From the very moment the Founding Fathers wrote the Constitution, they were not only interested in who belonged in the United States, but also in who did not. In the nineteenth century, questions of “assimilation” and “Americanization” became prominent. This virtual mini-course will explore African American and Jewish literary texts that engage the issues of racial passing and belonging in the United States. The course is free and open to the public and will be taught by the Bildner Center's visiting scholar this fall, Donavan L. Ramon (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville). Readings will be posted in advance. The course will be held in three sessions: November 29, December 6, and December 13. Registration required on the Bildner Center's website.