This course examines the interaction between different racial groups in the U.S. from the 19th century to the present. Conventionally, such studies focus solely on the hackneyed Black-white paradigm of U.S. race relations. This seminar explodes that dichotomy, searching for a broader historical model, including yellow, brown, red, and ethnic white.

We will critically interrogate the history of contact that exists between these diverse “groups,” and whether conflict or confluence dominates their interaction. If conflict, what factors have prevented meaningful alliances? If confluence, what roles have these groups played in collectively striving for a multiracial democracy?