Module overview

What is 'race' and why does it matter? This module answers those questions drawing on the wealth of expertise within Warwick Sociology, taught by experts who research and write about race and racism from a range of perspectives. Students will learn about both theoretical concepts and real-world examples that will help them to understand how race and racism shape the social world.

Topics covered will include theories of ‘race’, and a different focus each week on how race relates to: history and empire; nationalism and immigration; gender; class; inequality and social policy; criminal justice; religion; and ‘post-race’ ideas. The module will develop students’ knowledge of the sociology of race, particularly in a British context, and enable students to understand race as a social construction with material consequences. By the end of the module, students should be able to apply this understanding to real-world examples, and to understand examples of racialised inequality in terms of social structure, power and history as well as personal experience. Key readings include work by Gargi Bhattacharyya, Stuart Hall, bell hooks, Arun Kundnani, and by many colleagues in the Department who are leaders in this field and who share the teaching of this module.

Key Information

CORE module for BA Sociology

Optional CORE module for BA Politics & Sociology, History & Sociology and Law & Sociology

Optional module for BA Sociology & Criminology

15 CATS

Summative Assessment: 2000 word essay (100%)

Teaching: 1 hour lecture & 1 hour seminar per week

Module Convenor: Ajmal Hussain Link opens in a new window& Nisha KapoorLink opens in a new window