Race relations have been a key part of American and world history, and race and ethnicity affect many more aspects of our lives than we might initially believe.  In this course, we will examine race and ethnicity in the United States, considering where we are today, how we got there, and how we might improve race relations for the future. You will alsolearn about race and ethnicity in this course through a variety of activities, including textbook readings, films, online discussions, papers and other written exercises, web explorations, and experiential projects.

Entry Level Competencies: There are no prerequisites for taking this course. However, you will need to have several important skills to succeed in this course: organizational skills; ability to work independently; willingness to ask for help; and college-level reading and writing skills.

If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

• Understand why we have so much trouble talking to each other about race
• Understand how much of everyday life and life opportunities are shaped by race
• Understand the extent and dynamics of racial inequality, racism, and discimination today
• Understand the severity and lasting effects of major historical incidents of racism
• Be aware of and evaluate personal and organizational efforts to reduce racial inequality and racism.

For information on how to order your textbooks, go to http://eli.nvcc.edu/books/.

The required textbook for this course is:

• Charles Gallagher (ed.), Rethinking the Color Line: Readings in Race and Ethnicity, 3rd edition (McGraw-Hill Publishers)

• Besides the textbook, there will be no other required materials to purchase.  However, if you are new to online courses, you might want to also review some advice on succeeding in the online environment.  A good text for this purpose is Ryan Watkins and Michael Corry, E-learning Companion: A Student's Guide to Online Success.  I have not ordered this for the class so you will not see it listed when you go to the link above to order your course textbook, but you can find it at various online booksellers if you are interested.  You can also borrow the book from NOVA's library.

Your course grade will be determined according to the following points:

There are two (2) print-based exams in this course. You are expected to take your examinations at one of the NVCC campus Testing Centers. Be sure to allow enough time to complete your exam before the Testing Center closes; Testing Centers have specific policies relating to the administration of ELI exams. You will need to take a photo ID, your NovaConnect empl ID number, and the appropriate Exam Pass when you go to the Testing Center.  

For Testing Center locations, hours of operation and policies, click here.

For information on taking exams outside of the metropolitan area, click here.

I am here to help you succeed in this course. Occasionally questions or problems may arise. Here is how to contact me when they do:

E-mail : jlerner@nvcc.edu
Telephone : (703) 450-2514
You may also call me to schedule a meeting in person, either at ELI or my campus office in Loudoun.

1. Use your web browser to connect to http://www.nvcc.edu/bbstart. Follow the directions to determine your email, Blackboard and VIVA account user names and passwords.
2. Access your email account and make sure you know how to use it; you will be required to use this account for all course-related email.
3. Log on to Blackboard at http://learn.vccs.edu.
4. Click on this course under "My Courses." Review the entire course to make sure you understand what will be required of you. Then start completing the assignments.

Please note that account generation takes approximately one week from the time of your paid registration. If you cannot log on after one week, contact the IT Help Desk. If you can log on to Blackboard, but your course isn't listed, please contact ELI or your instructor.