Race, Nation, and the Enemy

Catalog description

Conflicts over racial and national identity have long shaped American public discourse, from debates about immigration, naturalization, and birthright citizenship to struggles over racial disparities in civil rights. This course examines the discursive practices through which racial and national identities are often negatively constructed, with a focus on how public discourse frames enemies, national threats, and sacrifices made in the name of the nation to shape and mobilize political constituencies. By analyzing key moments in the history of American public discourse—including discourse regarding wars, immigration policy, racial segregation, civil rights movements, and the criminal prosecution of dissidents during crises—we'll explore how racial and national identity discourse has been pervasively shaped by demagoguery, or blaming societal problems on outside groups. Through primary sources and theoretical readings, students will engage with multiple disciplinary perspectives on identity formation. Assignments include regular responses to readings, a rhetorical analysis paper, and a longer research paper, offering students the tools to critically evaluate and contribute to discussions on race, nationality, and conflict in public discourse. Prerequisites: 76-101 or 76-102 or ( 76-107 and 76-106 ) or ( 76-108 and 76-107 ) or ( 76-108 and 76-106 )