Full lesson	Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle}
Which subject	Sociology
What topic	Researching Race and ethnicity case studies in the United States
What length (min)	90
What age group	College
Class size	25
What curriculum	Ethnic studies
Include full script
Check previous homework
Ask some students to presents their homework
Add a physical break
Add group activities
Include homework
Show correct answers
Prepare slides
Number of slides	5
Create fill-in cards for students
Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments

Lesson plan

Researching Race and Ethnicity Case Studies in the United States

Objectives

• To understand the social construction of race and ethnicity in the United States.
• To learn about different theoretical approaches to studying race and ethnicity.
• To analyze case studies of race and ethnicity in the United States using sociological concepts and theories.
• To develop critical thinking and writing skills.
• To participate in group discussions and activities.

Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts of case studies
• Printable cards for students
• Laptops or tablets for research
• Timer or clock
• Chairs for seating

Grade/Age Group

College – 25 students

Subject

Sociology

National Curriculum

Ethnic studies

Lesson Structure

Step Number	Step Title	Length	Details
1	Introduction and Review of Previous Lesson	10 mins	Review the previous lesson briefly and ask a few students to present their homework assignments.
2	Lecture and Discussion: Social Construction of Race	20 mins	Give a lecture on how race is socially constructed and lead a discussion about the implications of this for society.
3	Group Activity: Analyzing Case Studies	30 mins	Assign students to small groups and provide them with handouts of case studies related to race and ethnicity issues in the US.
4	Break	10 mins	Give a physical activity break to students.
5	Lecture and Discussion: Approaches to Studying Race	20 mins	Give a lecture on different theoretical approaches to studying race and ethnicity and discuss their relevance for case studies.
6	Individual Activity: Analyzing Case Studies	20 mins	Distribute printable cards to students and ask them to take notes on their analysis of case studies.
7	Collecting and Random Checking of Printable Cards	10 mins	Collect or randomly check students' completed printable cards.
8	Conclusion and Homework Assignment	10 mins	Summarize the key points of the lesson and assign homework for the next class, which could involve additional case study analysis.

Note: The lesson may take longer than 90 mins, depending on how long students take to complete their individual activity and homework assignment.

Lesson script

Step 1: Introduction and Review of Previous Lesson

Hello everyone! Welcome back to our sociology class. Let's start by quickly reviewing the previous lesson. Can a few students please present their homework assignments?

Step 2: Lecture and Discussion: Social Construction of Race

Today we will be discussing how race is socially constructed in the United States. Race is not something that is biologically determined, but rather it is something that is created by society. This has implications for how different racial groups are treated in various contexts. What do you think are some of the implications of social constructions of race?

Step 3: Group Activity: Analyzing Case Studies

Now, we will be working in groups and analyzing case studies related to race and ethnicity issues in the US. Each group will receive a handout with a case study. Please read the case study carefully and discuss it as a group. You will have 30 minutes to do this.

Step 4: Break

Let's take a 10-minute break to stretch our legs and re-energize.

Step 5: Lecture and Discussion: Approaches to Studying Race

Now that we have analyzed case studies, let's talk about different theoretical approaches to studying race and ethnicity. These theoretical approaches help us understand how race and ethnicity shape our experiences. What are some theoretical approaches that you find interesting?

Step 6: Individual Activity: Analyzing Case Studies

Now you will individually analyze the case study that your group received. I am going to distribute printable cards to you. On the front, please write a brief summary of the case study. On the back, please analyze the case study using sociological concepts and theories that we have learnt so far. You will have 20 minutes to do this.

Step 7: Collecting and Random Checking of Printable Cards

Thank you for completing your printable cards. Let's either collect them or I will do random checks to ensure everyone has done the exercise correctly.

Step 8: Conclusion and Homework Assignment

We have learned a great deal about race and ethnicity today. Please summarize the key points we discussed. Also, for homework, please read another case study related to race and ethnicity issues in the US and write a brief analysis of it. I am looking forward to reading your homework submissions.

That concludes our lesson for today. See you next time!

Slides

| --- | --- | --- | | 1 | {Image: A podium with books and a microphone} | Welcome back to our sociology class. | | 2 | {Image: A crowd of people} | Race is socially constructed in the US and has implications on different racial groups. What are some of these implications? | | 3 | {Image: A handout with a pencil and highlighter} | Analyze case studies related to race and ethnicity in groups using sociological concepts. | | 4 | {Image: A clock} | Take a 10-minute break. | | 5 | {Image: A chalkboard with notes} | Different theoretical approaches to studying race and ethnicity. What theories do you find interesting? | | 6 | {Image: A hand holding a pen} | Analyze the case study individually using sociological concepts and theories. | | 7 | {Image: A hand holding a stack of papers} | Collecting or random checking for printable cards. | | 8 | {Image: A whiteboard with notes} | Recap key points of the lesson and homework assignment. |

Homework

1. Define social construction of race and explain how it differs from biological determination.
2. What are some examples of how social constructions of race have led to inequality and discrimination against certain racial groups in the United States?
3. Analyze the case study "The Lynching of Emmett Till" using sociological concepts and theories that we have learned so far.
4. Research and find a current event that relates to social constructions of race in the United States. Summarize the event and explain how it illustrates the concept of social construction of race.

Correct answers:

1. Social construction of race is the idea that race is not biologically determined, but rather it is created and defined by society and cultural norms. Biological determination, on the other hand, suggests that race is determined by genetic and biological factors. (Answer should also explain how the two concepts differ from each other.)
2. Possible answers: Historically, social constructions of race have been used to justify the enslavement and segregation of Black people in the United States. Social constructions of race have also led to discriminatory laws and practices that have limited opportunities and resources for people of color. This has resulted in lower levels of education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for many non-white populations in the US.
3. Possible analysis: The lynching of Emmett Till can be analyzed using a number of different sociological concepts, including symbolic violence, racialization, and intersectionality. These concepts help to explain how the lynching was not an isolated incident, but rather a result of larger societal structures and attitudes about race and gender. They also help to explain why many other crimes against Black citizens have occurred in the United States and other parts of the world without sufficient justice being served.
4. Students' responses will vary depending on the current event they have chosen. However, correct answers should summarize the event and explain how it illustrates the concept of social construction of race. For example, a student might choose to analyze the police killing of George Floyd and explain how the event highlights the fact that social constructions of race can lead to the over-policing and brutalization of non-white individuals in the United States.

Printables

| --- | --- | | What is race? | | | Is race biologically determined? | | | How is race created? | | | What are some implications of social constructions of race? | | | What are some theoretical approaches to studying race and ethnicity? | | | What will be the homework assignment for this lesson? | |

Backup questions

1. How can the concept of social construction of race be applied to the experiences of individuals from multiracial backgrounds?
2. Can you think of any examples where social constructions of race have been challenged or changed over time?
3. How might the construction of race impact access to resources, privileges, and power in society?
4. Can you think of any ways in which racism and prejudice are perpetuated by social constructions of race?
5. How can learning about different theoretical approaches to studying race and ethnicity help us better understand and address issues related to race in our society?

Physical break

• High knees
• Jumping jacks
• Push-ups
• Mountain climbers
• Lunges
• Squats
• Plank
• Arm circles
• Toe touches
• Wall sits

Or, presented as a poem:

Jumping jacks and high knees too, Push-ups and mountain climbers, who knew? Lunges, squats, and plank are a hit, Arm circles and toe touches, don't quit! Let's finish off with a wall sit.