Michael Rossi
Long Island University Brooklyn
Department of Political Science
Program in International Relations

Spring 2021

This course examines the roles of ethnicity and culture as forms of collective political identity in the United States. Among the areas of study included are discussions of the formation of beliefs, values, and preferences; the role of language as a vehicle for meaning and communication both between in-group members and external actors; how ethnicity shapes and orients socio-political and socio-economic orientation; and the use of ethnicity as a cultural tool for political activity.

The relationship between politics and culture, and in particular the role of ethnicity and ethnic identity, is a major area of study in understanding political behavior, voting patterns, the formation of values, and the reasons why political actors cater to groups in the manners they do. Though “culture” and “ethnicity” are largely social constructs that are shaped by institutional and economic circumstance, they are nevertheless critically important elements of identity that, in turn, shape and direct ideas to either empower or disenfranchise authority. As such, it is extremely difficult to separate politics from ethnicity, and culture from collective action.

The main objective of this class is to understand the political-economic determinants of ethnic identity and conflict. This means addressing these and other important questions:

a) What does it mean to belong to an ethnic group, or a national or racial group? Are such groupings unavoidable?

b) Does ethnic conflict exist or does such conflict actually obscure and refract more primary conflicts in society over capital, space, or state power?

c) Are societies with few such ethnic groups more stable and less prone to ethnic conflict and violence than those with more such groups?

d) Why does ethnic and racial division seem so much stronger in the US than in other countries?

e) What are the political implications and causes of ethnic identity division? How does ethnic and racial identity change?

f) How do ethnic groups relate to each other and define themselves?

Assigned readings are attached to the descriptions of each corresponding lecture.

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