Racism, Theology & Justice

Catalog description

Taught by JST. This course examines the structural racism in American culture as a theological problem in itself and as antithetical to Catholic social teaching. -Module 1: RACE orients students to the history and complexity of "race", "racism", and hierarchies of privilege and supremacy in the US and the world. -Module 2: THEOLOGY examines theological resources that expose racism as a distortion (sin/social sin) and then explores a reconstructed anthropology that might dislodge racial biases within traditional theologies. -Module 3: JUSTICE asks what has happened and what might happen to bring about a more racially just society - through legal actions and social movements. Through the seminar format, students will appropriate an understanding of the intractability of structural racism and approach solutions that are both theoretical and pragmatic. Assignments will include readings, documentary films, group presentations, and written essays. Students will be expected to observe and/or participate in field experiences with social action groups in the area. Alison Benders, JST faculty, and Margaret Russell SCU Law faculty, will co-teach the course. [Faculty Consent required; 20 max enrollment]