This course examines the idea of race from the perspective of science, history, and lived experience to help the student properly evaluate inequalities of treatment (on the basis of race or any other marker) in various sectors of life in the United States. The course aims at helping the student a) perceive what is taught about race and what is communicated in our schools and colleges about the meaning of racial ascription, of color, and whiteness and b) to figure out how the power of educational institutions can best be used to promote equality and racial justice in society.