Sociology Question

Description

Chapter 10 Race and Ethnicity

1. Have the students watch the film A Class Divided, where a teacher divides up her elementary school class into two groups: those with brown eyes and those with blue eyes. A Class Divided Frontline VideoLinks to an external site.
2. This film is a good chance to discuss discrimination.

For instance, what did the children’s body language indicate about the impact of discrimination?

1. Both Mrs. Elliott and her former students talk about whether or not this exercise should be done with all children. What do you think?
2. If the exercise could be harmful to children, as Mrs. Elliott suggests, what do you think actual discrimination might do?
3. What features did Mrs. Elliott ascribe to the superior and inferior groups and how did those characteristics reflect stereotypes about Black people and white people?
4. Review the Bureau of Labor Statistics website (www.bls.govLinks to an external site.) and look at the most recent statistics for employment classified by race and ethnicity. Why is there a disparity between the percentage of workforce numbers and the numbers of particular ethnicities and races in particular jobs?
5. Consider how stereotypes figure in the following expressions: “Dutch treat,” “French kiss,” “Russian roulette,” “Indian giver,” or “gypping” someone. What traits make up these stereotype and others concerning the Irish, the Italians, or the English? Do labels perpetuate these stereotypes?
6. Provide a song that discuss race, popular rap songs, or sometimes older hits, like those from Bob Marley, mainstream rock and roll and country. What does country music say about being white? What does rap say about the Black American experience? Do you identify with the portrayal of racial identity that you hear?
7. This semester there will be eight journaling assignments, allowing you a personal space to
   communicate with me the instructor about meeting the objectives of weekly topics and
   assignments. This allows personal reflection but must include integration and analysis of the
   assigned readings and other assignments. Grading criteria are that you will post a weekly 500
   plus word, about 1-page single spaced, written assignment answering the weekly posted
   questions, do not repeat the questions but do number your responses to questions and write each
   answer in a paragraphs, following the CRAAP guidelines by the due date. I expect minimally
   one reference to the text or other academic publication be cited (I prefer APA) with a full
   reference at the end of the post. Assignments are written for this class and integrate material
   from assigned readings (and videos if assigned). Spell and grammar check your posts prior to
   posting. Paste your entry DO NOT ADD AS AN ATTACHMENT. Journal entries are worth 25
   points each, Total 200 points. Journal entries are graded within 72 hours of the due date