Racial Attitudes & Behaviors

Catalog description

This course examines the causes and consequences of racial bias, discrimination, and inequality in U.S. politics. Focusing on individuals as in the United States, we explore key mechanisms shaping racial attitudes, including threat, group position, dominance, intergroup contact, stereotypes, empathy, and elite messaging. We analyze intragroup dynamics across racial and ethnic groups and assess how racial bias influences political behavior, elections, and participation. The course also addresses contemporary issues such as immigration, policing, and protest. Prerequisite: POL-101.