Using the tenets of Critical Race Theory, in Honors Great Books students will examine works of American and world literature. They will study novels through an examination of plot, situation, character motivation, and thematic implications, develop an understanding of universal themes across cultural, social, and historical contexts, and will synthesize their learning by participating in oral and written responses to literature. During the course, the following questions will be considered: • What is the significance of race in contemporary American society? • Where, in what ways, and to what ends does race appear in dominant American culture and shape the ways we interact with one another? • What types of texts and other cultural artifacts reflect dominant culture’s perceptions of race? • How can scholars convey that racism is a concern that affects all members of society? • How does racism continue to function as a persistent force in American society? • How can we combat racism to ensure that all members of American society experience equal representation and access to fundamental rights? • How can we accurately reflect the experiences of victims of racism? Scholarly excepts on Critical Race Theory will be examined as well. Honors Great Books is a 5-credit course which fulfills A-G requirement of the UC/CSU Subject Area Requirements.