Social Relationships and Responsibility: Theories and Critiques. White Tears, Brown Scars

Theme: White Tears, Brown Scars

This focuses on the intersections (Crenshaw 1999) of race and gender under capitalism. Our exploration of these topics is rooted in BIPOC intellectuals and their critical reflections on the social structure in the United States and the world economy. Throughout the course, we will engage with the rise of capitalism and its consequences and the ways that BIPOC communities have resisted systems of oppression. The first half of the class will examine theories of the rise of capitalism and social groups through the work of W.E.B. Dubois, Ida B. Wells, Cedric Robinson, and coloniality. In the second half of class, we will examine how the conditions of capitalism shape how the emotions of women of color are expressed, interpreted, and policed. Throughout this class, students will engage with BIPOC thinking and research that are crucial to understanding contemporary social issues, like, immigration, policing, education, resistance, and other issues that impact BIPOC communities.

In this class we will read excerpts from W.E.B. Du Bois, Black Reconstruction, Ida B. Wells A Red Record, Cedric Robinson, Black Marxism, Audre Lourde, The Uses of Anger, Brittany Cooper, Eloquent Rage, Ruby Hamad, White Tears Brown Scars, Mikki Kendall Hood Feminism, and Marisol Lebrón.

Credit/Evaluation: Attendance, engagement in class discussions and activities, strong evidence of reading, quality performance assignments throughout the quarter, and quality of writing.