Course Information

796.20 - Critical Race Theory

Professor: Vincene Verdun
Semester: 2010 Autumn

Second Writing Requirement? Yes
Seminar? Yes
Professional Responsibility? No
Prerequisites: None

Course Description

Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a dynamic and growing movement in the law, spirited by writers who challenge the prevailing racial orthodoxy and question comfortable liberal premises, in search of a new way of thinking about race and law. CRT begins with the insight that racism is a normal and ingrained feature of American society. Thus, color-blind laws can remedy only the most extreme injustices and do little about the business-as-usual form of racism that people of color confront every day. This course begins with a review of the United States’ 1) history of racial and religious intolerance; 2) Civil Rights Movement; and 3) current socio-economic status of African Americans. With that foundation laid, a sampling of literature by writers in the CRT Movement is reviewed. The last half of the course is devoted to student presentations on approved topics that apply a critical perspective to issues related to race, gender, nationality or sexual orientation.

• CLASS PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE
• PRESENTATION
• PAPER, EACH HAVING EQUAL WEIGHT

The course materials listed above are for informational purposes only and should not be considered final. Students must check with the Registrar for a current list of closed courses.