Back to Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History

Learners will deepen their understanding and appreciation of ways in which race, ethnicity and cultural diversity have shaped American institutions, ideology, law, and social relationships from the colonial era to the present. Race and ethnicity are ideological and cultural categories that include all groups and individuals. Hence, this course is designed in significant part to take a broad look at the ideology of race and cultural diversity in America’s past and present. The primary focus is on the historical and social relationships among European Americans, Native Americans, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian/Pacific Americans. Issues of race and ethnicity are examined across different ethno-cultural traditions in order to interweave diverse experiences into a larger synthesis of the meaning of race and ethnicity in American life. In this course, we conceive of “race” and “diversity” as references to the entire American population, even as we recognize that different groups have unique historical experiences resulting in distinctive and even fundamental cultural differences. We treat race and ethnicity as dynamic, complex ideological and cultural processes that shape all social institutions, belief systems, inter-group relationships, and individual experiences.

Status: Culture
Status: Sociology
BeginnerCourse11 hours

Featured reviews

HL

4.0Reviewed Jul 29, 2020

I found this course both educational & compelling. I learned a lot. It would be nice to have news clips or video examples embedded in the course,

LD

4.0Reviewed Oct 9, 2020

Great class! I walked away with a wealth of knowledge about race and prejudice and the history of that particular topic. Great class!

JR

5.0Reviewed Jun 8, 2020

This course is an excellent source of education! I learned so much, and feel so proud of myself for completing it, and getting grades that I never thought I could! Thank you, Coursera! :)

YW

5.0Reviewed Aug 7, 2020

exceptional course, very interesting, rigorous, however it keeps you on your toes. Due to all the issues going on right now, what better course to take than this. Thank you..

KW

5.0Reviewed Jul 23, 2020

This was a very interesting course. I think everyone should take it. I am a history buff and there were things I didn't know. I am very glad I took this course.

KK

5.0Reviewed Jan 9, 2023

This is an exceptional course that requires a lot of critical thinking! As an African American librarian and Doctoral Student at the University of North Texas, I enjoyed and recommend this course.

MG

5.0Reviewed Feb 8, 2018

I think is a course that everyone living in actual society need to take to widening their world and reject prejudgment.

LB

5.0Reviewed Oct 29, 2021

The examples of proven tests given through media outlets and organizations that examine our lives in America are stellar. The information is useful for all career.

NM

5.0Reviewed Jul 7, 2020

This was a great class in which I learn many additional parts about US history that I had not previously known about or understood.

KJ

4.0Reviewed Jul 6, 2020

Very much enjoyed the lectures, I wish the coursework wasn't as intensive. Would have preferred quizzes/reflection papers on the topics introduced during the video lectures.

MM

4.0Reviewed Jun 25, 2020

I want to unenroll the course. I am having a hard time because it's too taxing for me... I really like the course but I cannot cope up... Thank you

BW

5.0Reviewed Jul 13, 2020

The topics were good, and the professor clearly knows his subject. The final paper took more time than expected, but overall I felt like I came away with more knowledge on the subject.

All reviews

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