Anti-Racism I

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/antiracism-1

Introduction

**Course Review: Anti-Racism I on Coursera** In a world where discussions about race and racism are more relevant than ever, the need for informed and constructive dialogue is crucial. Coursera's "Anti-Racism I" course provides an exceptional entry point for anyone eager to explore the complex landscape of race and racism in the United States. This course is designed for individuals with little to no prior exposure to critical race or ethnic studies, making it an ideal resource for beginners. **Overview of the Course** "Anti-Racism I" offers a thoughtful and systematic approach to understanding race, racism, and anti-racism, particularly within the context of the United States. The course has been developed to cater to a broad audience—whether you’re a student, educator, or simply a curious individual looking to better understand the impacts of systemic racism. The thoughtfully crafted syllabus spans three weeks and covers essential concepts that lay the groundwork for meaningful engagement with the subject matter. **Syllabus Breakdown** 1. **Week 1: Defining** The course begins with a crucial exploration of how race has been defined in historical and contemporary contexts, placing a strong emphasis on the construct of "whiteness." This focus comes from the understanding that whiteness has significantly influenced societal norms, laws, and structures in the U.S. The included anti-racism glossary further enriches the learning experience by providing definitions and terminologies necessary for engaging in critical discussions. 2. **Week 2: Identifying** Moving into the second week, the course challenges students to identify the impacts of race and racism, particularly in the current climate of racial unrest and social awareness. By differentiating between not being racist and being anti-racist, learners gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved. The readings and multimedia resources contextualize systemic racism, predominantly highlighting anti-Black racism’s historical roots and its present implications. 3. **Week 3: Applying** The final week is centered on practical application, which is vital for anyone seeking to effect change. It tackles real-world issues like police defunding and encourages learners to consider active roles they can play as allies in anti-racism efforts. The discussions around applying anti-racist principles to various overlapping oppressions provide a comprehensive framework for understanding and advocating for a more just society. **Why You Should Take This Course** 1. **Accessible and Inclusive**: The course is specifically designed for those with no prior knowledge of the subject, which makes it incredibly accessible. The material is approachable and thoughtfully structured to support all learners. 2. **Practical Framework**: It goes beyond theoretical knowledge and encourages actionable steps toward becoming an anti-racist ally. This focus on application helps learners integrate their newfound knowledge into everyday practices. 3. **Rich Resources**: From diverse readings to thought-provoking discussions, the course offers a wealth of resources that encourage critical thinking and engagement with contemporary issues. 4. **Community Engagement**: Learners can connect with a broader community interested in social justice, fostering discussions and networks that extend beyond the confines of the course itself. **Conclusion and Recommendation** Overall, "Anti-Racism I" on Coursera is a highly recommended course for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of race and racism in the United States. Whether you're looking to enhance your personal knowledge, contribute to discussions in educational settings, or become a proactive ally in social justice movements, this course lays the necessary groundwork. The thoughtfully curated content and interactive elements help demystify a complex topic, making it not only educational but also a vital step towards fostering a more equitable society. Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn and grow—the journey toward anti-racism begins here!

Syllabus

Week 1: Defining

This week you will learn various ways of defining race through definitions of whiteness. While race and racism have, in popular discourse, been understood to refer to non-white people, we start with whiteness since whiteness has been the primary ideology that dominated the formation of the United States, its laws, power structure, society, and culture. The anti-racism glossary also provides a variety of definitions related to race, racism, and anti-racism.

Now that you've learned to define whiteness and other terms related to race, racism, and anti-racism, this week focuses on identifying the impact of race, racism, and anti-racism. The first article contextualizes our current moment of racial crisis, along with identifying differences between being not-racist and anti-racist. The remaining readings and viewings provide historical context for systemic racism, especially anti-Black racism in the US.

For this final week of the anti-racism course you will see how the application of these terms and concepts are tied to other overlapping oppressions and how they can be used for specific anti-racism work, such as defunding the police (and why this is not as radical as people may think it is, though in many ways to imagine an anti-racist world is a radical act) and specific actions that each of us can do to be anti-racism allies and educators.