Co-editors Drs. Charles Gallagher and Cameron Lippard recently completed a four-volume encyclopedia on race and racism in America. Following is an introduction to the set:
The way we treat the concept of race is ever-changing in America. How is race defined and perceived in America today, and how do these definitions and perceptions compare to attitudes 100 years ago… or 200 years ago? This four-volume set is the definitive source for every topic related to race in the United States.
In the 21st century, it is easy for some students and readers to believe that racism is a thing of the past; in reality, old wounds have yet to heal, and new forms of racism are taking shape. Racism has played a role in American society since the founding of the nation, in spite of the words "all men are created equal" within the Declaration of Independence. This set is the largest and most complete of its kind, covering every facet of race relations in the United States while providing information in a user-friendly format that allows easy cross-referencing of related topics for efficient research and learning.
The work serves as an accessible tool for high school researchers, provides important material for undergraduate students enrolled in a variety of humanities and social sciences courses, and is an outstanding ready reference for race scholars. The entries provide readers with comprehensive content supplemented by historical backgrounds, relevant examples from primary documents, and first-hand accounts. Information is presented to interest and appeal to readers but also to support critical inquiry and understanding. A fourth volume of related primary documents supplies additional reading and resources for research.
Many of the entries were written by leading social scientists, including an entry written by Dr. Ken Muir on Jessie Owens. Dr. Muir also teaches the department's Sociology of Sport class each academic year. For more information on this exciting work, please use this website link or contact Dr. Cameron Lippard for more information.
Cover of book
