T002A: Critical Race Theory in Education

This course focuses on the epistemological, methodological, and pedagogical uses of critical race theory (CRT) in the examination and deconstruction of race-based educational disparities and inequalities in K-12 and postsecondary education. The overarching goals of the course will be to examine the utility of CRT as a theoretical framework in (1) interrogating the factors that cause racial educational disparities; (2) exploring why inequalities exist and persist; and (3) determining sustainable remedies to these disparities and inequalities. The course will begin by looking at CRT's roots in critical legal studies. The course will then explore CRT's more recent applications in the realm of education, which has its roots in examining the experiences of African Americans and others society deems as Black. In doing so, students will confront the intra- and interpersonal challenges and strengths of multiple socially constructed race groups by examining the branches of CRT that focus on people of color, including Latinos, Asians, and Indigenous peoples, and the use of CRT to examine Whiteness. Students will also investigate how CRT can be applied to other global racial dynamics and emerging technologies, such as AI. And ultimately the class will help students examine the racialized experiences of students and educators in traditional and non-traditional K-12 and higher education spaces. The course culminates with students being able to investigate the particular areas/fields/topics that they would like to explore through a CRT lens. The course instructors also work closely with students to co-construct learning communities that interrogate what we learn, how we learn, and why.