HSY4700

Contours of Racial Thought ( 12 points, SCA Band 1, 0.250 EFTSL)

Leader: Andrew Markus

Offered:
Not offered in 2006.

Synopsis: Covers conceptualisation of 'race' in Western culture since Middle Ages, exploring conceptual difficulties in designating study in context of changing ideas of insider/outsider,'us'/'Other', examining specific 'moments' in development of European thought: basis of anti-Semitism in medieval period; ideas of purity of blood in 15th century Spain; Valladolid debates and uses of biblical/ Greek thought; 17th century justifications of slavery in American colonies;18th century taxonomies of human types; polygenesis and the 'American school'; Gobineau and the new racial paradigm; impact of romantic thought; Ernest Renan, Franz Boas and concept of 'culturalism'; racial thought in late 20th century.

Assessment: Seminar paper (1000 words): 10% + Research essay (5000 words): 60% + Take-home examination (3 hours): 30%

Contact Hours: 2 hour seminar per week

Prohibitions: HYM4500, HYM5500