This course will explore the legal and moral controversies surrounding race- and gender- based affirmative action, paying special attention to the lawsuits challenging the affirmative action programs at the University of Michigan. These controversies will be examined in the context of social theories of race, gender and discrimination. Questions that will be asked include: What is racism and sexism? What makes racism and sexism morally objectionable? What are the psychological mechanisms and social structures that express, transmit or sustain race and gender inequality? Are there limits to what the law can or ought to do in opposing these mechanisms and structures? Are there morally relevant differences between race- and gender- based affirmative action programs? Can any such programs be morally or legally justified in educational contexts? Course format will mix lecture and discussion.