Fall 2004

ANT 391 • Critical Race Theory

Course Description

Questioning assumptions of both liberals and conservatives with respect to racial injustice, critical race theorists have presented alternative perspectives that seek connections between race, gender, class, and sexual orientation. By investigating the facets of white supremacy and its subordination of people of color, critical race theorists aim not only to present analyses of power differentials but also, and as importantly, to change such power differentials through collective action.

In order to expand and contrast the initial perspectives on critical race theory offered in the volume edited by Kimberlé Crenshaw et al., we will discuss whether, how, and why other progressive intellectuals/activists anticipated, elaborated and/or criticized those perspectives. Particular attention will be given to how the intersections of gender, race, and class are experienced both within and outside the US, and how such experiences and their theorizations challenge hegemonic racial constructions and their consequences.

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