University of Texas at Austin Sociology Department
Day One Comprehensive (Comps) Exams 2014-2015
Race and Ethnicity
You have four hours within which to answer two questions from the list of seven below. Write out the
full question and the number at the start of each answer.
1.
The ontology of race and racism
Discuss the key contributions to the study of racism. In your essay, (a) examine the main arguments,
perspectives and/or paradigms, (b) key concepts and ideas, and (c) the most representative scholars
proposing those ideas. Write your essay based on TWO of the following:
— African and African diaspora studies
— U.S. Latina/o studies
— Intersectionality perspectives in sociology
— Asian American Studies
2.
Race/ethnicity
Trace the theories and conceptualizations about race and ethnicity developed by theorists/researchers of
color (Black, Latino, Asian, etc.) to explain and interpret the social experiences of racial minorities in the
United States. Span your essay from the mid-20th century (starting in the 1960s) to the present and make
references to at least four theorists/researchers.
3.
Social institutions
“Diversity” is frequently heralded by institutions as way to address structural inequalities and to make
organizations more representative of the constituents they serve. Critically examine the extent to which
“diversity”, both as a concept and policy initiative, challenges or reinforces institutional racism.
4.
Intersectionality
The importance of conducting an “intersectional” analysis of social phenomenon is now de rigueur within
critical race studies and feminism. Paying particular attention to the work of Patricia Hill Collins, outline
the history and formation of the concept, how it is used today, and whether or not the concept continues to
have relevance in helping us to understand questions of race and ethnicity. Provide specific examples to
support your argument.
1
5.
Colonialism/modernity
Post-colonial theory has impacted a range of disciplines such as English Literature, Anthropology and
History. Critically evaluate the extent to which post-colonial theory has or has not impacted sociology as
practiced in the United States of America.
6.
Immigration and the State
Describe and explain how immigration policies by the state do or do not have differential racial/ethnic
effects for immigrant groups. If you argue that US immigration policies have “racial biases”, provide
examples and illustrations to support your argument, and, in addition, explain or theorize about the nature
of the bias, that is, what social practice or condition do the biased policies support or promote and explain
or theorize, and what is the end goal of the state in pursuing biased immigration policies. If you argue that
immigration policies are “racially unbiased”, then explain or theorize how immigrant differential
outcomes (such as in legal status, economic conditions, etc.) can be explained by factors outside of the
state sector. Develop your essay from the perspective of two or three immigration policies or enforcement
measures affecting at least two racially different groups (such as Black, Latino, Asian, or white).
7.
Culture and Identity
The late Stuart Hall is one the major sociological thinkers on race, culture and identity. Outline Hall’s
key arguments on how race should be theorized, how culture should be defined, and how identity should
be understood. To what extent is Hall’s approach an advance (or not) on previous approaches to these
questions within sociology.
2