Teaching Antiracism in a Large Introductory Psychology Class: A Course Module and Its Evaluation

In: Journal of black studies, Band 36, Heft 1, S. 34-51

Abstract

The effectiveness of an Introductory Psychology course module on racism was assessed using a short questionnaire immediately afterwards and then later at the end of the semester. Students of color were consistently more aware of the prevalence and manifestations of racism in U.S. society today, compared to White students. White students also appeared to exhibit self-serving biases related to ethnicity-based privileges. Reported attitude changes were not correlated with actual attitude changes, as assessed with this questionnaire. Overall, this course module was effective in changing the attitudes about racism in White students, yet its effect was limited. On the other hand, given the permanence of racist attitudes and beliefs, any measurable success in this context should be celebrated.