AFRO-ETHNIC 335, FALL 1997

AFRO-ETHNIC 335 HISTORY OF RACISM

Instructor: Julie E. Stokes, Ph.D. Class Meeting: See Class Schedule
Phone: (714) 278-3485 Office Hours: TBA
Office: EC 451

TEXTS:

Barndt, J. (1991). Dismantling Racsim: The Continuing Challenge to White America: Minneapolis: Augsburg.
Bell, D. (1992). Faces at the Bottom of the Well: The Permance of Racism. New York: Basic Books
Carr, L. (1997). Color Blind Racism. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
Hurley, J. A. (1998). Racism: Current Controversies. San Diego: Greenhaven Press Inc.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course is an investigation into historical roots and current expressions of racism in the United States. The course focuses on how racism manifests itself through individual, social, political, economic and religious institutions, and through such cultural mediums as the arts, media, entertainment, and sports. The course also proposes methods for combating institutional and cultural racism.

OVERALL COURSE GOAL:

The major objective of this course is to introduce students to issues of racism as it relates to African Americans. Furthermore, students will be guided through a systematic and independent investigation of racism as it pertains to the effective functioning of African American people. The objectives are to be able to: (1) define concepts used in discussions of racism in the United States; (2) identify the three levels at which racism operates in society; (3) incorporate concepts from the class into a series of short summary papers; (4) identify concepts about a dimension of institutional or cultural racism and incorporate concept into an information presentation; and (5) demonstrate an understanding of the responsibility of participating in a multicultural democracy.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:.

Quizzes, One paper, One Oral Presentation, Reaction Papers

PAPER DESCRIPTION

Each student group will be expected to submit an in-dept sophisticated APA (4th Ed.) style paper (maximum 10 pages; Title; Abstract; Text; References). The paper will consist of five or more research articles, published in a major scientific journal or book chapter. The articles are to be critically evaluated and integrated into one paper report, by the group. One major dimension related to the History of racism in the United States is to be covered. Specific criteria for grading will be presented in class. The professor's approval must be obtained for the area chosen. Paper will need to be also turned in on an IBM, PC disk.

EXAMINATIONS:

There will be two one hour exams that will consist of machine-scored and/or short answer objective style questions from lecture, text, and additionally presented material (e.g., films, speakers). The last exam will be administered during finals week. Examinations will not be cumulative. Make-up exams will not be given. Cheating on exams will result in an automatic "F" grade.

REACTION PAPERS:

Students are expected to complete all reading assignments and then type a one page reaction paper about how they think and feel about the information that has been read. Each Reaction paper from the Hurley book is worth 10 points. The Reaction paper for Faces at the Bottom of the well is worth 20 points.

TOPIC HEADINGS FOR REACTION PAPERS

1.    The Problem of Racism                                                                 pp 17-23 & 44-51
2.    Racist Attitudes                                                                             pp 24-31 & 52-54
3.    Racism a Problem for Blacks                                                       pp 37-43 & 63-68
4.    Church Arsons                                                                               pp 32-36 & 55-62
5.    Racism and Black Income                                                            pp 70-76
6.    Racism and Criminal Justice                                                        pp 77-81 & 89-94
7.    Environmental Racism                                                                  pp 82-85 & 95-99
8.    Racism and the Media                                                                  pp 86-88 & 100-103
9.    Affirmative Action Debate                                                            pp 104-110 & 125-132
10. Affirmative Action Is Essential                                                     pp 111-114 & 133-136
11. Affirmative Action Violates Ideals                                               pp 115-120 & 139-141
12. Affirmative Action and Diversity                                                 pp 120-124 & 142-146
13. White and Black Roles                                                                 pp 147-154 & 166-173
14. The Role of Morals                                                                      pp 155-158 & 177-179
15. The Labor Market                                                                        pp 174-176 & 180-188
16. Society & Integration                                                                   pp 159-165 & 189-197
17. Faces at the Bottom                                                                     pp All

LATE PAPERS:

All typed reaction paper assignments will be due on Monday of the week in which the material is assigned as reading. Late reaction papers will be docked 5 points each.

PRESENTATION:

Each student is to read, critically evaluate, and integrate five or more research articles that are related to one major topic area in the History of Racism as it pertains to African Americans. Each student in the group is also to prepare an outline, with references identified, and present a 15 minute oral discussion (per person) of the topic explored. Following presentations, 5 minutes will be allowed for questions and further discussion. Student group is also expected to identify and come to class prepared to discuss two questions that remain unanswered after their entire review of the subject matter.

GRADE DISTRIBUTION:

Quizzes 100 points                             Paper 150 points
Presentation 100 points                     Reaction Papers 180 points
_________________________________________________________________________
                                                            Total 530 points

90% & above = A
80%-89%=B
70%-79%=C
60%-69%=D
Less than 60%=F

DATES, TOPICS, AND ASSIGNMENTS:

DATE READINGS

Week 1:

Introduction to Course
Dismantling Racism Barndt pp 1-50
Racism Hurley pp 17-23 & 44-51

Week 2:

Dismantling Racism                                                 Barndt pp 51-73
Racism                                                                      Hurley pp 24-31 & 52-54
                                                                                  Carr pp 1-12

Week 3:

Dismantling Racism Barndt pp 75-100
Racism Hurley pp 37-43 & 63-68

Week 4:

Dismantling Racism Barndt pp 123-154
Racism Hurley pp 32-36 & 55-62

Presentations

Week 5:

Dismantling Racism Barndt pp 101-122
Racism Hurley pp 70-76
Presentations

Week 6:

Dismantling Racism Barndt pp 155-175
Racism Hurley pp 77-81 & 89-94
Presentations

Week 7:

Racism Hurley pp 82-85 & 95-99
Carr pp 13-30
Presentations

Week 8:

Racism Hurley pp 86-88 & 100-103
Carr pp 31-51
Presentations

Week 9:

Exam #1

Racism Hurley pp 104-110 & 125-132
Carr pp 52-68
Presentations

Week 10:

Racism Hurley pp 111-114 & 133-136
Carr pp 69-85
Presentations

Week 11:

Racism Hurley pp 115-120 & 139-141
Carr pp 86-106
Presentations

Week 12:

Racism Hurley pp 120-124 & 142-146
Carr pp 107-139
Presentations

Week 13:

Racism Hurley pp 147-158
Carr pp 140-153

Week 14:

Racism Hurley pp 159-173
Carr pp 154-170

Week 15:

Racism Hurley pp 174-179
Carr pp 154-170

Week 16:

Racism Hurley pp 180-197

*PAPER DUE Bell

FINAL EXAM - SEE CLASS SCHEDULE