In Honors Literature of Minority Americans, students will use the principles of Critical Race Theory to 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 synthesize their learning by engaging 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 end does race appear in mainstream American culture and shape the ways in which we interact with each other?
• What types of texts and other cultural artifacts reflect perceptions of race in the dominant culture?
• 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 enjoy equal representation and equal access to fundamental rights?
• How can we accurately express the experiences of victims of racism?