Race, Multiculturalism and Politics
Instructor Information
Dr. José Marichal (he/him/his)
Professor of Political Science
Contact: marichal@callutheran.edu
Office Hours: Tu 11:15 a.m.-1:15 pm & by appointment (See Blackboard for Zoom link)
Time and Place: Swenson Center (SWEN) Tent B
Instructor Bio
Dr. Marichal is a tenured Professor of Political Science at California Lutheran University. He specializes in studying the role that social media plays in restructuring political behavior and institutions. In 2012, his book Facebook Democracy (Routledge Press) was published: it looks at the ways in which social media platforms encourage antagonistic political discourse and how they could be regulated. In addition, Dr. Marichal (with collaborators) is using computational social scientific methods in projects, including an examination of debates about fracking on Twitter, candidate branding and political talk on Facebook. In 2018, Dr. Marichal organized the Western Political Science Association’s mini-conference on Algorithmic Politics. Currently, he is working on a book focused on the damaging effects among citizens of “algorithmic mentality” on democracy.
Course Description
The central goal of this course is to understand identity (racial identity in particular) as phenomena that affect both daily life and the political process. Understanding identity is central to becoming an active citizens. Active citizens are critical thinkers who examine the underlying mechanisms that guide societal outcomes, while passive citizens unquestioningly follow society’s rules irrespective of whether they are morally right. Active citizens engage with the world and strive to make it more just while passive citizens let others make decisions for them.
Being an active citizen requires an understanding of the forces that affect human thought and behavior. Two factors that impact significantly upon the human experience are the phenomena of race and ethnicity. An understanding of the dynamics of stratification, minority/majority relations, discrimination, racism and identity formation are critical in understanding how human beings understand themselves and respond to their environments.
The class begins with the assumption that racism and ethnic discrimination are immoral practices. Practically all of the world’s present armed conflicts have racial or ethnic hatred at their root. Racial and ethnic animosity has result in the slaughter of hundreds of millions of people throughout history. As active citizens, you have a responsibility to try to reduce the amount of racism and ethnic discrimination present in the world around you. To help accomplish this goal, I have assigned several readings, films, audio excerpts assignments, and class activities designed to make you think critically about the role that race and ethnicity play in motivating human behavior.
In creating a learning environment in which diversity is embraced and contradictions are explored, it is important that all students feel safe, respected, and free to address the complex subjects and feelings that may arise as a result of readings and discussions. Therefore, it is imperative that all of us treat each topic and each other with maturity and respect. Your contributions to class discussions will be important and valued aspects of this course. If you are uncomfortable with frank and open discussions, then you may want to reconsider taking this course.
Mission and Learning Objectives
University: Communication (Written & Oral); Information Literacy; Creative & Critical Thinking; Identity & Values; Interpersonal & Teamwork Skills, Cross-Cultural Competency
Graduation Requirements fulfilled by this course: fulfills CORE 21 Writing Intensive requirements; count as upper-division elective for the POLS or COMM major
Course Requirements
- Students join class on time, prepared to learn. If you are unable to participate in class, due to illness or other reasons, then review discussion slides and class materials uploaded to Blackboard.
- Talking, working, and thinking with others are key to this course. We will discuss controversial subjects. Rude interruptions and personal attacks will not be tolerated.
- If a professor or a guest-speaker find your behavior to be disruptive or disrespectful, you may have to leave the class session.
- Readings and viewings for the day need to be completed prior to class start-time.
- Academic Honesty: CLU is dedicated to academic excellence, honesty and integrity. Plagiarism, cheating, and unethical computer use will result in disciplinary sanctions.
- All assignments and exams must be submitted on time online as a PDF attachment.
- Follow all public health protocols.
- Assignments must be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, with 1-inch margins, pages numbered, and correct citation/reference format (APA Style).
- Disability Statement: If requesting accommodations, register with Disability Support Service (DSS@callutheran.edu).
- Sexual Misconduct: CLU does not tolerate any degree of sexual misconduct.
Assignments & Assessment
Blackboard Contribution (10 points): Post on Blackboard before class either a question about the reading/videos, a question that emerges from them, or a link to a resource.
Exams (90 points): Three in-class exams (30 points each) where you will be asked to identify key issues and apply theories and concepts.
Grading Scale
92–100 A | 90–91 A- | 88–89 B+
82–87 B | 80–81 B- | 78–79 C+
72–77 C | 70–71 C- | 68–69 D+
62–67 D | 60–61 D- | 59 or less F