AS/SOSI4440 B Racialization, Discrimination and the Law

Syllabus

Class: Thursday 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Dr. Lorne Foster
e-mail: lfoster@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:

Class participation (this means class attendance and discussion)	20%
In-class test (October 19)	20%
Discussion Paper (November 29)	15%
Major Policy Paper  (March 15)	30%
Final Exam (In-Class on last session)	15%

TOPIC AND READING OUTLINE

First Term
September 7	Distribution of Course Outline and Introductions.
September 14	Social Problems in Canada, ch. 2 – The Structures of Inequality (pp. 31-52). Presentation: Sona Vescio and Sara Simoes
September 21	Social Problems in Canada, ch.2 – The Structures of Inequality (pp. 52 - 66). Presentation: Melissa Tamboretto, JennyGazzaruso, Vittoria Gialloro and Reale Forbes
September 28	Social Issues and Contradictions ch.2 – Work and Unemployment as Social Issues. Presentation: Kristen Ferlisi, DeniseSpera and Sarda Ramsuchit
October 5	Social Problems in Canada, ch. 3 - Prejudice, Discrimination, Racism. Presentation: Nimasha Mathawathage and Savika Singh
October 12	Social Issues and Contradictions ch.3 – Capital Accumulation and State Formation. Presentation: Charlene Britto, Lily Wang, and Josie Magno
October 19	In-Class Exam
October 26	Social Issues and Contradictions ch.13 – Urbanization: Issues and Problems. Presentation: Anna and Lisa Dennison, Luwam Sebhatu and Kristina Babb
November 2	Social Problems in Canada, ch.13 - Immigration and Multiculturalism. Presentation: Tamare Donaldson, Krystle Skeete, and Zola Jeffers
November 9	Social Issues and Contradictions ch.9 – Multiculturalism, Ethnic Identity, and Inequality. Presentation: Elizabeth Wong, Lianne Farman, MarleneAraujo and Aliki Yorgiadis
November 15	Social Issues and Contradictions ch.11 – The Canadian Criminal Justice System: Inequalities of Class, Race, and Gender. Presentation: Deandra, Krystle P.. Gina Chung and Mariana C.
November 22	Social Problems in Canada, ch. 5 - Crime and Control (pp. 136 -148 {Criminal Justice})
November 29	Discussion Paper
Second Term
January 4	Distribution of Discussion Papers
January 11	Social Problems in Canada, ch. 5 - Crime and Control (pp. 148 -165). Presentation: Gina Chung, Krystle P. and Mariana
January 18	Social Problems in Canada, ch. 4 - Gender Relations (pp.101 - 118{Gender Inequality}). Presentation: Elizabeth Wong, Lianne Furman, Shanda Ramsuchit and Melissa Tamburello
January 25	Social Problems in Canada, ch. 4 - Gender Relations {Gender Justice (pp.118-132)}. Presentation: Anna Wilk, Lisa Dennison and Marlene Araujo
February 1	Social Issues and Contradictions ch.8 – First Nations: Walking the Path of Social Change. Presentation: Sara Simoes, Sonia Vescio, and Sharda Ramsuchit
February 8	Social Problems in Canada, ch. 11 - “Indian” Problems/Aboriginal Solutions. Presentation: Deandra, Josie Mmagro, Charlene Brilto and Lily Wang
February 15	Reading Week
February 22	Social Problems in Canada, ch.7 – Mainstream Media {Discourses In Defence of Ideology (pp191 – 207)}. Presentation Nimasha Mathawathage, Savika Singh, Aliki Yorgiadis, Kristina Babb and Luwam Sebhatu
March 1	Social Problems in Canada, ch.7 – Mainstream Media {Portraying Minorities (pp. 208 – fixginz z znc 219)}. Presentation: Tamara, Krystle Skeefe, and Reale Forbes
March 8	Social Problems in Canada, ch. 13 – Globalization and Global Problems. Presentation: Denise Spera and Kristen Ferlisi {Bonus Zone!!!!!}
March 15	Major Policy Paper
March 22	Social Issues and Contradictions ch.16 – The Decline of the Welfare State: Policies and Implications of Retrenchment. Presentation: Charlene Britto, Lily Wang Josie Magro and Melissa Tamboretto {Bonus Zone!!!!!!}
March 29	Final Exam

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