TEXTS:

        Jones, R.L. (1991). Black Psychology. Berkeley: Cobb & Henry Publishers.
        Jones, R.L. (1996). Advances in African American Psychology. Berkeley: Cobb & Henry Publishers.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course familiarizes students with basic concepts and theories in the area of the psychology of African Americans. This includes information related to the clinical, experimental, developmental, social and historical aspects of African American identity development and life styles in the United States. The socioeconomic, political, and cultural conditions which fostered the Blackness concept and the psychological devices used by African Americans to survive are discussed.

OVERALL COURSE GOAL:

The major objective of this course is to introduce students to the psychological principles, philosophies, theories, and concepts related to African American experience. Further, students are guided through a systematic and independent investigation of factors impinging on the mental health and effective functioning of African American people.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

Exams, papers, presentation, tour, attendance.

EXAMINATIONS:

There are two essay question exams, covering material from lecture, text, and other material (e.g., films, speakers, et cetera). Examinations are not cumulative. Make-up exams will not be given. Cheating on exams results in an automatic "F" grade.

PAPER #1 DESCRIPTION:

Evaluate and integrate two or three articles related to a major African American businessman or sports figure who was born, educated, or currently resides in Orange County, or who attended or played sports at CSUF. Professor's approval must be obtained for chosen topic.

REVIEW PAPER DESCRIPTION:

Student is expected to submit an in-depth sophisticated APA (4th Ed.)-style review paper (maximum 10 pages; Title; Abstract; Text; References). No other style will be accepted. The paper is to integrate and critically evaluate any five or more research articles that are related to one major topic area in the psychology of African Americans, and that is published in a major scientific journal or book. Specific criteria for grading the paper will be presented in class. All papers will be accompanied by xerox copies of abstracts or summaries used. The professor's prior approval must be obtained for the topic chosen. NOTE: Journal Articles must be published after 1990.

PRESENTATION:

Each student is to prepare and present a 15 minute oral discussion that pertains to the topic area covered in their review paper. Student is also expected to identify and come to class prepared to discuss two research questions that remain unanswered after their review of the subject matter.

GRADE DISTRIBUTION:

Both exams, one paper, and the presentation are worth 100 points each; the review paper 150 points, the tour 50 points, for a total of possible 600 points.

    Exam 1        100 points            Presentation        100 points
    Exam 2        100 points            Review Paper      150 points
    Paper 1        100 points            Tour                     50 points
___________________________________________________________________
                                                  Total                   600 points

Letter grades will be assigned as follows:

91% & Above = A        80% to 90% = B        70% to 79% = C
60% to 69%    = D        Less than 60% = F

DATE                                                                    READINGS

Week 1:

Introduction to Course
Historical Perspective                                                 Jones    pp 3-45

Week 2:

Defining Black Psychology                                         Jones    pp 47-63
African Psychology                                                    Jones    pp 125-135

Week 3:

Paradigms of African American Research                     Jones    pp 709-725
Behaviorism (Learning & Conditioning)                        Jones    pp 65-77

Week 4:

Humansitic                                                                 Jones    pp 79-124

PAPER #1 DUE

Week 5:

Cognition                                                                    Jones    pp 231-247
Black English (Ebonics)                                               Jones    pp 249-267
Nonverbal Behaviors and Communication                     Jones    pp 269-294

Week 6:

African American Identity Development                         Jones   pp 319-338
Black Self-Hatred Paradigm Revisted                             Jones   pp 141-166
Extended Self                                                               Jones   pp 295-305

Week 7:

Black Intellectual Ability                                                Jones   pp 193-230

EXAM 1

Week: TBA

Week 8:

Personality                                                                    Jones    pp 305-318
Delayed Gratification in Blacks                                       Jones    pp 167-180
Locus of Control                                                           Jones    pp 181-192

Week 9:

The Black family
African American Strengths                                            Jones    pp 379-400

Week 10:

Mental Disorders among African Americans                     Jones    pp 339-352
Psychologically Healthy Black Adults                              Jones    pp 353-378

Week 11:

Counseling African Americans                                         Jones    pp 559-576
Psychotherapy                                                               Jones    pp 577-590

Week 12:

White Racism                                                                 Jones    pp 591-596
Racism: A Cultural Analysis                                             Jones    pp 609-636
Dimensionalization of Racialism                                       Jones    pp 637-652

Week 13:

Mental Health: Research Trends                                       Jones    pp 727-746
Contemporary Issues:
    Male-Female Relationships
    The Endangered Black Male

REVIEW PAPER DUE

Week 14:

Contemporary Issues Cont.:
    Criminal Behavior
    Unemployment

Week 15:

Contemporary Issues Cont.:
    Substance Abuse (Alcohol, Drugs)
    Suicide
    Aids

Week 16:

FINAL EXAM WEEK
 

NOTE: COLLEGE CREDIT UNITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INDEPENDENT STUDY WORK IN AFRO-ETHNIC STUDIES OR TEACHING ASSISTANT OPPORTUNITIES.