The Lincoln University

AAE Program/Department of History, Political Science, Philosophy & Religion

Course Syllabus

Course Title:	African American Experience	Course number:	SOS -151-10
Credit Hours	3	Prerequisite (s):	None
Term:	Fall 2019	Co-Requisite (s)	None
Course Method	Lecture and discussion	Meeting day and Time:	MWF 1-1:50 p.m.
Instructor:	Safro Kwame, Ph.D.	Classroom/lab/Studio Location:	Grim Hall, Room 313
Office location:	GRIM HALL 310	e-mail:	kwame@lincoln.edu
Office Hours:	MWF 11 a.m. – 12 noon and MWF 3 p.m. – 4 p.m.	Phone Extension:	7569 (484-365-7569)

COURSE DESCRIPTION: (as in the university bulletin)

This introductory course provides the students an overview of the experience of African Americans from origins to the present using diverse approaches and multidisciplinary perspectives. Students gain an understanding of the contributions of African Americans to the development of the United States, and the current issues facing African American communities.

REQUIRED TEXT:

Exploring the African-American Experience, Levi A. Nwachuku, & Judith A.W. Thomas, Editors. [2011] and Fall & Spring packets bound by Dr. G.M. (First Custom Edition)

Assessment Criteria & Alignment (usE Numbers only)

Course SLO	PSLOs (indicate #only)	ILOs (indicate #only)	Direct and Indirect Assessment Methods
CSLO 1	1. Identify the impact of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade on America’s social, economic and political structures.	#3- Diversity Awareness and Cultural Awareness #5-Critical Thinking	Essay test #1: Short essay, Mid-term exam Pre-test & Post-test Kahoot Assessment Class Discussions Quiz
CSLO 2	2. Discuss the civil rights movement and its impact on current social, economic and political conditions in America.	#4-Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement #5-Critical Thinking #6-Lincoln Legacy	Essay #2. Short essay and Mid-term Exam [see essay rubric] Kahoot Assessment Class Discussions Group Presentation Quiz
CSLO 3	3. Describe the structure, style, and leadership philosophy of two contemporary African American organizations (social, political, religious, educational, economic)	#4-Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement	Short Essay/Midterm Kahoot Assessment Class Discussions Group Presentation Quiz
CSLO 4	4. Explain the portrayals of African Americans in news and popular media	#3-Diversity Awareness & Cultural Awareness #4-Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement #5-Critical Thinking 6-Lincoln Legacy	Short Essay /Midterm Kahoot Assessment Class Discussions Group Presentation
CSLO 5	5. Identify health, environmental or gender/class/identity issue affecting African American communities.	#3-Diversity Awareness & Cultural Awareness #5-Critical Thinking	Instructor will assign topic choices and identify-define-explain-narrate-define criteria. Quiz Final Examination
CSLO 6	6. Discuss the contributions of African Americans to the Arts and Sciences.	#3-Diversity Awareness & Cultural Awareness #5-Critical Thinking #6-Lincoln Legacy	Final examination (research essay), using essay rubric or oral presentation criteria.

Calculation of Final Grades:

§ Written Assignments, Short Essays, Power Points, Group Presentations 40%

§ Quizzes 10%

§ Attendance and Participation in Class Discussions 10%

§ Midterm 15%

§ Final Examination 25%

See instructor for written assignment (essay or paper) guidelines and due-date.

GRADING SCALE:

Grade	A	A-	B+	B	B-	C+	C	C-	D+	D	F
GPA Points	4.0	3.7	3.3	3.0	2.7	2.3	2.0	1.7	1.3	1.0	0.0
%	100-93	92.9-90	89.9-88	87.9-82	81.9-80	79.9-78	77.9-72	71.9-70	69.9-67	66.9-60.1	60 and under

SCHEDULE OF LEARNING topics covered:

See supplement or addendum to syllabus for specifics, updates and changes.

Class Meets: MWF 1-1:50 p.m. •ASSIGNMENT SELECTION & SCHEDULE MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE•
Week 01:	“Why African American Experience?” LU President Horace Mann Bond (SLO 6)
Week 02:	Why AAE Course from LU?/“Pledging Allegiance” Black History Timeline Overview {SLO 4}
Week 03:	African American Studies: Significance & Meaning Revisited. Textbook pp. 1- 5. [ Dr. Levi Nwachuku] {SLO 3}
Week 04:	African American Visitations. Textbook pp. 7-12 [ Dr. Achebe] General Overview of African History Textbook pp. 13-45 [Dr. G.N. Uzoigwe] Kahoot Assessment {SLO 4}
Week 05:	The European Slave Trade: An Overview Textbook pp.46-60. [Dr. Levi Nwachuku] {SLO 1}
Week 06:	The Political Economy of Slavery in the United States 1607-1865. Textbook, pp.61-71 [Dr. Gary Hunter] {SLO 1}
Week 07:	Philosophy & the African American Experience Textbook, pp.121-129. [Dr. Safro Kwame] {SLO 3}
Week 08: Midterm	Continue: Philosophy & the African American Experience Textbook, pp.121-129. [Dr. Safro Kwame] {SLO 3} Midterm Examination
Week 09:	The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, 1954-2003. Textbook pp.165-174. [Dr. Carl Walton] { SLO 2 }
Week 10:	Three Faces of Black American Political Leadership Textbook pp.131-150. [Dr. Martin Kilson] (SLO 2 & 3)
Week 11:	African American Politics in the Twenty-First Century. Textbook pp.187-190. [Dr. Charles Hamilton] {SLO 3 & 4}
Week 12:	Race Relations in the Age of Obama. Textbook pp. 265-277[Dr. Levi A. Nwachuku & Judith Thomas],(SLO 2 & 3)
Week 13:	Pan-Africanism: A Historical Survey Textbook pp.175-185. [Dr. C, Ihejirika] { SLO 3}
Week 14:	Blacks in Science. Chapter sixteen: Science, Engineers and Technical Achievers of African Descent – Africa’s Unsung Gift to Western Civilization, pp.211- 234. [ Dr. Grant Venerable, 11]
Week 15:	Health Disparities: The Black American Experience,] Textbook pp. 107-120. [Dr. Patricia Nelson {SLO 5} Final Examination Review/Final Exam

University ATTENDANCE POLICY:

Lincoln University uses the class method of teaching, which assumes that each student has something to contribute and something to gain by attending class. It further assumes that there is much more instruction absorbed in the classroom than can be tested on examinations. Therefore, students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled class meetings and should exhibit good faith in this regard. For the control of absences, the faculty adopted the following regulations: 1. Four absences may result in an automatic failure in the course. 2. Three tardy arrivals may be counted as one absence. http://www.lincoln.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/registrar/Catalog.pdf

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Lincoln University is committed to non-discrimination of students with disabilities and therefore ensures that they have equal access to higher education, programs, activities, and services in order to achieve full participation and integration into the University.  In keeping with the philosophies of the mission and vision of the University, the Office of Student Support Services, through the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Program, provides an array of support services and reasonable accommodations for students with special needs and/or disabilities as defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.  The Services for Students with Disabilities Program seeks to promote awareness and a campus environment in which accommodating students with special needs and/or disabilities is natural extension of the University’s goal.

Any student with a documented disability should contact the Office of Student Support Services. http://www.lincoln.edu/studentservices/index.html

UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT:

Students are responsible for proper conduct and integrity in all of their scholastic work. They must follow a professor's instructions when completing tests, homework, and laboratory reports, and must ask for clarification if the instructions are not clear. In general, students should not give or receive aid when taking exams, or exceed the time limitations specified by the professor. In seeking the truth, in learning to think critically, and in preparing for a life of constructive service, honesty is imperative. Honesty in the classroom and in the preparation of papers is therefore expected of all students. Each student has the responsibility to submit work that is uniquely his or her own. All of this work must be done in accordance with established principles of academic integrity.     http://www.lincoln.edu/sites/default/files/pdf/registrar/Catalog.pdf

POLICY ON ELECTRONIC DEVICES IN CLASSROOM:

Use of electronic devices are prohibited unless approved by the instructor for purposes directly related to the course. Texting, searching the internet, recording, taking pictures or videos, talking, and playing games, among other things, are specifically prohibited. During exams, all electronic devices must be turned off.

Supplement/Addendum/Revision of Main Syllabus (Specific Assignments):

Day	Date	Discussion Topic/Learning Opportunities
Mon	08/26/2019	Discussion Topic/Learning Opportunities
Wed	08/28/2019	Introduction, Pre-test, Syllabi distribution, and Course expectations.
Fri	08/30/2019	Read Chapter One: African American Studies: Significance and Meaning Revisited by Levi Nwachuku from Textbook pp. 1- 5 before today's class. {SLO 1}
Mon	09/02/2019	Labor Day: NO CLASS
Wed	09/04/2019	Discussion.
Fri	09/06/2019	Read Handout/Packet : Blacks in Science by Ivan van Sertima' "Blacks in Science" before today's class. {SLO 6}
Mon	09/09/2019	Discussion.
Wed	09/11/2019	Read Chapter Sixteen: Science, Engineers and Technical Achievers of African Descent - Africa's Unsung Gift to Western Civilization, by Grant Venerable, pp. 211- 212 before today's class. {SLO 6
Fri	09/13/2019	Discussion.
Mon	09/16/2019	Read Chapter Two: African American Visitations by Chinua Achebe in Textbook pp.7-12 before today's class. {SLO 4}
Wed	09/18/2019	Review.
Fri	09/20/2019	Classwork 1: Quiz on Readings and Classes.
Mon	09/23/2019	Read Chapter Four: The European Slave Trade: An Overview by Levi Nwachuku in Textbook pp. 46-60 before today's class. {SLO 1}
Wed	09/25/2019	Discussion.
Fri	09/27/2019	Read Chapter Five: The Political Economy of Slavery in the United States 1607-1865 by Gary Hunter in Textbook, pp. 61-71 before today's class. {SLO 1}
Mon	09/30/2019	Discussion.
Wed	10/02/2019	Read Chapter Eight: Health Disparities: The Black American Experience, by Patricia Nelson in Textbook pp. 107-120 before today's class. {SLO 5}
Fri	10/04/2019	Discussion.
Mon	10/07/2019	Read Chapter Nine: Philosophy and the African American Experience by Safro Kwame in Textbook, pp. 121-129 before today's class. {SLO 3}
Wed	10/09/2019	Discussion.
Fri	10/11/2019	Read Chapter Ten: Three Faces of Black American Political Leadership by Martin Kilson in Textbook pp. 131-150 before today's class. {SLO 3}
Mon	10/14/2019	Review.
Wed	10/16/2019	Comprehensive Midterm Exam.
Fri	10/18/2019	Midterm Break: NO CLASS.
Mon	10/21/2019	Read Chapter Twelve: The Civil Rights Movement in the United States, 1954-2003 by Carl Walton in Textbook pp. 165-174 before today's class. { SLO 2 }
Wed	10/23/2019	Discussion.
Fri	10/25/2019	Read Handout/Packet "African American Religious Movement[s]: From African Origins to the Present" by Gwinyai Muzorewa before today's class. { SLO 2 }
Mon	10/28/2019	Discussion.
Wed	10/30/2019	Read Chapter Thirteen: Pan-Africanism: A Historical Survey by Chieke Ihejirika in Textbook pp. 175-185 before today's class. { SLO 3}
Fri	11/01/2019	Discussion.
Mon	11/04/2019	Classwork 2: Quiz on Readings and Classes.
Wed	11/06/2019	Discussion.
Fri	11/08/2019	Read Chapter Fourteen: African American Politics in the Twenty-first Century by Charles Hamilton in Textbook pp. 187-190 before today's class. {SLO 3 }
Mon	11/11/2019	Discussion.
Wed	11/13/2019	Read Handout/Packet "Blacks in the Media" by Jamila Cupid, before today's class. {SLO 3 }
Fri	11/15/2019	Discussion.
Mon	11/18/2019	Read Chapter Seventeen: Africanisms in African-American Culture by Ropo Sekoni in Textbook pp. 235-244 before today's class. {SLO 6}
Wed	11/20/2019	Discussion.
Fri	11/22/2019	Read Handout/Packet: "The Black Arts Movement" by Pia Deas before today's class. {SLO 6}
Mon	11/25/2019	Thanksgiving Break: NO CLASS.
Wed	11/27/2019	Thanksgiving Break: NO CLASS.
Fri	11/29/2019	Thanksgiving Break: NO CLASS.
Mon	12/02/2019	NO CLASS. (Please read ahead.)
Wed	12/04/2019	Read Chapter Twenty: Race Relations in the Age of Obama by Levi Nwachuku and Judith Thomas, in Textbook pp. 265-277 before today's class.
Fri	12/06/2019	Exam Preparation: NO CLASS.
M-Th	12/9/19 to 12/12/19	Final Exam is on Tuesday 12/10/19 at 1 p.m. in regular classroom. See Registrar's Exam Schedule for update or changes. You cannot take it earlier than scheduled or with another class. Do not schedule anything that conflicts with your exam.

Calculation of Final Grades: Mid-term grade will be determined by a mid-term exam and semester grade determined by final examination (25%), midterm exam (15%), written assignments (e.g. paper), short essays, powerpoint, and/or group presentation (40%), quizzes (10%), and class attendance and participation or presentation (10%) minus absences or lack of attendance and/or poor participation -- unless stated otherwise on supplementary details. Unless you officially withdraw or formally request an incomplete (in writing) and submit appropriate documentation before the end of the semester, you will receive a passing or failing grade based on performance and attendance. There is no makeup for classwork, quizzes, or extra-credit, if they are not required. Class participation/presentation is the extent to which a student is (perceived by the instructor as being) involved in class discussion of readings and application (not the same as attendance). Grading Scale: A=100-93, B=92-82, C=81-72, D=71-60, F=59-0 or for difficult exams A=100-80%, B=70-60%, C=50-40%, D=30-20%, F=10-0%. (+/- determined by curve.) Note: Each unauthorized use of an electronic device in class -- including the use of a mobile or cell phone -- may count as an absence or, in the case of class exercises (such as exams, tests and quizzes), an act of academic dishonesty (cheating) and sanctioned appropriately. It may result in failure in a project or course. (If you prefer, you may use the grading scale in the main syllabus.) Class/Course Website: kwame.50webs.com/ or http://kwame.atspace.com/ or https://philosophydepartment.tripod.com/ or Moodle: http://lincoln.mrooms.net/ To check your grade on the computer or internet, go to any one of the websites listed above and follow the instructions there. Note that some of the websites may be down and not updated. YOU MAY ASK FOR AN ABSENCE AND EXCUSES FORM: Use the Absence and Excuses Form to indicate which absences you want to be excused and why. (Attach the proper documentation to this form and submit at the end of semester.)