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INTRODUCTION TO AFRICAN-­‐AMERICAN STUDIES AAS 2010 CRN: 85710, 88310 Please note: The course syllabus provides a general plan for the course; deviations may be necessary to meet the needs of the class. Jonathan Gayles, Ph.D. Associate Professor, African-­‐American Studies Telephone 404-­‐413-­‐5638 (E-­‐mail is the most efficient way to reach me) E-­‐mail All course-­‐related e-­‐mail should be sent through Desire to Learn (D2L) Class meets Tuesday/Thursday in Classroom South 103, 1:00-­‐2:15pm Office 1 Park Place South, Suite 962 Office Hours Tuesdays 2:30-­‐3:30pm and by appointment Calvin Monroe Graduate Teaching Assistant cmonroe8@student.gsu.edu POWER DOWN YOUR PHONE NOW AND FOR EACH CLASS ABOUT THE COURSE Course Description The university’s course description: “Intellectual and social origins of African-­‐American Studies. Key concepts, themes, and theories of the discipline.” More specifically, we will review the fundamental historical concepts and contexts that led to the development of the discipline of African American Studies. Furthermore, we will consider the interdisciplinary nature of African American Studies and the manner in which the discipline intercepts various aspects of the lived experiences of African Americans. We will also consider the contributions of the discipline to broader understanding of the human condition.

Course Outcomes

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As a result of taking this class you will be able to: 1. Explain the historical development of the discipline of African-­‐American Studies; 2. Identify the works of major contributors to the growth of African American Studies; 3. Outline and analyze major issues of African American Studies; 4. Demonstrate a range of knowledge of the sociological, psychological, economic, political and cultural experiences of African Americans; 5. Discuss the cultural and aesthetic dimensions of African life experiences in North America; and 6. Contrast and compare elements of the hybrid, ambiguous nature and characteristic of African-­‐American life in North America. My Expectations 1. I EXPECT YOU TO BE FAMILIAR WITH EVERYTHING THAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS SYLLABUS 2. I expect that every student will work to maintain an environment that is most conducive to learning. 3. I expect that every student will adhere to the student code of conduct including academic honesty and plagiarism, disruptive behavior and discriminatory harassment (“speech or conduct that; (1) is addressed directly to an individual whom it insults or stigmatizes; and, (2) the speaker knows or reasonably should know would constitute fighting words”). We will deal in the realm of ideas and any disagreement should focus on the idea represented rather than the individual offering it. 4. I expect that you will invest time and energy in each of your submissions as I will invest time and energy in evaluating them. I expect that you will come to class on time and fully prepared. What You Should Expect 1. Although I enjoy lecturing, I find class discussions most rewarding. You should expect me to encourage discussions that assume only one thing: that you have completed the assigned reading.

2. I will play devil’s advocate. I will challenge you to be accountable for your statements. 3. I am also very serious about deadlines. Please adhere to them – you will find that I will hold you to the deadlines set forth in this syllabus. 4. You should expect me to provide you with constructive feedback on written submissions so that future submissions reflect improvement.

Course Assessment

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Your constructive assessment of this course plays an indispensable role in shaping education at Georgia State. Upon completing the course, please take the time to fill out the online course evaluation. Course Policies Religion If a religious commitment will prevent you from attending class, please inform me IN ADVANCE so that the proper accommodations can be made. Students with Disabilities Students who wish to request accommodation for a disability may do so by registering with the Office of Disability Services. Students may only be accommodated upon issuance by the Office of Disability Services of a signed Accommodation Plan and are responsible for providing a copy of that plan to instructors of all classes in which accommodations are sought. Assigned Readings Assigned readings will be available on GSU D2L:
 https://gsu.view.usg.edu/ For more information, please visit: http://technology.gsu.edu/technology-­‐services/it-­‐services/training-­‐and-­‐learning-­‐ resources/desire2learn/ ACADEMIC DISHONESTY CHEATING WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Any evidence of academic dishonesty may be penalized to the fullest extent set forth by Georgia State University up to and including academic dismissal. This includes plagiarism. Your thoughts and words are important enough to stand alone! Don’t borrow the thoughts and words of someone else– especially without giving them credit! Respect for the Class • • • • Please arrive on time. Late arrivals are distracting. POWER DOWN YOUR CELL PHONE! If you use a computer in class, please limit your computer usage to note-­‐taking and the completion of course-­‐related activities. Students that violate this rule will not be allowed to use computers in class. Language: I believe in freedom of expression. I only ask that we all attempt to

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•

use language and terminology that is least likely to offend others in the classroom. Disruptive Behavior (as defined by the student code of conduct) will not be tolerated: Disruptive student behavior is student behavior in a classroom or other learning environment (to include both on and off-­‐campus locations), which disrupts the educational process. Disruptive class* behavior for this purpose is defined by the instructor. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, verbal or physical threats, repeated obscenities, unreasonable interference with class discussion, making/receiving personal phone calls, text messages or pages during class, excessive tardiness, leaving and entering class frequently in the absence of notice to instructor of illness or other extenuating circumstances, and persisting in disruptive personal conversations with other class members. For purposes of this policy, it may also be considered disruptive behavior for a student to exhibit threatening, intimidating, or other inappropriate behavior toward the instructor or classmates outside of class.

Please note: All materials for this term will be discarded on the first day of the next term. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Attendance

When I do not administer a quiz at the start of class, I will record attendance at the start of class. You are allowed three unexcused absences. Each unexcused absence beyond three will result in a 2% reduction of your overall grade.

Students that are not present when their name is called will be marked tardy. It is their responsibility to inform the professor of their attendance to receive partial credit. Three tardies will be counted as an absence. If I am ever late (very unlikely), I will remove one existing tardy from each student’s record for each instance. Quizzes (40%) Quizzes will be generally be administered through D2L. You will have two opportunities to take each quiz. The first opportunity will close thirty minutes prior to the class session. You may earn a maximum grade of 100% on this initial opportunity. The second opportunity will be made available after we have discussed the material in class. You may earn a maximum grade of 75% on this second opportunity. The second quiz opportunity will close thirty minutes prior to the next class session. The highest of the two grades will be entered into the grade book.

Important Point Submission (IP) (40%)

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Each student will be required to submit ten IPs in response to a reading of their choosing. Each IP will be due on the day of the assigned reading by noon. All IPs will be submitted online.

Students may submit one additional two additional IPs for bonus credit. The grading rubric for each IP follows below: Identify one important point from the assigned reading by doing the following: 1. Summarizing the point made by the author in your own words. (25%) 2. Providing support for your interpretation (primarily a quote from the author). (25%) 3. Briefly describe WHY you think this point is important. (30%) 4. Written clarity – absence of writing errors (20%)

Examinations (20%) Each student will be required to take two exams. Generally, these exams will be multiple choice and short answer in format. Final Examination The final examination is cumulative and optional. You may take the exam to improve your final grade.

Extended Response Papers During the course of the semester, each student may submit a maximum of two extended response papers to replace a quiz grade. Each extended response paper will be submitted in class on the same day that the selected reading is assigned. All extended responses should be well-­‐written, coherent and should demonstrate a full engagement of the assigned material. I am not interested in a series of quotes – I have read the material. I am interested in what you have to say about what the author(s) said. I am interested in analysis and synthesis – not regurgitation. Extended response papers should answer the question: “How is this assigned reading relevant to the present-­‐day experiences of African Americans?”

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Please keep the assigned reading as the focus of your response. Each extended response will be submitted at the start of class and should meet the following criteria: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Typed No greater than 12 point Times New Roman font Double-­‐spaced No more than one-­‐inch margins Minimum of two full pages of text Proofread carefully References cited page if sources other than those assigned are used (reference style unimportant – please be consistent and include all necessary referencing information)

Grading Rubric for Extended Response Papers 30%: Met all of the format requirements (length, font, spacing, citations) 40%: Provides a complete answer with the assigned reading as the primary reference point 30%: Clarity (absence of writing errors) Extended response papers may not be submitted late. Missed Examinations/Assignments Requests for “make-­‐up” examinations will only be allowed in documented cases of illness, death in the family or any legal obligations. Make-­‐up exams will not be the same as the initial administration of the exam. There will be no make-­‐up opportunities for the quizzes Community Service Requirement In order to earn a grade of “A+” students must successfully complete this course component (including the completion of fifteen hours) –NO EXCEPTIONS!! Consistent with Georgia State’s emphasis on service-­‐learning and the community development and activist origins of African American Studies, students are required to compete fifteen hours of community service at a designated institution that serves the African American community. ALL STUDENTS INTERESTED IN COMPLETING THIS REQUIREMENT MUST COMPLETE A SERVICE DECLARATION FORM BY 14 OCTOBER. If this form is not submitted by this date and if you fail to complete the service requirement as described in the following, the highest grade that you can earn in this class is an A. If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete the service

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declaration form and identify the agency so that it may be approved. You should also consider GSU’s Office of Civic Engagement as a resource for finding additional service opportunities (http://www.gsu.edu/service/, (404) 413-­‐1550. In order to receive credit, you will submit • • • • A service contract between you and the agency A statement on letterhead (ideally) from someone that supervised your service activity A two-­‐page essay reflecting on your experience and how your experience impacted your understanding of the African American experience; and An agency evaluation form indicating that fifteen hours were completed.

With the exception of the statement on letterhead, each of the preceding items is mandatory. The academic dishonesty policy applies to service activity as well. About disloyal computers Your computer is not registered for this class – you are. Always save your work. Make sure that you have adequate paper and ink. Use the campus computer labs – they are always well-­‐stocked. In other words, make sure that you are able to turn in your paper on-­‐time. Another GREAT option is use of your student e-­‐locker. (elocker.student.gsu.edu) Course Grade Criteria Quizzes

Important Points

Examinations Final Course Grades

A+ A A-­‐ 97% 94 90 B+ B B-­‐ 87 84 80 C+ C C-­‐ 77 74 70 D+ D D-­‐ 67 64 60

40% 40% 20%

Course Schedule (Subject to Change) • • Tuesday Tuesday 2-­‐Sep 9-­‐Sep • • Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday 16-­‐Sep 23-­‐Sep 30-­‐Sep 7-­‐Oct • • • • • Tuesday Tuesday 28-­‐Oct 4-­‐Nov • • • • • • • • Course Introduction Woodson, The Miseducation of the Negro The Confessions of Nat Turner Davis, Reflections of the Black Women's Role in the Community of Slaves Washington, The Atlanta Exposition Garvey, The Negro’s Greatest Enemy TBA Midterm Review Initial Community Service Paperwork Due Malcolm X, 1965 Marable, Black Studies and the Future of Multiculturalism Steele, Thin Ice Ebonics Reading Thursday Brown, The Social Construction of a Rape Victim Bailey, Dilemma Exam 2 Final Exam, 10:45a

Thursday Thursday Thursday 13-­‐Nov 20-­‐Nov 27-­‐Nov 4-­‐Dec • • • • • • Thursday Thursday 4-­‐Sep 11-­‐Sep •

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Tuesday

26-­‐Aug

Thursday

28-­‐Aug

Karenga, Introduction to Black Studies Douglass, Learning to Read and Growing in Knowledge Stampp, To Make Them Stand in Fear DuBois, Of Our Spiritual Strivings

Thursday Thursday Thursday Thursday

18-­‐Sep 25-­‐Sep 2-­‐Oct 9-­‐Oct

•

• • • •

Duke/ Viewing: Banished DuBois, Of Booker T. Washington and Others Midterm Exam King, Letter from Birmingham Jail Black Panther Party Ten Point Platform Cointelpro: The Church Report DuBois, Does the Negro Need Separate Schools? Newton, Letter to My Revolutionary Brothers and Sisters Viewing: Fallen Champ Turkey day Last class (TBA) Service Paperwork due

Tuesday Tuesday

14-­‐Oct 21-­‐Oct

Thursday Thursday Thursday Thursday

16-­‐Oct 23-­‐Oct 30-­‐Oct 6-­‐Nov • • • •

Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday

11-­‐Nov 18-­‐Nov 25-­‐Nov 2-­‐Dec 9-­‐Dec

Lab Name
Aderhold Learning Center Room 023

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Descriptions
COMPUTERS 44 Windows Stations 7 Mac Stations See AVAILABLE SOFTWARE PRINTERS 2 Black and White EQUIPMENT CHECKOUT Wireless Mics (for use in lecture rooms, Concourse room, 005, and 024) VHS players

Hours
NORMAL HOURS Mon – Thurs: 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sat & Sun: Closed SUMMER HOURS Mon-Thurs: 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sat & Sun: Closed

Location
ADDRESS Concourse (Ground) Level Downtown Campus PHONE 404-413-4338

Alpharetta Center Room 114 and 115

COMPUTERS 40 Windows Stations 4 iMacs See AVAILABLE SOFTWARE PRINTERS Dell LaserJet (B&W) HP Color LaserJet

NORMAL HOURS Mon – Thurs: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fri & Sat: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. SUMMER HOURS Mon – Thurs: 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fri & Sat: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. NORMAL HOURS Mon – Fri: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Sat & Sun: Closed SUMMER HOURS Closed

ADDRESS Cubicle Lounge Room 113 and 114 PHONE 404-413-7777

Arts and Humanities

COMPUTERS 73 Windows 14 Macs See AVAILABLE SOFTWARE PRINTERS HP printer (B&W and Color 2 Epson Scanners at Mac stations

ADDRESS Arts and Humanities Building 2nd Floor Room 200 Downtown Campus PHONE 404-413-4339

Digital Aquarium

COMPUTERS 20 iMac stations AVAILABLE SOFTWARE Includes additional software such as

NORMAL HOURS Mon – Thurs: 10:00 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sat & Sun:

ADDRESS Student Center 3rd floor Room 390 Downtown Campus PHONE

Lab Name Descriptions
Final Cut PRO and Adobe Creative Suite 6 PRINTERS 1 Color Laser SERVICES Equipment Checkout

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Hours
2:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. SUMMER HOURS Mon – Fri: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sat & Sun: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CHECKOUT OFFICE Mon, Wed, & Fri: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. CHECKOUT HOURS Mon, Wed, & Fri: Noon – 6 p.m.

Location
Digital Aquarium: 404-413-4730 Equipment Rentals: 404-413-4732

University Library Learning Commons

COMPUTERS 369 Windows stations See AVAILABLE SOFTWARE PRINTERS 8 Black & White 1 Color on LN2

NORMAL HOURS Mon – Thurs: 7:30 a.m. – Midnight Fri: 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sun: Noon – Midnight SUMMER HOURS Mon – Thurs: 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Fri: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sat: 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sun: 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

ADDRESS Library North and South Downtown Campus PHONE 404-413-2800