Honors College 499CQ - HonThesisSem-ConquestLaw1stSem

This senior honors thesis course looks at current and past legal structures that have marginalized certain groups in the U.S. - including American Indians, immigrants, African Americans, and the poor - while perpetuating inequality. It also looks at how state and federal laws have been used over the centuries to perpetuate inequalities while addressing the potential to legislate equality and social justice. From the time Europeans first arrived on this continent, there was competition for resources and control. First the colonies, then the U.S. government, enacted laws to ensure that resources and control remained in the hands of a select few. Even today, the top 1% of Americans own 40% of the wealth in this country while the bottom 80% owns just 7%. However, marginalization affects more than just wealth. Its effects are also evident in social justice issue such as access to health care, access to a healthy space to live and work, and access to clean air and water. While there are state and federal laws in place that address some of these issues, not every aspect of social justice can simply be legislated. In addition to looking at the legal aspects of social justice, this course considers the potential for other means of leveling the playing field.

Title: Conquest by Law:

Open to Anthro and non-Anthro students completing their senior honors thesis.

Requires enrollment in Anthro 499D in Spring 2023. For enrollment, contact Prof. Kathleen Brown-Perez at brown-perez@honors.umass.edu