Anti-Racism II

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/antiracism-2

Introduction

**Course Review: Anti-Racism II** As our society strives for equity and justice, one key issue remains at the forefront of both academic and practical discussions: racism. Coursera's course, **Anti-Racism II**, serves as an essential bridge for individuals who have built foundational knowledge in anti-racism through its predecessor, Anti-Racism I. This intermediate course provides incisive insights and strategies essential for anyone looking to delve deeper into the complexities of race and racism, not only in the United States but also on a global scale. ### Course Structure and Content Overview **Historical Constructions of Race and Racism** The first week sets the stage with a thorough examination of historical contexts that shaped the constructs of race in America. Utilizing a combination of readings, documentaries, and discussions, students will explore significant topics such as settler colonialism, systemic oppression, and hypermasculinity. This foundational aspect is crucial, as understanding history is key to unraveling the distinct threads of present-day racial dynamics. **Linguistic Constructions of Race and Racism** In the second week, the focus shifts to language—specifically, how our vernacular contributes to the formation and perpetuation of racial constructs. The highlight of this week is the powerful lecture by Ijeoma Oluo, where she shares insights from her book, *So You Want to Talk About Race*. This multimedia approach invites reflection on how language not only reflects but also shapes societal attitudes towards race. **Interpreting Intersectionality** The course enters a critical phase in the third week as it begins to unpack the concept of intersectionality. Here, students engage with the importance of self-identification among marginalized communities. This segment emphasizes that identity is multifaceted and helps students appreciate the diverse experiences and perspectives within anti-racist dialogues. **Create a Dialogue** Concluding in the fourth week, students are encouraged to engage in critical thinking and problem-solving strategies. The emphasis on self-engagement and self-transcendence as foundational steps toward effective dialogue showcases the course's commitment to actionable insights. The intention is to motivate students to create meaningful conversations in their own communities, fostering a culture of understanding, empathy, and advocacy. ### Strengths of the Course 1. **Accessibility and Inclusivity**: Designed for individuals who have some prior knowledge of racial issues, this course promotes inclusivity by inviting participants from various backgrounds to expand their understanding. 2. **Diverse Educational Resources**: The mix of documentaries, readings, lectures, and discussions caters to different learning styles, ensuring that participants remain engaged and motivated throughout the experience. 3. **Focus on Real-World Application**: The final week's emphasis on creating dialogue and actionable solutions encourages students to take their learning beyond theoretical concepts and into their daily lives. 4. **Expert Instructors**: Learning from key voices in the anti-racism discourse, such as Ijeoma Oluo, adds depth and credibility to the course content, inspiring students to think critically and empathetically. ### Recommendation I wholeheartedly recommend **Anti-Racism II** for anyone earnest about making a meaningful impact in the fight against racism. Whether you are a teacher, community leader, or simply an individual seeking to better understand complex societal issues related to race, this course offers invaluable insights. Through its structured yet flexible approach, you will not only gain knowledge but also be equipped with practical strategies to advocate for change. This course is a transformative experience that goes beyond lectures—it's an invitation to engage in continual learning, reflection, and action against racism in all its forms. If you have completed Anti-Racism I, or possess a foundational grasp of racial issues, enrolling in **Anti-Racism II** is a logical and necessary next step in your anti-racist journey.

Syllabus

Historical Constructions of Race and Racism

In the first week of the course, you will be guided through readings, documentaries, and interview discussions with reference to three of the most important historical structures of oppression and dominance in American society: settler colonialism, race and racism, and hyper/toxic masculinity.

In the second week of the course, you will navigate multi-media material that takes you through the processes in which race and racism have been constructed through our vernaculars, including a provocative lecture of Ijeoma Oluo reading from her award winning book, So You Want to Talk About Race.

In the third week of the course, you will think critically about philosophies of intersectionality and the vitalness of marginalized folk to self-identify.

In the fourth and final week of the course, you will see what we, as scholars, are implying when we talk about critical thought and critical thinking. We are talking about providing solutions and determining that many of the solutions begin with acknowledgment of self, self-engagement, and self-transcendence.