It dawned upon me with a certain suddenness that I was different from the others; or like, mayhap, in heart and life and longing, but shut out from their world by a vast veil. —W. E. B. Du Bois
Caste cannot be abolished by inter caste dinners or stray instances of inter caste marriages. Caste is a state of mind. It is a disease of mind. —B.R. Ambedkar
This discussion-based course will focus on the prejudices of Caste and Race that have existed primarily, though not exclusively, in India and the United States. Even though they are separated by geography, people such as enslaved individuals from Africa, African Americans under Jim Crow laws, and the Dalits in India are all outcasts who have borne and continue to bear a burden for being born in the “wrong” social order.
Several questions will be raised as we read, such as:
* Is caste in India seen differently than in the United States?
* Why have caste and race been seen by societies as immutable characteristics rather than social constructs?
* What role has colonial history, specifically Anglo-American domination, played in creating a hierarchy of caste and race in many parts of the world?
* What role has the market economic system played in sustaining aspects of such hierarchy?
* How do those living at the bottom rung of the hierarchy of caste and race live with the stigma of indignity and injustice, and are there ways by which societies can reduce the impact of such stigma?
Amongst other readings, we will explore writings by Isabel Wilkerson, some of Sujatha Gidla’s accounts of her Untouchable Family in India, and a few of James Baldwin’s short stories.
New Participant: $140.00
Returning Participant: $200.00
Day: Wednesdays
Time: 6:15 to 8:15 PM
Location: Online and 3405 Atwater, Montreal
Course leaders: Shernaz Choksi, Carol Fiedler, Mariela Tovar
First session: September 17 2025
Course length: 12 weeks
Degree credit: 3 credits
Maximum number of participants: 18
Please note that the Thomas More Institute does not allow participants to audit courses for free.
About the Thomas More Institute: The Thomas More Institute has been providing adults with stimulating lifelong learning opportunities in Montreal since 1945. A secular and non-profit academic institution, TMI offers an ever-evolving choice of university-level courses in the liberal arts, including discussion-based courses, lecture-style courses, writing workshops, and more. Our courses are held in small groups, offering an alternative learning environment to that of traditional university courses. You can take individual courses that interest you, or work toward a structured bachelor of arts degree or comprehensive certificate that involve additional coursework. Share Your Curiosity at TMI!
About course fees: all prices displayed include Tuition and the Administrative fee.
Leaders of another course, and anyone else wishing to register by phone, should call (514) 935-9585 to register.
Refund Policy
We're sorry, but there are no remaining spots for this course.