Transcript Introduction and Overview - University of California, Irvine
Introduction and Overview
Political Science 61 / Chicano/Latino Studies 64 Lecture 1 September 28, 2007
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Course Overview
Introductions Course themes Course requirements and evaluation Class and sections Thinking critically about race/ethnicity and American politics A preliminary examination—the future of minority politics in the United States
Introductions
Louis DeSipio
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 824-1420 Office hours: Tuesday 3-5 Office: SSPB 5283
Teaching Assistant: Kim Shella
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Wednesday 1-2; Thursday 2-3 Office: SST 730
An additional teaching assistant to be named
Course Readings
Reading packet from Anteater Packet readings indicated with a ** on the syllabus DeSipio, Louis, and Rodolfo O. de la Garza. 1998.
Making Americans, Remaking America: Immigration and Immigrant Policy
. Boulder, CO: Westview Press Reeves, Keith. 1997.
America Voting Hopes or Fears: White Voters, Black Candidates and Racial Politics in
. New York: Oxford University Press Readings also available on reserve at Langston Library
Course Web Page
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https://eee.uci.edu/07f/67085/ Syllabus and essay assignments Lecture outlines Extra credit opportunity notices Occasional articles and data mentioned in lecture
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Course Themes
Why do we study “minority politics” rather than African American, Latino, or Asian American politics?
How have minorities contested the right of citizenship in the United States?
How do minority groups participate in contemporary politics? Is there a foundation for cross-group coalition?
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Course Requirements and Evaluation
Essays – Due October 16 and November 27 25 percent each Exams – October 30 and December 4 20 percent each Discussion section participation 10 percent Extra credit – Attend & review events on campus 1 percent each (maximum of 5 points)
Class and Sections
Class
Primarily lecture Some reference to assigned readings, but each lecture will focus on a specific theme Please raise questions (even if I don’t ask)
Sections
Opportunity to discuss readings and class themes in small groups The teaching assistants will discuss how they will assess performance in section next week
Tips
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Do readings before assigned class Get to know someone in class and compare notes Begin to think about essays today and keep track of readings and lectures that are relevant Don’t put off writing the essays until the night before they are due To prepare for exams – look for recurring themes
Ask questions!
Initial Observations: Race/Ethnicity & U.S. Politics
Traditionally, not central focus of scholarly attention Odd, since race (and, later, ethnicity) have been core cleavages in American political community and a resource for political organization Magna Carta is the result of ethnic politics From the Constitution … to today Immigration “reform” and border restriction 2008 elections and Obama and Richardson candidacies
Two Preliminary Questions
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The number of minorities in the United States is growing and their share of of the national population is increasing dramatically.
What effect will these changes have on the ways we think of “minority” and “majority?” Does growth guarantee influence?
Projected Population, by Group 2000-2100
250000000 200000000 150000000 100000000 50000000 0 White Black Latino Asian American 2000 2050 2100
Share of U.S. Population by Group 2000-2100
100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 2000 2050 2100 Asian American Latino Black White
Toward an Era of No Numerical Majority
What will be possible effects on inter-group relations when (non-Hispanic) whites are no longer the majority population?
Can we observe this phenomenon before 2100?
Will these race/ethnic categories mean the same thing in 2100 that they do today?
Dynamics of change
Black, Latino, and Asian American Votes, 2004
Percentage national electorate Blacks – 11% Latinos – 6% Asian Americans – 2%
90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 Black Latino Asian American Bush Kerry
Minority Influence
Why do minorities participate at lower rates than do non-Hispanic whites?
Each minority group is more likely to support Democratic candidates over Republicans.
What effect does this phenomenon have on party politics?
What effect does it have on minority political influence?
Questions for Next Class
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What did the Voting Rights Act provide for Black and other minority voters?
Why?