Course Syllabus: Black Experience

AFRS 3050-002 Office Hours: Psychology of Black Experience Tuesdays 4:30- 5:30 Dr. C. Pinckney Thursday 5:00- 6:00 Garinger 131 Class Time 6:30 -9:15 704-687-2466 Fretwell 405 [email protected]

AFRS 3050-002 Psychology of Black Experience

Course Description:

This course will present students with a framework for understanding the psychology of the black experience by examining the historical and cultural aspects of the Black experience from an African centered perspective. This course is intended to add critical thinking skills, via the use of philosophical concepts by engaging students in an analysis of the history and literature of African people and their descendants in America. This course will use a combination of lectures, audiovisual and extensive discussion focusing on the historical and cultural representation of psychology from an African centered perspective. Upon completion of this course students will:

 Demonstrate knowledge of the historical roots of psychology from an African centered perspective and be able to identify the development of Black Psychology as a distinct system of psychological thought and research.  Display knowledge of the African centered world views and its role in the psychological study of people of African decent.  Demonstrate an understanding of how the “Lived Black Experience” can aid in the overall understanding of the Black experience and provide a frame of reference for which to study the psychological experience of other people throughout the world.  Explore his or her world views as it relates to their personal psychological and social experiences.

Required Text:

Parham, Thomas A., Ajamu, Adisa and White, Joseph, L,. (2011).The Psychology of Blacks: Centering Our Perspective In African Consciousness. Forth Edition, Prentice Hall

Wright, Bobby, E. (1984). The Psychopathic Racial Personality and Other Essays: Third World Press, Chicago (Book Provided by Instructor)

Optional Recommended Readings:

Russell, Kathy, Wilson, Midge, and Hall, Ronald, (1993). The Color Complex: The Politics of Skin Color Among African- Americans. Anchor Books Division of Random House, Inc. New York AFRS 3050-002

There are three primary texts required for this course. All three texts readings must be read by the completion date. Three additional books have been selected for optional readings and discussions. During this course each student will be assigned a topic and must prepare an oral presentation to be delivered to the class. There will also be one final research paper and one final exam consisting of Five Critical Essay Questions.

Learning Objectives:

 To improve the capacity to critically examine facts, artifacts and concepts about the black experience  To develop and analyze arguments orally and in writing  To develop awareness and appreciation for heritage of black people in the United States and how struggle has been central to the black experience  To improve students’ ability to listen carefully and speak accurately about the roles that black people played in the development of the U.S.  To be self-appraising and value the importance of learning as a life long pursuit

Course Dynamics: This course only meets once per week and is structured by readings, films, video clips, lectures, discussions and student presentations. In general, class will begin with lecture, then move to class discussions, video clips, and presentations.

Methods of Instruction: Instruction and Learning activities and strategies may include:

 Oral presentations  Commentary writing  Discussion starters  Web-assisted Instruction  Examination

Measurable Objectives:

Students will demonstrate competence at a cumulative grade level of at least C in the following:  Oral presentations  Commentary writing  Examinations AFRS 3050-002

Written Assignments, Oral Presentations and Examinations

Written assignments, oral presentations and one examination are due as scheduled and are based on text readings and other assigned readings by the professor. These assignments are designed to deepen your knowledge of the black experience. If you anticipate being absent, please submit the assignment in advance.

Student Presentations:

 Students are the central point of this class, oral and written presentations are the key components of this course. Students will be ask to make short presentations, either formally or as part of a group. Throughout the semester students are encouraged to share with the class and global values that maybe outside of the assigned readings, films, lectures, and multi media outlets.

 This course will cover a large amount of material in 16 weeks. In order to accomplish our task, students are required to engage in active critical thinking.

Grading Requirement:

Commentary essays will be graded according to the following three criteria:

 Argument is clearly stated? Do the steps of the argument make sense and lead logically to the conclusion?  Evidence How well does the commentary essay use the evidence available class materials (reading, lectures, films and video clips)? How well are the examples used to support the argument?  Style How well is the commentary essay written? Has it been carefully proofread? Are there clever terms, phrases, and interesting transitions. Was there a catchy opening and conclusion? Does the paper length match the assignment?

Attendance Policy: Please be advised class attendance is expected and required. Please come to class on time and fully prepared to actively participate in class discussion and engage with the reading materials assigned. Barring sickness or unavoidable family or personal emergencies, you are expected to attend class. If you know in advance that you are going to miss class, please email the instructor with a brief explanation. More than (3) unexcused absence will result in a reduction of your final grade.

GRADING SCALE: Your final grade in this course is based upon a 10-point scale: Please keep up with your grades/averages and absence

90-100 (A) 80-89 (B) 70-79 (C) 60-69 (D) 59 and below (F) AFRS 3050-002

Late assignments: All papers are due at the beginning of class; assignments handed in after class will be treated as late. Late papers will be penalized one full grade per calendar day (from A to B for example), except in case of a documented emergency. The following will be written assignments for the class;

How grades are determined

Your grades are based on the following approximate percentages:  Reaction Commentary Essays (4) (40%)  Examinations (2) (30 %)  Oral Presentation (1) (10 %)  Reaction Essay 5 pgs (10%)  Class Participation (10%)

Examinations: Two examinations (each valued at 15%) will be given based upon the course scheduled. One examination will occur at the midterm of the semester and the other will occur at the end of the semester. Examinations will cover lecturers, reading assignments, outside media viewing opportunities and presentations. Examinations will consist of multiple choice and essay questions.

Reaction Commentary Essays: Four written commentary (each valued at 10%) will be given based upon the course scheduled. The first commentary will occur on weeks five, ten and fifteen of the semester. Each commentary will not exceed 500 words. The commentary must be based on lecturers, reading assignments, outside media viewing opportunities and presentations.

Reaction Essay: Each student must develop a reaction essay assessing the Psychopathic Racial Personality and the Black experience proposed by Bobby E Wright. This essay must be typed and should be at least 5 pages.

Oral Presentations: Each student will make an oral presentation before the class. Each student will be responsible for the presentation valued at (10 %). Topics will be assigned by the instructor at the beginning of the course. The presentations will occur during week 2.

Class Participation: Each student is expected to participate in class discussion based on weekly topics. 10% of your grade is based upon class participation.

Makeup Assignments: It is recommended that you complete all assignments, examinations, and quizzes on time and submit all work in according with the deadlines unless you can produce a valid university-approved excuse.

AFRS 3050-002

Code of Academic Integrity: This course is governed by the University code of academic. Please take the time to familiarize yourself the code by accessing the university code of academic policy at (http://www.legal.incc.edu/policies/ps-105.html. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense. Plagiarism is the act of taking someone else's ideas or/and writings (including internet materials), and passing them off as your own. The penalty may include the grade of F on the paper or grade of F for the course, or/and being subjected to other University disciplinary actions. If you are in doubt regarding what plagiarism, consult the instructor immediately. To avoid being haunted by the ghost of plagiarism, plan ahead, give yourself an ample time to complete your assignments, and consult with the instructor if you have questions.

Classroom Etiquette

Students are expected to be respectful of others, especially those with divergent opinions, to act with civility toward fellow students and the professor and to conform to the standards of adult classroom behavior. Private conversations in class which are not part of class activities are inappropriate and unacceptable. As a courtesy, I ask that you not wear caps or hats in the classroom. Please make sure cell phones are turned off during class.

Specific grading criteria for the Reaction Essays and oral presentations are as follows:

 Clarity, organization and presentation style  Description of topic  Critique of topic in relation to course material  Personal reactions and critique of materials presented

Specific grading criteria for the Research Papers are as follows:

 Grammar, typographical and APA format.  Adequacy of topic coverage, how thorough has it been covered?  Adequacy of integration of topic with course material  Adequacy of critique and use of supplemental materials; how well did the writer integrate their own perspective? AFRS 3050-002

Course Calendar: Psychology of Black Experience

Week 1: Introduction, syllabus, historical interpretation, American and Global Diaspora

Week 2: Readings: Open Letter To Black America: A case for pushing beyond just surviving. Article Handouts, Kevin Powell In-Class Videos: Lecture and Discussion!  Reaction Commentary Assignment I ( Ecology Music) 

Week 3: Reading Assignment: The Psychopathic Racial Personality: Wright, 1-20 pgs Lecture and Discussion!

Week 4: Reading Assignment: The Psychopathic Racial Personality: Wright, 21-38 pgs Lecture and Discussion! Exam I

Week 5: Race, Racism, Ethnicity and Psychology. In-Class Video: Cornel West on Tavis Smiley / Cornel West -- 9/11 "niggerized" U.S. / Black White Supremist Dave Chappelle / Lecture and Discussion!

Week 6: Reaction Commentary Assignment II / Oral Presentation

Each student must draft a Self-Titled Open Letter to President Barack Obama outlining your concerns as it related to the current state of affairs in Black America. Each student will be allowed up to three minutes to present his or her letter.

Week 7: African-Centered Psychology in Modern Era Readings: Parham, Ajamu, and White 14-33.

Week 8: Reaction Essay: Each student must develop a reaction essay assessing the Psychopathic Racial Personality and the Black experience proposed by Bobby E Wright. This essay must be typed and should be at least 5 pages.

Mid-Term ………………………………Spring-Break Week 9 Spring Break………………...

Week 10: Coping With Racism and Oppression: Social Disparities That Impact Black Lives Readings: Parham, Ajamu, and White 69-84 In-Class Video: CNN Black in America Part I and Part II versus CNN White In America Lecture and Discussion!

Week 11: The Struggle For Identity Congruence in African-Americans Readings: Parham, Ajamu, and White 85-102 Lecture and Discussion! In-Class Movie: Superfly

Week 12: The Psychology of African-Centered Education Readings: Parham, Ajamu, and White 104-131 Reaction Commentary Assignment III / Each student must provide a social commentary of the movie and narrator Dr. Todd Boyd. Class Lecture and Discussion!

Week 13: Mental Health Issues Among African-American People and the Social Problem Associated with People of Color: Lecture and Discussion!  In Class Video:  Black Panthers Speak about Criminal Injustice  First interview with Martin Luther King from 1957 part 1 /  Minority Report (Jay-Z)

Week 14: Examination II

Week 15: Encountering Generation Hip-Hop: What are the psychological implications?  Lecture and Discussion  In-Class Video: Beyond Beats & Rhymes Part-4, 5, and 6  Michaela Angela Davis of HoneyMag.com on Don Imus and more…..  Ecology Music Videos (EMV) that may or may not represent this new generation of young African-Americans.

Week 16: FINAL REACTION COMMENTARY: Each student must develop a Reaction Commentary on the topic of your choice as it relates to the Black Experience. This reaction commentary paper must be typed and must exceed 500 words.

Week 16: Class Ends Week 15 Black Experience

Critical Questions

The main question once again, should this new generation of black reserve their behavioral lifestyle to be more conservative consumers?  Trrick Daddy - I'm A Thug (Video Version) Critical Questions Is this a form of Culture Currency?  Im so Hood – Lyrics  DJ Khaled & T-Pain "I'm So Hood" UNCENSORED Critical Questions  Is this the new generation Black Experience for some? How say you!

 Is this form of the Black Experience acceptable or unacceptable and who are we to say argue either?

2. We Taking Over!

Critical Questions  Is it possible that this New Generation of Bourgeoisie Negros are really running things in the black community AFRS 3050-002

The Psychology Black Experience Student Data Sheet

Name: ______Email Address: ______

Home Phone: ______Mobile Phone: ______

Home Address: ______

______

How grades are determined: Your grades are based on the following approximate percentages:

Essays Analysis: 1 ______, 2 ______, 3______, 4______

Research Paper ____Complete ______Not Complete

Speech ____Complete ______Not Complete

Reaction Analysis ____Complete ______Not Complete

Examinations 1 ______2 ______

Oral Commentary ____Complete ______Not Complete

Class Participation ____Participated ______Not Participated

Excused Absences Dates: ______

Unexcused Absences Dates: ______Class Participation Evaluation: A B C D F

Mid-Term Assignment Grade ______Final Paper Grade: ______Office Visits Dates: ______

Comments: ______

AFRS 3050-002

Assignment I Oral Commentary

Welcome to Psychology of the Black Experience, I hope that everyone enjoyed the Christmas Break. Thank you all for enrolling in this course. I hope that you are excited about this semester and the intent of this course. Keeping with tradition, I have put together what I believe each and every one of you will truly enjoy. Twelve outstanding musical selections have been assembled that embody the essences of the Black Experience both current and past.

After carefully listening to the pre-selected music folder entitled “The Black Music Ecology Series”, please select any three songs and provide a 250 word commentary describing the nature of the Black Experience as describe by the artist. This assignment must be typed and presented in class on day one. ______Track Listing

1) Bushonomics 2) The Journey 3) America 400 Years 4) Stolen King 5) Still Here 6) 3M’s 7) Dear Mr. Man 8) N-Word 9) The N-Word 10) Mr. President 11) Keep’in It P.I. 12) Heaven