Why a Race in American Society Minor at Le Moyne College?

Race in American Society helps Le Moyne students understand the wide-reaching impact of institutional racism and its impact on people of color in America. Students will also learn how the designation of “White” bestows privilege on those whose appearance allows them to be identified in that way. Our minor also provides a forum to celebrate the accomplishments of African American, Indigenous, and other people of color. Through an examination of the social sciences, humanities, and business, students will build an understanding of the role that race plays in the lives of Americans in contemporary America consistent with the Jesuit value of cura personalis.

Program Highlights

Students

The Race in American Society minor complements any major, building the knowledge and skills needed to understand the increasingly complicated mosaic that is American society. Students will focus on:

  • distinguishing between prejudice and discrimination (thought versus action)
  • identifying elements of society that systematically disadvantage people of color, and distinguish between individual racism and institutional racism
  • identifying elements of social structure that systematically privilege people who are identified as “white” 
  • developing the tools to become anti-racist activists

Typical Program of Study

Student researchers

The minor requires fifteen hours of course work: two required courses and three courses approved by the program director. At least one of the three supporting courses must be in the humanities and one must be in the social sciences. 

Required Courses:

  • Introduction to Race in American Society
  • Capstone Course in Race in American Society

Examples of Supporting Courses: 

  • Anthropology of Refugees
  • Race, Gender, Justice
  • Native American History
  • Philosophy of Race
  • Social Inequality