The Fundamentals of Race and Anti-Black Racism

“The murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor in the U.S. as well as the brutal beating of Defonte Miller and death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet in Canada have reinvigorated the Black Lives Matter movement and have sparked new discussions about the prevalence of anti-Black racism in Canada. This non-credit, generalist course will focus on issues related to race and its origins, anti-Black Racism, and the construct of whiteness. Through case studies and the sharing of experiences, participants explore their own relationships to power, privilege, and oppression to enhance their awareness within their personal and professional interactions.

The online course will use a reflexive and participatory approach. Learning formats will include lectures, case studies, group discussions, role plays, group work, journaling, videos and guest presentations. You will be expected to draw on the assigned readings in class discussions and take notes. You are also expected to keep informed of the media coverage of contemporary social issues. The instructor may make changes to course content depending on issues of contemporary relevance.

Learning Outcomes

Enhanced vocabulary around issues of race, racism, ethnicity, and equity.
Increased knowledge about systemic and interpersonal racism.
Developing understanding of how political, economic and social-cultural practice shape identity, power, privilege and oppression.
Demonstrated capacity for critical self-reflection and increased awareness of unconscious bias, prejudice, and microaggressions.
Identification of promising strategies to comprehensively address anti-Black racism within our society and the workplace.
Learners will be expected to actively participate in online classes and complete a combination of reflections, presentations, and assignments. Upon successful completion of this class learners will receive grade of completion and receive a Certificate of Completion”