History 20/Sociology 20, Spring 2005

Saddleback College
M. Romero

History 20 / Sociology 20: Ethnic Cultures of the United States

Capitol

Native American Chiefs Frank Seelatse and Chief Jimmy Noah Saluskin of the Yakima Tribe, with the U.S. Capitol behind Them
Library of Congress, American Memory Collection

INSTRUCTOR: Maria Teresa Romero
OFFICE AND OFFICE HOURS: TBA
VOICE MAIL: (949)582-4900 (x3350)
E-MAIL: mromero@saddleback.edu

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides a general overview of major theories, concepts, issues and research studies related to cultural and ethnic groups in the United States. From a historical and comparative perspective, we will examine racial ideologies and sociological problems such as the nature, causes, and consequences of racism, stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination.

Using novels, memoirs, films and music, this course will examine the experiences of selected racial and ethnic groups, including their histories of migration and immigration, issues of representation and identity formation, group cohesion, social exclusion, and economic exploitation. We will also discuss strategies to increase diversity awareness as a means to develop better intergroup relations and improve public policies.

This course is listed under History 20 and Sociology 20. Credit will be given in either area, not both.
This course fulfills IGETC and G.E. requirements, is transferable to CSU, and applicable for UC credit.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Upon completing this course, students will be able to:

Define race and ethnicity as fluid social and historical constructs.
Explain how and why race and ethnicity vary over place and time by examining the experiences of individuals and various ethnic groups in the context of American history.
Apply concepts and terms from ethnic studies to analyze how racial and ethnic differences and perceptions shape historical developments, current events, media sources, and public policies.
Use research techniques, critical thinking, and communication skills to analyze current social problems related to ethnic and racial identities.

COURSE STRUCTURE
This course will use a multi-disciplinary and multi-media approach. Instruction will include lectures, readings, films, visual images, music and discussions. The course also emphasizes the critical analysis of sociological issues and debates. It will involve discussions, reading and written assignments, and a short research project. To get the most from this course, besides doing all of the assignments, you must come prepared to take part in the discussion and become actively involved.

INTERNET COMPONENT: This course requires the use of Blackboard and other internet resources to supplement and enhance classroom instruction. Lecture outlines, reading and writing assignments, review guides for exams and quizzes, and other course materials will also be posted on the course Blackboard. Instructions on how to use Blackboard will be provided in class.

To access Blackboard, go to http://socccd.blackboard.com/ or go to the Saddleback College website and click on the Blackboard link on the upper left side of the page.
For additional instructions, go to http://www.saddleback.edu/itc/user/bb_students.html.

COURSE TEXTS
The following books are required reading for the class and available for purchase at the college bookstore. For alternative sites to purchase your books, click here. Most of these books are also available at local libraries and bookstores.

Raymond D'Angelo and Herbert Douglas, Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Race and Ethnicity, Sixth Ed., McGraw Hill, 2007 (ISBN 9780073515069) NOTE: This book is also in the Saddleback Library on-reserve for you to use.
James Weldon Johnson, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man Dover Publications, 1995 (ISBN 0-486-28512-X)
Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston and James D. Houston, Farewell to Manzanar Houghton Mifflin Company, 1973 (ISBN 0-553-27258-6)
Firoozeh Dumas, Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing Up Iranian in America Random House, 2004 (ISBN 0812968379)
Gary Soto, Jesse Scholastic, Inc., 1994 (ISBN 0-590-52837-8)
Selected articles for required reading will also be posted on blackboard or handed out in class.

Please bring texts and other readings assigned for the week to our class meetings.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND GRADING
   Class attendance, behavior and participation; discussion: 10%
   Written assignments on readings: 20%
   Research Paper: 25%
   Quizzes (all open-book): 20%
   Final Exam: 25%

-A comprehensive syllabus and class schedule will be handed out to students on the first class meeting.
-Please contact me right away if you have any questions or concerns regarding course materials and requirements.