PSC 353 - Identity Politics in the United States

(3 units) CO10

This course addresses the historical, social, and political origins and implications of group identities in the United States (including racial, sexual, gender, class, generational, and national identities). By analyzing the issues and conflicts arising from these identities, the course considers how best to analyze and address ongoing group-based inequalities and oppressions. (PSC 353 and WMST 353 are cross-listed; credit may be earned in one of the two.)

Maximum units a student may earn: 3

Prerequisite(s): Sophomore standing or above.

Grading Basis: Graded
Units of Lecture: 3
Offered: Every Spring

Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
1. articulate how identity is formed and sustained in order to determine how and when it matters to politics.
2. identify the challenges and opportunities that come with organizing diverse political communities, and develop a view on how to balance competing identity-based claims.
3. investigate how laws, policies, and norms consider neutrality across different identities.
4. build a perspective on how to respond to claims from groups and people with historically marginalized identities, including those of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, physical ability, language, and social class, as they relate to concepts of diversity and equity.
5. analyze how difference and exclusion relate to identity in order to argue how and when identity should be recognized in politics.

Click here for course scheduling information. | Check course textbook information