Race and Class Relations

Aim:

To develop an awareness of race and class structures, conflicts and positive relations in selected countries.

Objective

At the end of the module students will:

* Understand some of the factors that determine race and class relations;

* Be able to critically assess social situations of race and/or class conflict and to propose practical ways of reconciliation.

* Be able to propose strategies which will minimise racial and social conflict;

Content:

Overview of race and class relations in a selected country. Manifestations of racism; definitions; studies of racism and class; racism and class in the Old and New Testaments. Factors which exacerbate race and class conflict, such as social and economic deprivation. The nature of prejudice and its reinforcement; social, psychological spiritual and class perspective. Sociological studies of race, class and religious adherence, with three examples from a students' selected countries. Race, class and community development; historical and recent examples, e.g. multi-cultural projects. Mediation processes. Immigration policies, issues, and related human rights. Refugee and asylum situations. Reconciliation: truce versus transformation. Strategies for pre-emptive action. Critical assessment of the effectiveness of Christian or other faith mission in overcoming racism. A review of other forms of social division and conflict. The formation and constitution of new communities.