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AS/SOSI4440 A Racialization, Discrimination and the Law
Syllabus
Class: Tuesday 8:30-11:30 a.m. Dr. Lorne Foster
e-mail: lfoster@yorku.calfoster@yorku.ca
Office: 262 Winters
College
Web: http://www.yorku.ca/lfoster
Office Hours: Thursday 5:00 – 6:00 (or by
appointment)
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course examines critically theories and applications of law in
reference to diverse minority groups. It is divided into four
distinct parts. The first part explores the nature of social
differentiation in society in regard to ethnicity, race and intergroup
dynamics in everyday life, and will be triangulated around the key concepts
of culture, social power and ideology. In the second part the focus will be
on the relationship between ethnicity, race, gender and social class as
they relate to the many dimensions of inequality and domination, resistance
and collective empowerment, in Canada
and beyond. In the third part of the course the emphasis will be on the
structures and patterns of social action in Canada,
related to the social forces of prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination and
racism. In the fourth part, some to the important contemporary diversity
issues in social inequality and social justice will be examined in the
context of immigration. Topics will be drawn from the following: the state
and immigration policy; immigrant incorporation; immigrants and minorities
in the labour market; immigrant and minority youth; immigrants and
minorities in electoral politics; and community building and mobilization.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
This course aims to enrich undergraduate education in the field of
ethnoracial relations through fostering unique approaches to integrated
learning and Experiential Education within the classroom, promoting strong
relationships between academic studies and community involvement. The
objective of this course is to encourage students to be more aware of
social issues and more committed and able to engage effectively in their
communities now and in the future. Real-life experiences in the community
are linked to academic content through processes of critical reflection
such as, small group discussion, and the writing of discussion
papers and policy papers. The benefits of integrated learning or
Experiential Education are that students are prompted to make the link
between what they learn in class and in the community, between theory and
practice. This experience helps to raise awareness about health, social and
political issues, while breaking down stereotypes and promoting diversity.
CLASS PROCEDURE
The class procedure involves lectures, interactive discussion of the
readings, occasional audio visual presentations and student presentations.
Students are expected to attend classes with reading assignments completed
in order to facilitate class discussions. Additional materials relevant to
the topic readings will be introduced as lecture material.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Bolaria, B. Singh ed.
2000 Social Issues and Contradictions in Canadian
Society. Toronto:
Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 0-7747-3615-1
(paperback)
Fleras, Augie
2005 Social Problems In Canada:
Conditions, Constructions, and Challenges. Third Edition. Toronto,
Ontario: Prentice Hall Canada.
ISBN 0-13-025870-9
EVALUATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Each student’s performance will be evaluated as follows:
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Class participation (this means class attendance and
discussion)
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20%
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In-class test (October 24)
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20%
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Discussion Paper (November 28)
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15%
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Major Policy Paper (March 13)
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30%
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Final Exam (In-Class on last session)
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15%
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TOPIC AND READING OUTLINE
First Term
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September 12
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Distribution of Course Outline and Introductions.
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September 19
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Social Problems in Canada,
ch. 2 – The Structures of Inequality (pp. 31-52). Presentation: Claudia
Kirsic, Chanelle Watkins, and Jordana Bargman,
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September 26
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Social Problems in Canada,
ch.2 – The Structures of Inequality (pp. 52 - 66). Presentation:
Alyssa, Robin, and Daniella
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October 3
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Social Issues and Contradictions ch.2 – Work and
Unemployment as Social Issues. Presentation: Alex Giletski and Rose
Colacci
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October 10
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Social Problems in Canada,
ch. 3 - Prejudice, Discrimination, Racism. Presentation: David
Alli, Dana Crosby and Candice Smith
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October 17
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Social Issues and Contradictions ch.3 – Capital Accumulation
and State Formation. Presentation: Chris Egizii and Craig Grainger
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October 24
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In-Class Exam
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October 31
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Social Problems in Canada,
ch.13 - Immigration and Multiculturalism. Presentation: Denise,
Akada, and Amanda Chiarella
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November 7
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Social Issues and Contradictions ch.9 – Multiculturalism,
Ethnic Identity, and Inequality. Presentation: Gifty Frimpong,
Nevin Bayatti and Sam Rozzoghi
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November 14
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Social Issues and Contradictions ch.11 – The Canadian
Criminal Justice System: Inequalities of Class, Race, and Gender. Presentation:
Jaclyn Baker, Lisa Lug and Byron Alvares
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November 21
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Social Problems in Canada,
ch. 5 - Crime and Control (pp. 136 -148 {Criminal Justice}). Presentation:
Samantha Grabb
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November 28
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Discussion Paper
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS
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Second Term
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January 9
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Social Problems in Canada,
ch. 5 - Crime and Control (pp. 148 -165). Presentation: Alyssa,
Robin and Daniella
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January 16
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Social Problems in Canada,
ch. 4 - Gender Relations (pp.101 - 118{Gender Inequality}). Presentation:
Claudia Kirsic, Chanelle Watkins and Jordan Bargman
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January 23
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Social Problems in Canada,
ch. 4 - Gender Relations {Gender Justice (pp.118-132)}. Presentation:
Amanda Chiarella, Samantha Grabb and Jaclyn Baker
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January 30
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Social Issues and Contradictions ch.8 – First Nations:
Walking the Path of Social Change. Presentation: Denise and Akada
James and Gifty Frimpong
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February 6
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Social Problems in Canada, ch. 11 - “Indian” Problems/Aboriginal
Solutions. Presentation: Presentation: Craig Grainger and Chris
Egizii
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February 13
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Reading Week
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February 20
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Social Problems in Canada, ch.7 – Mainstream Media
{Discourses In Defence of Ideology (pp191 – 207)}. Presentation: Byron
Alvares, Rose Colacci, David
Alli and Candice Smith
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February 27
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Social Problems in Canada, ch.7 – Mainstream Media {Portraying
Minorities (pp. 208 – 219)}.
Presentation: Lisa Lug and Alex Giletski
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March 6
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Social Problems in Canada, ch. 13 – Globalization and Global
Problems Presentation: Dayna Crosby and David Alli (Bonus Zone)
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March 13
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Major Policy Paper
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March 20
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Social Issues and Contradictions ch.16 – The Decline of the Welfare
State: Policies and Implications of Retrenchment. Presentation: Sam
Rozzoghi
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March 28
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Final Exam
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GRADING, ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION, LATENESS PENALTIES AND
MISSED TESTS
Grading: The grading scheme for the course conforms
to the 9-point grading system used in undergraduate programs at York (e.g.,
A+ = 9, A = 8, B+ - 7, C+ = 5, etc.). Assignments and tests* will
bear either a letter grade designation or a corresponding number grade
(e.g. A+ = 90 to 100, A = 80 to 90, B+ = 75 to 79, etc.) (For a
full description of York grading system see the York University
Undergraduate Calendar - http://calendars.registrar.yorku.ca/pdfs/ug2004cal/calug04_5_acadinfo.pdf)
Students may take a limited number of courses for degree credit on an
ungraded (pass/fail) basis. For full information on this option see
Alternative Grading Option in the Sociology/Arts section of the
Undergraduate Calendar: http://www.ats.yorku.ca/advising/handbook_2003/gradingsystem.html
Assignment Submission: Proper academic performance
depends on students doing their work not only well, but on time.
Accordingly, assignments for this course must be received on the due date
specified for the assignment. Written assignments are to be handed in
to the Course Instructor in person and and students must retain a computer
copy.
Lateness Penalty: Assignments received later than the
due date will be penalized one-half grade letter per day that the
assignment is late. Exceptions to the lateness penalty for valid reasons
such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc., may be entertained by the
Course Instructor but will require supporting documentation (e.g., a
doctor’s letter).
Missed Tests: Students with a documented reason
for missing a course test, such as illness, compassionate grounds, etc.,
which is confirmed by supporting documentation (e.g., doctor’s letter) may
request accommodation from the Course Instructor. Accommodation will entail
a make-up test on a date and time specified by the Course Instructor.
Further extensions or accommodation will require students to submit a
formal petition to the Faculty.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This advanced sociology course is strongly oriented to
policy analysis. Students will be required to identify an important matter
of public interest or social problem and its relation to public policy, and
conduct a year-long research project requiring independent research and
field work.
IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
All students are expected to familiarize themselves with the following
information, available on the Senate Committee on Curriculum & Academic
Standards webpage (see Reports, Initiatives, Documents) - http://www.yorku.ca/secretariat/senate_cte_main_pages/ccas.htm
- York’s Academic Honesty
Policy and Procedures/Academic Integrity Website
- Ethics Review Process for
research involving human participants
- Course requirement
accommodation for students with disabilities, including physical,
medical, systemic, learning and psychiatric disabilities
- Student Conduct Standards
- Religious Observance
Accommodation
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