COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course is an exploration of some of the most important themes in the African
American experience. We will focus upon the experiences of African Americans
through the eyes of important historical figures and organizations that helped
shaped the history and culture of African Americans. First, we will examine
the civil
rights movement and the Black Power movement of the 1960's and 1970's. Secondly,
we will learn about the contributions of some important Africans and African
Americans throughout history. Finally, we will look at and analyze some of the
contemporary problems and prospects in the African American community.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Required Reading:
Juan Williams. The Eyes on the Prize: A Civil Rights Reader
Alex Haley. Autobiography of Malcolm X
Randall Robinson. The Debt: What America Owes Black America
2. Mid-term and Final examination (100 points each).
3. Oral Report/ Group Presentation:
Work with a group
to prepare an oral presentation on one of the following books
a. The Autobiography of Malcolm X
b. The Debt: What America Owes Black America
4. Book Review:
You will submit
a book review of a work about the Black Experience.
The review should give a summary (50%) and present your own analysis (50%),
of the book. (100 points).
The review should
be at least five pages long and include an introduction and
conclusion. The review should be at least 50% summary of the book and 50% analysis
of the book.
Please note:. The
book review requires that 50 % of the review be an analysis. Analysis is the
drawing of conclusions from the book as well as
information and discussion provided in class lectures and discussions.
5. Class Participation:
You will be graded on your active participation in class discussions. Quizzes
and other written classroom assignments will be included in this grade. You
are required to attend classes regularly. Provide documented excuse in case
of emergency.
COURSE OUTLINE
Week 1 Introduction
Week 2 The Context
for the Study of the Black Experience
Assignment: Civil Rights Reader: pp. 1-34. Notes
Week 3 The Origins
of the Civil Rights Movement
Assignment: Civil Rights Reader: Chapter 1
Video: Eyes on the Prize: Awakenings
Week 4 The Turbulent
60's: The Civil Rights Movement
Assignment: Civil Rights Reader: Chapter 6 Bridge to
Freedom
Video Presentation: Eyes on the Prize: Bridge to Freedom
Week 5 The Black
Power Movement
Assignment: Civil Rights Reader: Chapter 7
Video Presentation: Eyes on the Prize: The Time
Has Come
Week 6 Mid-Term Examination
Week 7 The Black
Power Movement
Assignment: Civil Rights Reader: Chapter 8
Video Presentation: Eyes on the Prize: Two Societies
Week 8 The Black
Power Movement
Assignment: Civil Rights Reader: Chapter 9
Video Presentation: Eyes on the Prize: Power
Week 9 The Black
Power Movement
Assignment: Civil Rights Reader: Chapter 10
Video Presentation: Eyes on the Prize: The Promised
Land
Week 10 The Black
Power Movement
Assignment: Civil Rights Reader: Chapter 11
Video: Eyes on the Prize: Ain't Gonna Shuffle No More
Week 11 Book Review Due
Week 12 The Black
Power Movement
Assignment: Civil Rights Reader: Chapter 12
Video: Eyes on the Prize: A Nation of Law
Week 13 Group Report: Autobiography of Malcolm X
Week 14 Group Report The Debt
Week 15 Final Examination
Final
Grade Based Upon the Average of the Following:
Group Report: 100
Midterm Examination 100
Book Review: 100
Final Examination: 100
Class Participation: 100
