| The course will examine critically and comparatively social policies that address disparities (in income, wealth, health, educational attainment, quality of life) across racial and ethnic groups. The latter includes disparities associated with class or religious affiliation. The relative effectiveness of targeted versus universal programs as remedies will be considered, ranging from social insurance strategies like national health insurance programs to affirmative action (class-based versus race-based) to truth and reconciliation commissions to reparations. Specific countries or regions whose history and policies will be assessed include India, the United States of America, Brazil, Malaysia, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, Burundi, South Africa, and the former Yugoslavia. |
