of the 19th century, and the 20th and 21st centuries.
• Provide critical commentary on these debates in an informed way in written work.