-1- A A F F R R S S 1 1 0 0 - - 0 0 1 1 I I N N T T R R O O D D U U C C T T I I O O N N T T O O A A F F R R I I C C A A N N A A S S T T U U D D I I E E S S : : B B E E G G I I N N N N I I N N G G S S , , P P O O L L I I T T I I C C A A L L S S T T R R U U G G G G L L E E , , A A N N D D A A C C A A D D E E M M I I C C W W A A R R F F A A R R E E T. H ASAN J OHNSON , P H .D. FALL 2011 Course Meeting Time: 9:30-10:45am Class Location: Engineering East, Rm 180 Phone: (559) 278-8805 Email: [email protected]Office Location: Science Building 1, Rm#168 Office Hours: Wednesday, 11-2pm C C O O U U R R S S E E D D E E S S C C R R I I P P T T I I O O N N A small program at CSU Fresno, how did it come to exist, and how does it relate to other programs around the country? This course will examine how the field came to be, what some of its major ideological, political, and intellectual challenges are, as well as some of its contemporary benefits. But more than the history of the field’s struggles, what are the competing perspectives in Africana Studies regarding Africana groups in America? How are Black people’s lives viewed, analyzed, and described? In reality, Africana Studies has highlighted the lives and histories of Black Americans and rescued many Black stories from obscurity. It has also helped liberate how people conceptualize the potentiality of their lives, giving people the institutional means to re-imagine their career work in ways that compliment black lives. In this course we will study Africana Studies’ contributions to discourses on history, politics, religion, and many others; while watching the field’s own evolution from its Black Power era inception.
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A small program at CSU Fresno, how did it come to exist, and how does it relate to other programs around the country? This course will examine how the field came to be, what some of its major ideological, political, and intellectual challenges are, as well as some of its contemporary benefits. But more than the history of the field’s struggles, what are the competing perspectives in Africana Studies regarding Africana groups in America? How are Black people’s lives viewed, analyzed, and described?
In reality, Africana Studies has highlighted the lives and histories of Black Americans and rescued many Black stories from obscurity. It has also helped liberate how people conceptualize the potentiality of
their lives, giving people the institutional means to re-imagine their career work in ways that compliment black lives.
In this course we will study Africana Studies’ contributions to discourses on history, politics, religion, and many others; while watching the field’s own evolution from its Black Power era inception.
1. ATTENDANCE & CLASS PARTICIPATION: (10%) Students are expected to attend every class. Every three class meetings missed will result in an additional loss of 5% off of their final course percentage.
AA TT TT EE NN DD AA NN CC EE && CC LL AA SS SS PP AA RR TT II CC II PP AA TT II OO NN RR UU BB RR II CC CCAATTEEGGOORRYY ++88--1100 PPTTSS ++55--77 PPTTSS ++00--44 PPTTSS
Regularity
Students miss no more than two class meetings and frequently contributed to class discussions.
Students missed between three and five class meetings and were infrequently involved in class discussions.
Students missed six or more class meetings and seldom contributed to class discussions.
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2. ONLINE WRITTEN TEXT REVIEWS: (30%) Students will write an original summary/review of
the readings for a one-month duration. These will be approximately 5 pages in length using a Chicago Style writing format. These should be turned in electronically via Blackboard.
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least the full length of five pages and clearly describes what the article is about. Student complies with format guidelines.
Student writes less than 5 pages and does not accurately describe what the article is about.
Student writes less than five pages; summarizes most of the article accurately, but has overlooked key issues.
Student writes significantly less than the five pages; has great difficulty summarizing the article, writings are too short.
Identifies important information
Student identifies the main points of the article and has critiqued them thoroughly.
The student lists all the main points, but fails to critique the article.
The student lists few of the main points, over-quoting the article for reference. S/he highlights unimportant points.
The student cannot identify important information with accuracy.
Articulates Opinion
Student accurately articulates at least 3 opinions about the article and explains critiques.
Student articulates at least 2 opinions about the article and gives a reasonable explanation of critiques.
Student accurately articulates at least 1 opinion in the article. Explanation of critique is weak.
Student has difficulty articulating any opinions about the article.
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3. MIDTERMS (2): (30%) Two midterm exams will be given to assess student progression.
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Errors Most (90-100%) of the answers have no errors.
Almost all (80-89+%) answers have no errors.
Some (70-79+%) of the answers have no errors.
Some (60-69+%) of the answers have no errors.
Most (0-59%) answers have errors.
Completeness Answers are complete and presented in a neat, clear, organized fashion.
Answers are mostly complete and are presented in a neat and organized fashion that is usually easy to read.
Answers are mostly incomplete and are presented in an organized fashion but may be hard to read at times.
Answers are fairly incomplete and are presented in an somewhat organized fashion but are often hard to read at times.
Answers are incomplete and appear sloppy and unorganized.
4. FINAL GROUP RESEARCH PROJECT: (30%) Students will form groups of four and complete a research project (which will include an abstract, a full outline, and an essay) focusing on an Africana Studies project of their choice that focuses on the lives of Fresno residents in some unique fashion.
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Meeting Directives
Students followed outlined directives on the project correctly.
Students partially followed outlined
directives.
Students did not follow outlined directives.
Detail & Quality
Students provided depth and detail by
citing useful references and providing ample research support for arguments, critiques, and assessments of
chosen research subject.
Students provided some detail by citing some references and partial
support for arguments, critiques, and
assessments of chosen research subject.
Students provided little depth and detail and did
not cite references or provide research support for arguments, critiques,
Groups of four will collaborate on an Africana Studies project that focuses on a subject of their choice:
a) Abstract includes a project title, a detailed outline, and a bibliography of five written texts.
b) This four-part essay (one for each partner) will break the primary subject into parts for which each person will complete a five-page written research essay.
1. Students will learn relevant histories and theories regarding Black males from the fields of: Africana Studies, Media Studies, Gender studies such as Women’s Studies and Masculine Studies, and History.
2. Students will analyze historical and theoretical issues regarding Black males in the 20th Century.
3. Students will compare overlapping forms of socio-political oppression and describe how they function in society in relation to Black males.
4. Students will learn to formulate their own arguments and articulate them orally at the end-of-semester conference.
1. Students will attend lectures, read assigned texts, participate in class discussions, and watch in-class films.
2. Students will participate in online discussion on Blackboard about specific subjects as assigned.
3. Student will take written exams to assess material comprehension.
4. Students will read articles regarding micro and macro-oppressive forms of white supremacy, patriarchy, classism, and heteronormativity.
5. Students will present their reflections at the end-of-semester conference.
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1. Students will learn how to include critiques of academic arguments in oral dialogues in calss in prearation for their end-of-semester conference.
3. Students will be able to think critically about concepts of masculinity, interdisciplinarity and multidimensionality, and apply them to contemporary issues.
4. Students will learn how to formulate an original conference, develop it at each stage, and articulate reflections during the event.
5. Students will become familiar with oral argumentation, learning to defend an argument while incorporating anticipated critiques.
A. If you are not used to reading a lot, GET USED TO IT!!! This course is the equivalent of a course offered at any UC, Cal State, or private college/university (USC, Stanford, Chapman,
Pomona, etc.). Therefore, the reading load for this course may be heavy. It is expected that you spend a minimum of at least eight (8) hours a week on the reading and preparation for this course. There may be times when you feel overwhelmed by the reading material. However, here are some suggestions that may help you along the way:
1) Find a quiet space away from any distractions so that you can concentrate fully on the reading assignments.
2) When you are doing the reading, do it as if you are on a mission. This means that you should look for the main ideas, concepts, and arguments in each textbook chapter, article, and document that is assigned. Ask yourself questions when you read:
What are the main points in this chapter/article/document? What does the author of the textbook/article/document want me to know?
3) Outline and/or summarize the assigned chapters, articles, and documents in your notes. When you are reading chapters from the textbooks, look for headings and subheadings. Write down the main points that are addressed under each heading and subheading. When you are reading articles or documents, outline the points that are made in each paragraph of the article or document.
4) DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!! While it is human nature to wait until the last possible minute to do the work assigned for your classes, this strategy has been proven, time and time again, to lead to a student's downfall. Do not wait until the night before a quiz/exam to do all of the reading that the quiz/exam will cover. If you do, you will find yourself trying to cram a large amount of reading material that most likely you will not
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remember when you take the quiz/exam. The reading for this course has been broken up so that you will have reading assigned for days when there will not be a quiz. It is extremely important that you do the reading assignments for those days so that you will not have to cram at the last minute for quizzes or exams. In addition, the readings will help you to understand the lectures for those days on which they are assigned.
5) Review your notes after you have written them!!
6) If it is possible, form study groups with your colleagues. Obtain the phone numbers of some of your colleagues and schedule times when you can get together and discuss the readings.
7) If you are having trouble with the concepts addressed in the readings, do not hesitate to contact me.
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A. Attendance, Tardiness, and Absences: In order to do well in this class, attendance is MANDATORY. If for any reason you need to miss class, you must call or e-mail me in advance. A class roster will be circulated during each class meeting. It is the student’s responsibility to sign it. The student is also responsible for securing notes on class lectures and announcements. ARRIVE ON TIME!! Late arrivals disrupt the lecture and you may miss important announcements as well as lecture material.
B. Cell phone policy: cell phones may be kept on vibrate or silent only. If a call must be answered, it must be answered outside of the class. No text messaging or emailing should be done in class. In the best interest of the class, please be considerate of your classmates by following these guidelines.
C. Make-up essays and extensions of due dates: Requests for approved absences must be submitted in writing prior to missing class. Requests for an extension or make-up opportunity must be submitted prior to the assignment due date, in writing. However, submission of request in no way guarantees professor’s approval.
D. Participation: Even though this class is primarily a lecture course, active--not passive--participation in class is a MUST. By active, I do not mean just being in class physically. Active participation entails being engaged with the material and being able to comment/critique the readings and films. I will not hesitate to call on you, so it would be in your best interest to come to class prepared to discuss the issues addressed in the material. In borderline cases, your participation level will determine your final grade.
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Upon identifying themselves to the instructor and the university, students with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluation. For more information, contact Services to Students with Disabilities in Madden Library 1049 (278-2811).
CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM: Cheating is the actual or attempted practice of fraudulent or deceptive acts for the purpose of improving one's grade or
obtaining course credit; such acts also include assisting another student to do so. Typically, such acts occur in relation to examinations. However, it is the intent of this definition that the term 'cheating' not be limited to examination situations only, but that it include any and all actions by a student that are intended to gain an unearned academic advantage by fraudulent or deceptive means. Plagiarism is a specific form of cheating which consists of the misuse of the published and/or unpublished works of others by misrepresenting the material (i.e., their intellectual property) so used as one's own work. Penalties for cheating and plagiarism range from a 0 or F on a particular assignment, through an F for the course, to expulsion from the university. For more information on the University's policy regarding cheating and plagiarism, refer to the Class Schedule (Legal Notices on Cheating and Plagiarism) or the University Catalog (Policies and Regulations).
Any student wishing to submit a written assignment that is the partial or entire product of work completed for another course must FIRST obtain WRITTEN permission from the instructor specifying the extent to which the earlier work is acceptable, and also include a copy of the earlier work with the current submission. Note that in NO case is a paper that was prepared for another course acceptable as a submission in the General Education courses. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in the initiation of actions regarding breaches of policy on Cheating and Plagiarism.
COMPUTERS: At California State University, Fresno, computers and communications links to remote resources are recognized as being integral to the education and research experience. Every student is required to have his/her own computer or have other personal access to a workstation (including a modem and a printer) with all the recommended software. The minimum and recommended standards for the workstations and software, which may vary by academic major, are updated periodically and are available from Information Technology Services (http://www/csufresno.edu/ITS/) or the University Bookstore. In the curriculum and class assignments, students are presumed to have 24-hour access to a
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computer workstation and the necessary communication links to the University's information resources.
DISRUPTIVE CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR: The classroom is a special environment in which students and faculty come together to promote learning and growth. It is essential to this learning environment that respect for the rights of others seeking to learn, respect for the professionalism of the instructor, and the general goals of academic freedom are maintained. Differences of viewpoint or concerns should be expressed in terms which are supportive of the learning process, creating an environment in which students and faculty may learn to reason with clarity and compassion, to share of themselves without losing their identities, and to develop and understanding of the community in which they live. Student conduct which disrupts the learning process shall not be tolerated and may lead to disciplinary action and/or removal from class.
COPYRIGHT POLICY: Copyright laws and fair use policies protect the rights of those who have produced the material. The copy in this course has been provided for private study, scholarship, or research. Other uses may require permission from the copyright holder. The user of this work is responsible for adhering to copyright law of the U.S. (Title 17, U.S. Code). To help you familiarize yourself with copyright and fair use policies, the University encourages you to visit its copyright web page. http://www.lib.csufresno.edu/libraryinformation/campus/copyright/copyrtpolicyfull.pdf
Digital Campus course web sites contain material protected by copyrights held by the instructor, other individuals or institutions. Such material is used for educational purposes in accord with copyright law and/or with permission given by the owners of the original material. You may download one copy of the materials on any single computer for non-commercial, personal, or educational purposes only, provided that you (1) do not modify it, (2) use it only for the duration of this course, and (3) include both this notice and any copyright notice originally included with the material. Beyond this use, no material from the course web site may be copied, reproduced, re-published, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way without the permission of the original copyright holder. The instructor assumes no responsibility for individuals who improperly use copyrighted material placed on the web site.
HONOR CODE: Members of the CSU Fresno academic community adhere to principles of academic integrity and mutual respect while engaged in university work and related activities.
You should:
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a) understand or seek clarification about expectations for academic integrity in this course (including no cheating, plagiarism and inappropriate collaboration)
b) neither give nor receive unauthorized aid on examinations or other course work that is used by the instructor as the basis of grading.
c) take responsibility to monitor academic dishonesty in any form and to report it to the instructor or other appropriate official for action.
Instructors may require students to sign a statement at the end of all exams and assignments that "I have done my own work and have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance on this work." If you are going to use this statement, include it here. Please refer to the policies document at
SPECIAL NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change in relation to the needs of the class (and in the best interest of learning) as assessed by the instructor.
