African American journalist Isabel Wilkerson has argued that race in America is a form of caste, the system of hierarchy from birth that governs society in India and other South Asian countries. Is that a fair comparison? This course uses key forms of analysis associated with the African American and Dalit experience to explore historical and present experiences of difference. With sources ranging from poetry to graphic novels to film, students will learn tools with which they can come to understand how systems of oppression intersect and how solidarities can form across the world.

Cross-listed with AAST298D and CMLT298C. Credit will be only granted for AAST298D or SLLC299C or CMLT298C.