Race and Ethnic Relations in the United States

Sociology 215, section 002

Spring Semester 2002

Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 – 9:15 a.m.

Room: Lawson Hall 121

Lecturer: Janet Armitage

Office: Faner Hall 3427; office phone #: 453-7624

Departmental office: Faner Hall 3384 and 3394; office phone #: 453-2494

Office hours: Tues and Thurs: 12:45 – 1:45 pm and 3:15 – 5:15 pm; and Wed. by appointment

Teaching Assistant: Addrain Conyers

Office: Faner Hall 3436; Office phone #: 453-7633

TA Office hours: Mon. and Wed.: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and Thurs: 3:00 – 5:00pm

I. Textbooks:

Joseph F. Healey, 1998. Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Class: The Sociology of Group Conflict

and Change. 2d ed. Thousands Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.

**Additional readings are on reserve at the library.

II. Student Learning Objectives:

This course examines the status of racial, ethnic, and cultural minority groups from historical, economic, and political perspectives. It is designed to expand knowledge of theory, research, and current events in regards to the relations of race, ethnicity, gender, and class in the United States. The course uses lectures, class discussions, and multi-cultural activities to explore the experiences of these groups. Students are expected to read the assigned materials prior to each lecture, participate in class discussions, comply with grading requirements, and maintain academic honesty in compliance with Southern Illinois University's Student Code of Conduct.

Students in this course will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of such sociological concepts as assimilation, pluralism, ascribed and achieved statuses, prejudice, and discrimination;

2. Display basic knowledge of historical, socioeconomic, and political demographics of

the United States;

3. Demonstrate critical thinking and understanding about different theories and perspectives pertaining to race, class, gender, and sexuality; and

4. Apply sociological concepts for the analysis of race and ethnicity to personal and/or familial experience.

III. Guidelines[1]:

1. We are expected to appreciate and respect others' opinions. When a student is presenting her/his view, classmates are expected to listen.

2. The first ground rule must not be abused by the speaker. S/he must not use offensive language, name calling, etc. when expressing views. We shall share information about our groups with other members of the class and we will never demean, devalue, or in any way, "put down" people for their experiences, thoughts, and insights . . . Remember, at least in this classroom, one's rights end where those of others' begin.

3. Acknowledge that racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia exist.

4. Acknowledge that one of the meanings of racism (or sexism, classism, homophobia) is that we have been systematically taught misinformation about our own group and especially about members of minority groups (this is true for both minority and majority group members).

5. We cannot be blamed for the misinformation we have learned, but we will be held responsible for repeating misinformation after we have learned otherwise.

6. We will not blame victims for their oppression.

7. We will always assume that people are always doing the best that they can.

8. We will actively pursue information about our own groups and those of others.

9. We each have an obligation to actively combat the myths and stereotypes about our own group and other groups so that we can break down the walls which prohibit inter-group

cooperation and gain.

IV. Evaluation:

1. Book report/review (1) = 100 points

2. Quizzes (5) = 10 points each = 50 points

3. Mid-term exam = 100 points

4. Observation project = 50 points

5. Final exam (optional) = 100 points

Evaluation cont'd.

Students' grades will be determined by the following elements:

1. Book Report/Review: A 7 – 10 page, typed book report/review on a sociological relevant book that pertains to race, ethnicity, gender, and/or class. A book list of acceptable titles will be distributed in class. Each student may choose his or her book from this list or select a different appropriate title. All choices must be approved by the instructor.

2. Quizzes: Five quizzes will be given throughout the semester. Each is worth 10 points.

3. Mid-term exam: The mid-term term exams consist of 50 questions (worth 2 pts. each). The exam will cover chapters from the textbook, lectures, and any other class materials assigned.

4. Observation project: The observation project requires each student to choose an on-campus area (e.g., the student center) and make at least 30 minutes of observations of personal interactions. The project, worth 50 points, examines "racialized space". The details of the student's observations will be typewritten in a brief report (4 – 6 pages). More detailed paper guidelines will be given during the semester. Time will be allotted during the semester to make such observations.

5. Final exam (optional): The final exam is 100 cumulative questions (no essays) covering all course materials. It is an optional exam. However, only those students who meet the eligibility requirements may choose this option. The requirements are: a) a "C" or better in the class or b) zero class absences beyond the three allowable missed classes.

Bonus points: Attendance will be taken throughout the semester. On selective days, the attendance recorded will be worth 1 point. In addition, class participation will also count toward your final course grade.

Grading scales:

With the final exam:

A	B	C	D	F
400 – 360	359 – 320	319 – 280	279 – 240	239 – 0

Without the final exam:

A	B	C	D	F
300 – 270	269 – 240	239 – 210	209 – 180	179 – 0

The total course points are 400 and 300 points respectively.

V. Missed Deadlines and Make-up Exam Scheduling Policy:

Late papers or assignments will not be accepted and make-up exams will not be given without written documentation for the student absence and the lateness of the course work. This must be submitted to the lecturer before the assignment is accepted and before an exam will be given. The dates for all class requirements are listed in the following class schedule. It is your responsibility to be aware of the deadlines and exam dates. Each assignment is due at the beginning of each class period. If you do not attend class that day, the assignment will be accepted in the sociology departmental office on or before the due date and time. Each assignment not turned in during the class period must be signed and dated by a student worker or other office staff and/or faculty member and placed in my departmental mailbox. All late assignments, if accepted, receive a one-point deduction for every day—beyond the due date—that the assignment is late. If you are going to miss a deadline or an exam, you must inform the instructor a week before the deadline by submitting official documentation from the Office of Student Development. If you miss a deadline or exam because of illness, death of a family member, or other emergency (your car breaking down is not treated as an emergency), you must inform the instructor within 24 hours of the class meeting that you miss. We will discuss procedures necessary to complete the needed requirements.

VI. Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the use of another person's words or ideas as your own. At SIUC, it is a violation acknowledged in the Student Conduct Code and it is an offense that could result in your expulsion from the University. For Sociology 215, the consequences for plagiarism are: 1) a zero on all assignments where a student engages in plagiarism to any degree and 2) the possibility of an "F" for the entire course. The latter option relies on the discretion of the lecturer. For any further questions about plagiarism, please read the attached handout, visit the Student Writing Center (Faner Hall), or see the Teaching Assistant or me.

VII. Reading Assignments and Lecture Schedule:

Additional readings—in addition to the text chapters—will be assigned periodically.

Week 1 January 15, 17: Introduction to the course

Readings: Healey, Ch. 1

Week 2 January 22, 24: continuation of week 1 topic and an introduction to assimilation and pluralism

Readings: Healey, Ch. 1 and Ch. 2

Miller, "Domination and Subordination", (R) p. 73-79

Week 3 January 29, 31: Prejudice

Readings: Healey, Ch. 3

**Discuss and distribute book review guidelines

Reading Assignments and Lecture Schedule cont'd.

Week 4 February 5, 7 : Prejudice and Discrimination

Readings: Healey, Ch. 3 and Ch. 4

Snyder, "Self-Fulfilling Stereotypes", (R) p. 452-458.

Mohr, "Anti-Gay Stereotypes", (R) p. 458-465.

Week 5 February 12, 14: Minority Groups (Preindustrial America)

Readings: Healey, Ch. 5

Week 6 February 19, 21: Continuation of Week 5

Readings: same as Week 5

**Exam I Review

**Exam I: February 28, 2002 (Ch. 1 – 5)

Week 7 February 26, 28: Industrialization and dominant-minority group relations

Readings: Healey, Ch. 6 and Ch. 11

**Discuss observation project

Week 8 March 5, 7: Continuation of Week 7 topics

Readings: same as Week 7

Week 9 March 9 – March 17, 2002: SPRING BREAK (NO CLASSES)

Week 10 March 19, 21: "Understanding the Present": U.S. minority groups

Readings: Healey, Ch. 7 (African Americans)

U.S. Constitution: Thirteenth (1865), Fourteenth (1868), and Fifteenth (1870)

Amendments, (R) p. 407-408

DuBois, "The Black Codes", (R) p. 408-415

Week 11 March 26, 28: Continuation of Week 9 topic

Readings: same as Week 9

**Book reports due, March 28, 2002

Week 12 April 2, 4: American Indians

Readings: Healey, Ch. 8

**Class cancelled/observation day: April 4, 2002

Reading Assignments and Lecture Schedule cont'd.

Week 13 April 9, 11: Hispanic Americans

Readings: Healey, Ch. 9

Cole, "Five Myths about Immigration", (R) p. 125-128

**Observation project due, April 11, 2002

Week 14 April 16, 18: Asian Americans

Readings: Healey, Ch.10

Week 15 April 23, 25: Continuation of Week 14 topic and an introduction to Global Dominant-Minority relations

Readings: same as Week 14 and Healey, Ch. 12

Week 16 April 30, May 2: U.S. Minority groups and Summary of the course

Readings: Healey, Ch. 13

Week 17 May 6 - 10: Finals week

**Time and location of optional final exam to be announced.

Race and Ethnic Relations in the United States

Sociology 215, section 004

Spring Semester 2002

Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00 – 3:15 p.m.

Room: Parkinson Building 202

Lecturer: Janet Armitage

Office: Faner Hall 3427; office phone #: 453-7624

Departmental office: Faner Hall 3384 and 3394; office phone #: 453-2494

Office hours: Tues and Thurs: 12:45 – 1:45 pm and 3:15 – 5:15 pm; and Wed. by appointment

Teaching Assistant: Addrain Conyers

Office: Faner Hall 3436; Office phone #: 453-7633

TA Office hours: Mon. and Wed.: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and Thurs: 3:00 – 5:00pm

I. Textbooks:

Joseph F. Healey, 1998. Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Class: The Sociology of Group Conflict

and Change. 2d ed. Thousands Oaks, CA: Pine Forge Press.

**Additional readings are on reserve at the library.

II. Student Learning Objectives:

Students in this course will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of such sociological concepts as assimilation, pluralism, ascribed and achieved statuses, prejudice, and discrimination;

2. Display basic knowledge of historical, socioeconomic, and political demographics of the United States;

3. Demonstrate critical thinking and understanding about different theories and perspectives pertaining to race, class, gender, and sexuality; and

4. Apply sociological concepts for the analysis of race and ethnicity to personal and/or familial experience.

III. Guidelines[2]:

1. We are expected to appreciate and respect others' opinions. When a student is presenting her/his view, classmates are expected to listen.

3. Acknowledge that racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia exist.

5. We cannot be blamed for the misinformation we have learned, but we will be held responsible for repeating misinformation after we have learned otherwise.

6. We will not blame victims for their oppression.

7. We will always assume that people are always doing the best that they can.

8. We will actively pursue information about our own groups and those of others.

9. We each have an obligation to actively combat the myths and stereotypes about our own group and other groups so that we can break down the walls which prohibit inter-group

cooperation and gain.

IV. Evaluation:

1. Book report/review (1) = 100 points

2. Quizzes (5) = 10 points each = 50 points

3. Mid-term exam = 100 points

4. Observation project = 50 points

5. Final exam (optional) = 100 points

Evaluation cont'd.

Students' grades will be determined by the following elements:

2. Quizzes: Five quizzes will be given throughout the semester. Each is worth 10 points.

3. Mid-term exam: The mid-term term exams consist of 50 questions (worth 2 pts. each). The exam will cover chapters from the textbook, lectures, and any other class materials assigned.

Grading scales:

With the final exam:

A	B	C	D	F
400 – 360	359 – 320	319 – 280	279 – 240	239 – 0

Without the final exam:

Teaching Assistant: Addrain Conyers

With the final exam:

A

B

C

D

F

400 – 360

359 – 320

319 – 280

279 – 240

239 – 0

A

B

C

D

F

VI. Plagiarism

Readings: same as Week 5

Race and Ethnic Relations in the United States

Teaching Assistant: Addrain Conyers

With the final exam:

A

B

C

D

F

400 – 360

359 – 320

319 – 280

279 – 240

239 – 0