AFST 40602 - Race and Representation in American Politics

Institution:

University of Notre Dame

Subject:

Africana Studies

Description:

This course is an introduction to the issues which have arisen around race and representation in American politics and introduces students to the contexts from which these questions evolved. The course focuses on African Americans, but also examines the distinctive sets of factors shaping political participation associated with Mexican Americans, Native Americans and Asian Americans and which therefore affect their relation to the American polity. The course introduces historical patterns predating the founding of the republic which have shaped American political institutions throughout their history, and compares statutory discrimination against and the evolution of citizenship rights for Blacks and for other racial and ethnic groups. More contemporary developments of legal protection for voting rights, debates over electoral redistricting, the impact of the intersection of race and gender on political representation will be examined. The development of political philosophy as well as party and electoral dynamics, and racial attitudes are also considered. Since the 2008 Presidential campaign will be underway, we will also explore the implications of developments in the primary and general elections. Approaches to these questions will be considered from the contrasting intellectual traditions incorporated within the political and social sciences, reflecting distinctive methodologies and perspectives.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.nd.edu

Phone Number:

(574) 631-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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