Course

Through close readings of several texts written by mixed-race people since the turn of the 21st century, we will reflect on the following questions: What is the political and social significance of claiming a mixed-race identity? How might the term “multiracial” inadvertently reify problematic biological notions of race? How do multiracial people engage with tropes such as the “tragic mulatta" and the “exceptional multiracial”? How, as Michele Elam puts it, might an aesthetics of mixed race “productively reimagine the relationship between race, art, and social justice in the 21st century”?

Faculty Bio

Sarita Cannon is professor of English at San Francisco State University. She has presented her work at conferences around the world and is the author of Black Native Autobiographical Acts: Navigating the Minefields of Authenticity (Lexington Books, 2021).

This is an In Person Course

• Classes will be held in person at Golden Bear Center, 1995 University Ave., Suite 365
• Classes will not be livestreamed nor recorded
• Limited to 40 members
• You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.

Schedule Highlights

• Course starts on Thurs., Jan. 22 and ends on Thurs., Feb 26
• Classes meet for six weeks, two hours per session (1–3 PM)
• All course materials will remain in Member Dashboards through March 29

Faculty Interview

• Read an interview with Sarita Cannon from our archive.

Member Praise for Sarita Cannon

"This was my first in person class since COVID and it was outstanding in every way. Prof. Cannon is a gem. I enjoyed her engaging presentations, the materials she chose and the lively class participation she encouraged."

"Everything worked well in this course...not an easy course to present given the hot button topics that come up. Dr. Cannon has a gentle way of speaking that invites any/all discussion without fear."

"She engaged with us individually, and did an excellent job of thoughtfully stimulating class discussion. This was a wonderful class."