SOC 295-02 - Special Topic: Introduction to Critical Race Theory

4 credits (Spring Term 1)

Critical Race Theory is an approach to studying race and racism that arose in 1989 out of fruitful synergies between critical legal studies and other disciplinary traditions that include but are not limited to Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and History. Kimberle Crenshaw and Patricia Williams are credited with founding the approach. Crenshaw, Williams and a host of scholars at the time were tired of analytical tools that seemed to have contributed to the incredibly slow progress toward racial equity. In contrast to other theoretical approaches, CRT takes the view that the notion of race and racism shape the American experience and are embedded in all institutions. CRT identifies the underlying beliefs, practices, laws, and policies that contribute to racism and develops tools of liberation from systemic racism.

Prerequisite: SOC 111
Instructor: Erickson