Race and Racial Studies

Welcome to the Seton Hall University Libraries Study of Race and Racial Studies research guide. Since the eras, events, individuals and facets of historical development within the course of society building are many and varied, this is not a comprehensive list of resources, but rather a starting point on your personal path to discovery. This guide is inter-disciplinary in focus and covers various aspects of racial definitions, relations, and other points of information related to this study area. 

In many cases, the field of Race connects closely with that of Ethnicity and visa versa. Therefore, access to the Ethnic and Ethnic Studies LibGuide produced via the Seton Hall University Libraries is another recommended resource worth consultation. Thank you.

The following is the definition of "Race" taken from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Merriam-Webster Definition of "Race"

Definition of RACE for Students

1. any one of the groups that human beings can be divided into based on shared distinctive physical traits.
2. a group of individuals who share a common culture or history <the English race>
3. <the human race>

The following is the definition of "Race" taken from the Encyclopedia Britannica - <https://www.britannica.com/topic/race-human>

RACE, the idea that the human species is divided into distinct groups on the basis of inherited physical and behavioral differences. Genetic studies in the late 20th century refuted the existence of biogenetically distinct races, and scholars now argue that “races” are cultural interventions reflecting specific attitudes and beliefs that were imposed on different populations in the wake of western European conquests beginning in the 15th century.

This page is dedicated to providing each user with an introduction to resources connected to Race through specific materials related to this particular subject theme available through each of the catalogs, databases, and other research sites supported by the Seton Hall University Libraries and available via its homepage.  The hyperlink below will feature a starter list to build upon and specific topics can also be tested through subsequent search attempts via the University Libraries homepage (link found below).  Precise terms that include the name of a person(s), place(s), object(s), etc. can be tried along with to narrow down a particular search.  (ex: "Race" and "New Jersey")  (ex: "African-American" and "Literature") (ex: "Sociology" and "Racial Relations" and "W.E.B. DuBois"), etc.