SSCI 180 DIVERSITY IN THE U.S.: AFRICANITY, OTHERNESS AND MULTICULTURALISM(?

)
T. HASAN JOHNSON, PH.D.
FALL 2011 Course Meeting Time: Th 4-6:50pm Class Location: Social Science Building, 204 Phone: (559) 278-8805 Email: THJohnson@csufresno.edu Office: Science Building 1, Rm#168 Office Hours: Wednesday, 11-2pm

COURSE DESCRIPTION What is diversity? Who defines it and who is subject to it? To date, it has become a global concept, having been used as a catch phrase by corporations and various types of organizations, but has rarely been defined clearly. This course will delve into the history, the context, and the influence of diversity in North American society, most notably how it influences groups of African descent, and more importantly, how Africana communities respond to it. We will explore the relationships between race, class, gender, sexuality, color, social and cultural practices, and physical characteristics, as a means for explicating how cultural identity has been shaped over time. We will use films, texts, popular media, internet, and even music to study notions of diversity. CATALOG DESCRIPTION Interdisciplinary course designed for the four-year liberal studies major. Integrates historical, sociological, political, cultural, and ethnic aspects of American culture. Historical developments and immigration patterns, race, class, gender issues, and demographic and statistical analysis of local and regional education trends. G.E. Multicultural/International MI.

REQUIRED COURSE TEXTS Rothenberg, Paula. Race, Class, and Gender in the United States (8th Edition). New York: Worth Publishers, 2006. ISBN-13: 978-1-4292-1788-0. Approximately $47. Rothenberg, Paula. White Privilege: Essential Readings on the other side of racism. New York: Worth Publishers, 2012. ISBN-13: 978-1-4292-3344-6. Approximately $32.25.

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Online weekly reading assignments posted on BlackBoard. GRADING PLAN Weekly In-Class Text Discussions Forum Quizzes (2) Midterm Exam Final Research Paper GRADING CRITERIA 90 - 100 A 80 - 89 B 70 - 79 C 60 - 69 D (59 and under is an F) (25%) (25%) (25%) (25%)

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS Achievement of the preceding goals will be demonstrated by satisfactory completion of exams, papers, group work projects, and class attendance outlined below. 1. Weekly In-Class Text Discussions Forum (25%): Students will each lead the class in discussion about a particular reading assignment on a weekly basis. There will be a written component to this also, in that the student will be required to submit annotated notes of their assigned reading assignment. This assignment cannot be made up, so make sure you remember the assignment date you are assigned. (If the class is a distance-learning course, students at multiple locations will lead discussions simultaneously for all locations).
CATEGORY WEEKLY IN-CLASS TEXT DISCUSSIONS FORUM +25-30% +16-24% +8-15% Asks pertinent Asks some questions Asks few relevant questions to the class to the class that are questions to the that are directly directly related to class that are related to the assigned the assigned reading directly related to reading assignment. assignment. the assigned reading assignment. Notes are organized, Notes are mostly Notes are and have page number organized, and have somewhat references for each a majority of page organized, and note entry. Notations number references have some page are cogent and for each note entry. number references detailed, with Notations are mostly for each note consistent font, linedetailed, with mostly entry. Notations spacing, and font size consistent font, line- are partially +0 -7% Asks no pertinent questions to the class that are directly related to the assigned reading assignment. Notes are not organized, and do not have page number references for each note entry. Notations are not detailed, with little font consistency,

Class-Led Discussion

Annotated Notes

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settings.

spacing, and font size settings.

detailed, with attimes consistent font, line-spacing, and font size settings.

line-spacing, or font size settings.

2. Quizzes (2) (25%): Two online short exams on BlackBoard will be given to assess student progression. These exams do not include the midterm.
EXA M R UB RIC +12-16 % +8-11 % Almost all (80Some (7089+%) answers 79+%) of the have no errors. answers have no errors. Answers are Answers are mostly complete mostly and are incomplete and presented in a are presented neat and in an organized organized fashion but fashion that is may be hard to usually easy to read at times. read.

CATEGORY Errors

Completeness

+17-20 % Most (90100%) of the answers have no errors. Answers are complete and presented in a neat, clear, organized fashion.

+4-7% Some (60-69+%) of the answers have no errors. Answers are fairly incomplete and are presented in an somewhat organized fashion but are often hard to read at times.

+ 0 -3 % Most (0-59%) answers have errors. Answers are incomplete and appear sloppy and unorganized.

3. Midterm (25%): Midterm exam will be given at mid-semester to assess student progression.
M IDT ERM R UBR IC +15-17 % +13-16 % +9-12 % Almost all (80Some (70-79+%) Some (60-69+%) 89+%) answers of the answers of the answers have no errors. have no errors. have no errors. 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.

CATEGORY Errors

Completeness

+18-20 % Most (90100%) of the answers have no errors. Answers are complete and presented in a neat, clear, organized fashion.

+ 0 -8 % Most (0-59%) answers have errors. Answers are incomplete and appear sloppy and unorganized.

4. Final Research Paper (25%): Students will choose the topic for their research paper and turn in an abstract on November 5th containing a thesis statement and a limited bibliography. Approval of the subject will be given by the professor after reviewing abstracts. Students will complete a rough draft of their final paper to be turned in on November 24th (this will be added to the overall research paper grade, as with the abstract, but may or may not be given back with comments). Students also will receive handouts during the first week of class on research writing guidelines. This will enable students to receive adequate guidance during the process of writing. The final

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paper will be submitted at the end of the semester on the final day of class both online and in hard copy format. Remember, if either is not turned in on time, the entire assignment will be marked as a zero. RESEARCH PAPER RUBRIC
GRADE Length Organization Structure Font was either Ariel, Times, or Book Antiqua font; 12-point font; double-spaced; used footnotes, and had an organized bibliography (with at least five entries) as per the paper-writing handout given at the beginning of the semester. Font was not an approved font format, not double-spaced; used other than 12-point font; used less than five entries in bibliography. Proper fonts were not used; did not provide footnotes; did not provide a bibliography (or had less than five entries in your bibliography). Content

A-B (18-20%)

You wrote no less than ten pages.

Paper was well ordered and well structured, with a clear thesis argument with supporting sections throughout the paper.

Content was well researched and material was thorough; accurate sources were provided.

C-D (12-17%)

At least nine pages written.

Paper was partially structured, with a somewhat cogent argument, but lacks supporting framework for thesis argument. Also, thesis is not detailed and direct. Paper structure was disjointed and poor, with no coherent support for thesis argument (or no thesis argument provided).

Sources provided were scattered or random; and research material was not thorough.

F (0-11%)

Less than eight pages written.

Content was poorly researched, overly opinionated, and/or sources were not provided.

ANNOTATED NOTE-TAKING GUIDELINES (IN WEEKLY IN-CLASS TEXT DISCUSSIONS) Annotated notes will be submitted on BlackBoard. You should also add a one-page summary/critique at least one reading of your choice per week. This means critically discuss the uses and problems of each of the articles you chose and include your reflections on the material conferred. Also, you MUST include at least three (3) references to specific pages in your essay! 12-pt font size Times New Roman font 1.5 point line-spacing 1 page for each review

No late papers will be accepted so submit them on the day you are scheduled to present (and they must be submitted online). Also, only submitted reviews on BlackBoard will be accepted, emails or faxes will only be acknowledged with the pre-obtained permission of the professor.

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HOW TO SUCCEED IN THIS COURSE 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 is heavy. It is expected that you spend a minimum of at least six (6) hours a week on the reading and preparation for this course. There may be times when you will 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 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. INFORMATION FOR LIBERAL STUDIES STUDENTS STANDARD 8.1: DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES: All of SS 180 is dedicated to addressing standard 8.1. Human differences and similarities to be examined include but are not limited to those of sex, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, religion, sexual orientation, and exceptionality. The program may also include study of other human similarities and differences. LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR SS180:

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Below is a list of additional learning outcomes addressed in SS180. At the completion of the course the student will be able to address some part of each of these content and skills specifications. The list numbers and letters are utilized within the syllabus to alert you to learning outcomes addressed and assessed in assignments and materials. PART I: CONTENT SPECIFICATION: 2.1- EARLY EXPLORATION, COLONIAL ERA AND THE WAR OF INDEPENDENCE. Describe part of the development and institutionalization of African slavery in the western hemisphere. 2.2- THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION AND THE EARLY REPUBLIC Identify the roles of Blacks (both slave and free), American Indians, the Irish and other immigrants, women and children in the political cultural and economic life of the new country. 2.3- CIVIL WAR AND RECONSTRUCTION Recognize the origin and the evolution of the anti-slavery movement, including the roles of free Blacks and women, and the response of those who defended slavery. Describe the character of Reconstruction, factors leading to its abandonment, and the rise of Jim Crow practices. 2.4- THE RISE OF INDUSTRIAL AMERICA Recognize the pattern of urban growth in the United States, the impact of successive waves of immigration in the nineteenth century, and the response of renewed nativism. 3.2- ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT SINCE THE 1850S Identify patterns of immigration to California, including the Dust Bowl migration, and discuss their impact on the cultural, economic, social and political development of the state. Identify the effects of federal and state law on the legal status of immigrants Describe historical and contemporary perspectives on cultural diversity in the United States and in California PART II: SUBJECT MATTER SKILLS AND ABILITIES APPLICABLE TO THE CONTENT DOMAINS IN HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCE: A. Utilize chronological and spatial thinking. B. Interpret timelines, tables, graphs, maps and charts. C. Analyze, interpret and evaluate research evidence in history and the social sciences. D. In relation to confirmed research evidence they assess textbooks and contrast differing points of view on historic and current events. E. Recognize the differing ramifications of historical and current events for people of varying ethnic, racial, socio-economic, cultural, and gender back grounds. F. Draw on and apply concepts from history and other social studies including political science and government, geography, economics, anthropology, and sociology. G. Concepts related to human government and political institutions, including power and authority, democracy, and the roles and responsibilities of citizenship. H. Draw on and apply basic economic concepts. I. Discuss basic concepts of sociology related to individuals, interpersonal relationships and institutions, including family and community; and concepts related to social structure, including occupation, socio-economic class, ethnicity and gender.

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SUPPLEMENTAL LEARNING OUTCOMES Students will be introduced to the primary historical periods that spawned contemporary practices of regarding racial, cultural, sexual, gendered, class, and other forms of difference. 2. Students will learn how to write formal short reviews of academic argument-pieces. 4. Students will learn how to formulate an original argument, develop it, and articulate in both a protracted text and an oral presentation. 5. Students will become familiar with public debate, learning to defend an argument while accepting critique. CLASS POLICIES 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 students 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: Permission 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 professors 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. UNIVERSITY POLICIES 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 1.

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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 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

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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: 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 http://academicaffairs.csufresno.edu/undergrad_studies/RequiiredSyllabusPolicyStatements.htm 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.

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