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.

Module aims

To develop knowledge of the sociology of race, particularly in a British context. To enable students to understand race as a social construction with material consequences, and to be able to apply this understanding to empirical examples.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Theorising 'race'
2. Race, history, and empire
3. Nationalism, immigration and race
4. Race and gender
5. Race and class
6. READING WEEK
7. Race, inequality and social policy
8. Race and criminal justice
9. Race and religion
10. Post-race?

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should have:

• Knowledge of basic concepts in the sociology of race
• Knowledge of a range of empirical studies of the sociology of race
• Understanding of race as a social construction with material consequences
• Awareness of relations between racialised power structures and other structures of power such as class, gender and nation
• Ability to describe examples of racialised inequality in terms of social structure, power and history as well as personal experience