Are you interested in taking a Caucasian studies course at UNC? Although no such department exists at the University, someone might want you to believe there is.
Someone has canvassed campus with mysterious stickers touting Caucasian studies. There are also flyers on various bulletin boards for Caucasian studies classes “cross listed” with actual academic departments at UNC.
Interested in CAUC 623/PSYC 467? According to the flyer, “The Development of Black Children” is purported to be a survey course about the development of black children in comparison to that of white children.
Or maybe CAUC 311/AMST 335 catches your fancy? A flyer claims that the course will “define America” and aims to teach students “what it means to be a Caucasian American.” When I reached out to one of the professors, John Kasson, he made no mention of Caucasian studies.
Both of the courses exist, but the flyers manipulated subject matter of the courses to fit the bill of a Caucasian studies course. PSYC 467 isn’t being taught this semester, and AMST 335 is about controversial American — not just Caucasian — historical events.
The culprit and the reasoning behind this campaign are unclear. It could be just be a joke or silly prank by a few students, or it could represent a desire for a Caucasian studies department at UNC.
The reaction to the Caucasian studies movement has fueled little more than Twitter chatter and hushed private conversation about the validity of the flyers and opinions about the need for such an academic department.
Some have questioned the need, saying the reason cultural departments, like African and Afro-American Studies, exist is because history is already told from the perspective of white men.
Others think that courses on the subject could be deemed racist.
