UNDERGRADUATE SYLLABUS
MANDATED AND ABBREVIATED VERSION
AFRICAN-AMERICAN EXPERIENCE
to 1900: Hist. 4753. CRN 20337
CRN 4753
Meeting in LAR 216
11:00-11:50 MWF
A. PREREQUISITES: Eng. 1113 English Grammar and Composition
B. Dr. Jere W. Roberson
Professor of American History, Director of Ethnic Studies, Professor of African American History since 1971, Professor of U.S. Constitutional History since 1969
C. Office Hours: Fall 2006
Arrangements to fit needs Possible
10:30-11:00 MW
9:00-11:00 F
10:00-11:00 TR
And Appointments
LA 202‑J
tele. 974‑5592
jroberson@uco.edu and jeresoffice@cox.net
D. Textbook:
Kelley, To Make our World Anew. Oxford University, 2000.
(Available at university bookstore and at Thompson’s Books)
E. COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to advance the level of study that is offered by Dr. Roberson at his 1000-level African American history course (1333 A History of African Americans). Whereas the 1333 course covers the entire African American Experience, this course focuses on the pre-1900 experience. One is encouraged to examine and look beyond popular approaches to this family history. In this course students will study in some detail the African American Experience from the roots of its beginnings in Africa, in the Caribbean, and in America at the Chesapeake region and at Charleston. From these beginnings we hope to develop a clearer understanding of the many complexities, the glories and the pain of what hat it meant to be always considered an outsider. Perhaps by knowing this experience better, we may develop a new respect for what it means to want to live the American Dream, to be proud of one’s cultural roots, and to feel the weight on self-agency.
F. COURSE OBJECTIVES:
1. Students will complete written assignments that will require them to compose book reviews/summaries and
2. Critiques/summaries of Biographies and Readings assignments posted on Dr. Roberson’s website.
3. Students will engage in classroom discussions that demonstrate their verbal skills as well as their ability to engage in public discourse.
2. Students will engage in research projects for classroom presentation that demonstrate skills listed in 1 and 2 above and thereby display their discriminating analytical skills.
3. Students will create outlines of the chapters they read in the common text, use them for classroom discussions, and submit them for evaluation.
5. Students will design their own contract, within the guidelines established by the professor, to establish the distribution of their point system. This limited self-determination of grades will demonstrate the development of critical, self-examination skills that will help develop student success beyond the university.
G. COURSE DESCRIPTION:
In this course students will study in some detail the African American Experience from the African background to the dawn of the so-called Progressive Era, which was, in fact, the nadir for Black liberation. Considerable time will then be devoted to examining the historical record of this experience, especially the quest for liberation. We will reflect on this past and see how it still seems to still be affecting our lives.
H. COMPETENCIES:
Cognitive Skills
Critical Reading and Thinking Skills
Composition Skills
Time Management Skills
Oral Communications Skills
I. Instructional Process
Class Discussion of Assigned Material
Lecture when appropriate
Evaluation of Critiques/Summaries of professional journal articles.
Evaluation of Book Reviews
Evaluating Manageable Research projects
J. Course Requirements:
Imbedded
K. Resources, references, and supplies:
Resources: Textbook and Study Guide
Textbook: To Make Our World Anew. A History of African Americans, edited by Robin D.G. Kelley and Earl Lewis.
Oxford University Press, 2000. ISBN 0-19-513945-3
References: See suggested readings sections
a. in the Text, the professor=s study guide, and
b. on the professor’s website
Supplies: Available
a. Folder (as prescribed by professor) with Grade Sheet
b. Mead, Hardcover Composition Book (for Journal)
c. Binder (as described by professor)
Study Guide (as described by professor)
L. Grading and Evaluation:
All grading of written material will be conducted on the rubric that is located on the professor=s department website and in the Study Guide.
Students will create their own evaluation scales of the following:
B. Critiques of on-line biographies and readings in historical perspectives
[20,25 or 30%] [200-300 points]
1. 3 biographies
2. 1 readings
C. Book Reviews [10 or 15%] [100-150 points]
D. Chapter Outlines [20,25, or 30%] [200-300 points]
E. Journal [10-15%] [100-150 points]
II. Grade Adjustment Portion
A. Classroom Discussions
[5-10%] [50-100 points]
A = 900+ points
B = 800-899 points
C = 700-799 points
D = 600-699 points
F = 000-599 points
M. Attendance Policy
1. Acceptable
a. No more than 3 unexcused
b. Absences excused with verifiable, and acceptable documentation
---In accordance with university policies,
Dr. Roberson with determine what is verifiable and acceptable
2. Unacceptable
a. Four (4) or more unexcused absences
b. Excessive Unexcused Attendances
Will eliminate grade adjustment points
3. Attendance Makeup Policy
a. If you wish to make up excessive absences, you must attend one of my freshman U.S. History classes that meet at 8 and 9 AM on MWF.
b. You must be a contributing member to the classroom discussions for the day you attend.
---You may check with me and see what is being discussed on the day you plan to make up.
N. Makeup/Improvement Policies
[You must not have unacceptable attendance at time you fill out your request for either an improvement or a makeup]
1. Writing Assignments
a. Improvement:
--You may request an improvement of one Critique/Summary of either a biography or reading writing assignment.]
--You may request an improvement of one book review.
b. Makeups
--If you miss a due date by more than 3 days, you may make up an assignment by accepting a new one.
2. Research Project
a. Improvement:
--If you submit your project by Thanksgiving Break for me to evaluate, we may work together to improve it by the deadline [20 April]
b. Makeup
--There is no makeup of a research project if the due date is missed.
3. Chapter Outlines
a. Improvement:
--You may improve as many as 2 single chapter outlines.
b. Makeup
--You may make up an outline in order to remove two zeros you received by missing a deadline. Your semester grade will be based on the remaining chapter outlines.
O. Course Calendar:
[See Attached]
P. Additional Information:
The key to your success is to manage your time.
Q. ADA Statement regarding special accommodations:
The University of Central Oklahoma complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Students with disabilities who need special accommodations should make their requests by contacting the coordinator of Disability Support Services.