Back to Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History

Learners will deepen their understanding and appreciation of ways in which race, ethnicity and cultural diversity have shaped American institutions, ideology, law, and social relationships from the colonial era to the present. Race and ethnicity are ideological and cultural categories that include all groups and individuals. Hence, this course is designed in significant part to take a broad look at the ideology of race and cultural diversity in America’s past and present. The primary focus is on the historical and social relationships among European Americans, Native Americans, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian/Pacific Americans. Issues of race and ethnicity are examined across different ethno-cultural traditions in order to interweave diverse experiences into a larger synthesis of the meaning of race and ethnicity in American life. In this course, we conceive of “race” and “diversity” as references to the entire American population, even as we recognize that different groups have unique historical experiences resulting in distinctive and even fundamental cultural differences. We treat race and ethnicity as dynamic, complex ideological and cultural processes that shape all social institutions, belief systems, inter-group relationships, and individual experiences.

Status: Diversity Awareness
Status: Culture
BeginnerCourse11 hours

Featured reviews

HL

4.0Reviewed Jul 29, 2020

I found this course both educational & compelling. I learned a lot. It would be nice to have news clips or video examples embedded in the course,

CL

5.0Reviewed Dec 2, 2020

This course was outstanding. The video presentaions, additonal readings, and peer reviews allowing insight into other students perspectives was a definite plus. Will recommend to other co-workers.

JR

5.0Reviewed Jun 8, 2020

This course is an excellent source of education! I learned so much, and feel so proud of myself for completing it, and getting grades that I never thought I could! Thank you, Coursera! :)

YW

5.0Reviewed Aug 7, 2020

exceptional course, very interesting, rigorous, however it keeps you on your toes. Due to all the issues going on right now, what better course to take than this. Thank you..

NM

5.0Reviewed Jul 7, 2020

This was a great class in which I learn many additional parts about US history that I had not previously known about or understood.

MG

5.0Reviewed Feb 8, 2018

I think is a course that everyone living in actual society need to take to widening their world and reject prejudgment.

VM

5.0Reviewed Jul 10, 2020

Excellent beginning with loads of sources to recognize diversity on America. Many cogent topics to consider, too many to be in-depth but a great place to start.

MM

4.0Reviewed Jun 25, 2020

I want to unenroll the course. I am having a hard time because it's too taxing for me... I really like the course but I cannot cope up... Thank you

LB

5.0Reviewed Oct 29, 2021

The examples of proven tests given through media outlets and organizations that examine our lives in America are stellar. The information is useful for all career.

AP

5.0Reviewed Jul 13, 2020

This course was very informative and provided a variety of resources and facts, both historical and current that I am looking forward to teaching my own children.

KJ

4.0Reviewed Jul 6, 2020

Very much enjoyed the lectures, I wish the coursework wasn't as intensive. Would have preferred quizzes/reflection papers on the topics introduced during the video lectures.

AU

5.0Reviewed Dec 10, 2020

This course was very enlightening and provided me a deeper understanding of the ways in which race impacts, and has historically impacted, society.

All reviews

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