Dear White People 101: A Syllabus for the Upcoming Netflix Series

Course Description: This course provides a satirical look at the notion of a “post-racial” America, discussing race, class, sexuality, and gender politics through the lens of a fictional Ivy League university. The course follows Sam White (played by Logan Browning who takes over the role for original actress Tessa Thompson) as she navigates American college life, fights the patriarchy, tackles self-doubt, and questions the role white supremacy still plays in modern society.

And because this course is not a documentary, Dear White People will also have some relationship drama, a few identity crises, and a gay identity relationship crisis.

Prerequisites: Netflix Binge-watching 327

Required Materials:

• An open mind
• The ability for self-reflection
• A sense of irony

Objectives: As a result of this course, you will be able to:

• Identify microaggressions, misogynoir, and institutional racism.
• Discern the differences between racism and prejudice.
• Empathize with POC, particularly African-Americans, in their struggle against institutional racism.
• Understand why there is no White History Month, White Entertainment Television, or an ABC sitcom called White-ish.
• Recognize why blackface will never be okay (also included: brownface, yellowface, any color face that’s not yours)

The television series picks up where the 2014 film of the same name left off, with the aftermath of a fraternity throwing a blackface party and being confronted by the Black students on campus. The title, “Dear White People,” refers to the name of Sam’s radio show in which she asks thought-provoking questions of listeners from every walk of life.

We follow Sam, Troy, Coco, Joelle, Reggie, and my personal favorite, Lionel (you’ll find out why) as they continue to discover the nuances of their own scary, early twenty-something identities.

This course will be challenging and perhaps lead you to question your own belief system. If this does not seem like the class for you, I will recommend that you get your life together and figure out why.

Required Texts:

• Why Did I Name it “Dear White People” by creator Justin Simien
• Why We Need Dear White People on Our TVs Now More Than Ever
• ‘Dear White People’ Cast Take On Trolls Calling For Netflix Boycott

Catch Dear White People on Netflix starting April 28.

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