HOW
DO WE KNOW US FROM THEM?
April 12 and April 19, 2000
One of the more common phrases in the academy is to posit that race is a social construct. While that may be it is also a historical construct. In short, we create and re-create the meaning of race. Racial meaning(s) is not trans-historical. In our brief time together, we will examine the construction and reconstruction of racial meaning in the United States. At the end, if we are successful, we will identify the current social and historical construction of race.
“I looked at it as an opportunity to expand my own mind and think at a deeper level. Dr. Pierce treated us as true scholars and broadened our knowledge in the area of race. He asked us questions and engaged us in conversation and dialogue that led to real self-discovery. I am a different person for having been here these two short days and all that I learned I will take back to my classroom.”
- Joanne Connaughton
“I expected to have a scholarly experience studying and discussing history. My expectations were more than met. Professor Pierce is brilliant and led us through the readings via group exercises, lectures, and dialogue. This was wonderful- thank you.”
- Al Large
“From the beginning we were treated like scholars and expected to be scholars. Wow! TAS has stretched my thinking, called me back to study and to read beyond novels, and made me tap into my own beliefs.”
- Sr. Dian Majsterek
RICHARD PIERCE is Assistant Professor of History. He is interested in African American history and American urban history. Professor Pierce is currently working on a history of African American community life in Indianapolis from 1945-1975.