Racial socialization is a construct used to describe the messages transmitted to youth by parents, peers, media, and schools about the meaning and significance of racial/ethnic group identity, racial stratification,and inter and intragroup relations. For African American youth, racial socialization includes promoting awareness of and coping strategies for discrimination. The course will reflect the state of the literature and focus heavily on examining the role of parents (biological parents, parent figures, and extended kin) in helping their children understand and cope with racism and discrimination in their schools, communities, and the media.