PS 534 The Making and Unmaking of American Racial Hierarchy

History shows that racial justice movements in the United States are always met by often violent counter movements that seek to roll back the clock on civil rights. This course views ongoing struggles over American racial hierarchy through the lens of rival political coalitions. Part 1 explores the racial hierarchy of early America and its collapse after the Civil War. Part 2 looks at struggles over American racial hierarchy in the 20th century and up to the present day. Part 3 looks ahead to consider alternative scenarios for the future.