Andrew Austin     

Office Phone: 465-2359

Social Change and Development

Messages: 465-2355

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Office Hours: MW 1-3; TH 3-4

Office: MAC Hall 326A

E-mail: austina@uwgb.edu

Web page: http://www.uwgb.edu/austina

Course e-mail: c11935

 

SOC CD 303—Fall 2007

RACE and ETHNIC RELATIONS

In these trying circumstances, the black revolution is much more than a struggle for the rights of Negroes. It is forcing America to face all its interrelated flaws—racism, poverty, militarism and materialism.  It is exposing evils that are rooted deeply in the whole structure of our society. It reveals systemic rather than superficial flaws and suggests that radical reconstruction of society itself is the real issue to be faced.

Martin Luther King Jr.

 

Race and Ethnic Relations is the comparative study of key economic, political, and social relations in and between the United States and other countries around the world. The focus is on theories of race relations, ethnic stratification, and the historical development of world capitalist system.  We use these theories to reveal and explain the underlying arrangements, processes, structures, and systems that shape personal, group, national, and international interests and perspectives.  Particular attention is paid to questions of social justice and examples of social transformation for the purpose of thinking about how to organize action aimed at overcoming the material inequalities and other asymmetries of power that divide us as people and limit our potentials.

READINGS

All items are in the bookstore or online.

·         Churchill, A Little Matter of Genocide.

·         Finkelstein, Image and Reality in the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.

·         Gonzales, Harvest of Empire.

·         Marable, Rebellion, Reform, and Revolution.

·         Articles, essays, book chapters online on my web page (see schedule).

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

Examination

There is a final exam combining multiple choice, matching, short answer, and short essay, covering all course material to date, taken in-class and without benefit of notes or texts.  Bring a number two pencil.  Note books, book bags, texts, etc., must be placed under the desk or behind the chair while an exam is in progress.  No hats worn during exams.  I post scores on D2L.  Exams are not returned to students but are viewable by arrangement.  The exam is worth 50 points.

Book Review

You produce two book reviews. The first review covers one of the first two books assigned (due October 30); the second review covers one of the last two books assigned (due December 4).  Important: All students read all four books. Essay length will be 750-1000 words—no less, no more.  Follow the on-line instructions for details on how to properly construct a book review.  You also submit to me electronic copies of your reviews via e-mail on the due date.  Do not use any websites or reviews about the books to write your review.  I post grades on D2L.  Reviews are not returned.  Each review is worth 50 points (total points = 100).

Comparative Essay

You produce a comparative essay on a topic related to the study of race and ethnicity. Choose two countries or regions, or two time periods, and contrast and compare.  The essay’s length will be 750-1000 words—no less, no more—and is due on December 13.  Follow the on-line instructions for details on how to properly construct an essay.  You also submit to me an electronic copy of your essay via e-mail on the due date.  I post grades on D2L. Essays are not returned.  The essay is worth 50 points.

Grade Scale

Total possible points: 200

90% A 

70% C

87% A/B

60% D

80% B

¯ 60% is failing

77% B/C

 

 

TECHNOLOGY

Web Page

The address for my web pages is listed at the top of this syllabus.  These pages contain the syllabus, instructions for constructing the book review and research reports, links to our library and other web pages (if relevant), study guides, and power points used in class.  My notes from the readings do not appear on the course web page.  Lectures, when posted, appear after they are delivered in class.   I do not post lectures ahead of time.

Discussion Listserv

Associated with this class is an e-mail that provides the instructor and any student enrolled in the class instant access to all students in the class.  The address is listed at the top of this syllabus.  You must have a valid UW-Green Bay e-mail account to receive mail from the class listserv.  The listserv is a requirement and you are automatically signed up for it.  I use this list to alert students to web page updates, events on campus of interest, events around the world of relevance, and emergencies.  I use the list to answer students’ questions about course material or other pertinent inquiries, to conduct discussions concerning relevant subject matter, and to review quizzes and exams.  I also use the e-mail to post news stories relevant to the topics in the class.  There are rules to using the class e-mail.  First, e-mail contributions shall be thoughtful and written in a civil tone.  Second, the discussion e-mail is not for student grievances—that is, in part, what my office hours are for.

OFFICE LOCATION AND HOURS

My office is located on the third floor of Mary Ann Cofrin (MAC) Hall, room 326A.  I am eager to clarify assignments, lectures and readings, study guides, and missed exam questions.  I am available by appointment, but because of my schedule, I ask that you try to meet with me during my office hours.

ACCOMMODATIONS, CONDUCT, AND RULES

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

As required by federal law and UW-Green Bay policy for Individuals with disabilities, students with a documented disability who need accommodations must contact the Disability Services Office at 465-2841 or 465-2849.  Reasonable accommodations can be made unless they alter the essential components of the class.  Contact the instructor and Disability Services Coordinator in a timely manner to formulate alternative arrangements.

On the Use of Audio and Video Recorders in the Classroom

The Board of Regents of the UW system has determined that a teacher, for reasons concerning pedagogical practice and academic freedom, may forbid the use of tape recorders in the classroom.  The professor of this course expressly forbids students to make audio and video recordings in the classroom.  Exception to rule: “Regent Resolution 1556 provides that prohibitions of tape recorders in classrooms may not be imposed upon qualified students with disabilities who must utilize tape recorders because of the nature of their disability to effectively participate in a class provided such students have signed agreements that they will not release the tape recording or transcription to others.”

Classroom Behavior

To foster intellectual development and civil discourse, no behavior that disrupts the learning atmosphere of my classroom will be tolerated.  Examples of disruptive behavior include, but are not exhausted by: Disrespect shown openly toward the professor or other students; talking with others when the instructor is speaking to the class or students are involved in discussion; inappropriate or off-topic monopolization of discussions to the exclusion of other students; irrelevant questions and comments; distracting or inappropriate expressions, gestures, or body language that hamper the conduct of the class; physical behavior or language that creates a sexually uncomfortable situation that could be construed as sexual harassment.  This rule applies to other targets of harassment and discrimination (race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical appearance, etc.).  Anyone who disrupts the learning atmosphere in such a manner will first be warned.  If the behavior does not stop, the student will be asked to leave, and if he/she does not comply, campus security will remove the student.  Repeat offenders will be referred to the Dean of Students.  Continued disruptive behavior may result in removal from the class and a failing grade.  It is up to the professor to define what constitutes disruptive or inappropriate behavior in the classroom.

Some specific rules:

·         Cell phones must be turned off at the beginning of class.  This includes vibration and visual settings.

·         No listening to anything through headphones during lecture, discussion, tests, etc., during class time.

·         No reading material (newspapers, etc.) other than our course material during class time.

·         All computer use must be strictly related to the class and the volume turned off.  Computers may not be used during exams.  I request that you take a seat in the back of the class if you use a computer so as not to distract other students.

·         No talking amongst yourselves unless instructed to do so by the teacher.  This includes note passing, laughing, or any other form of communication.

·         I would prefer that you didn’t eat in class.  If you are going to eat, select quiet foods and packaging and sit in the back of the class.

Academic Integrity

A diploma from an institution of higher learning signals to others that the holder of the degree has obtained it through honest effort.  By honest effort it is understood that examinations are performed without the un authorized assistance of others or material disallowed by the teacher; that essays, term papers, and research projects are unique compositions by the student wherein great care has been taken to properly attribute all derived thought to its original authors; that any requests for special assistance or consideration in completing course work rest on legitimate grounds and are based on truthfulness.  Acts of academic dishonesty will be treated seriously and in accord with this institution’s rules and procedures.  See http://www.uwgb.edu/deanofstudents/policies/ch14.htm.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Sept 4-6

Basic Concepts in Race and Ethnicity

On-line Reading #1

Sept 11-13

Theoretical Perspectives in Race and Ethnicity

A Little Matter of Genocide (ALMG)

Sept 18-20

Capitalism and Colonialism: A Brief History

ALMG

Sept 25-27

Genocide and Apartheid

ALMG; On-line Reading #2

Oct 2-4

American Indians

Race, Reform and Rebellion

Oct 9-11

History of Immigration, Forced and Voluntary

RRR

Oct 16-18

English Americans and Anglo Protestant Culture

RRR

Oct 23-25

Illustrating the Logic of Discrimination NO CLASS Oct 25

Harvest of Empire; On-line Reading #3

Oct 30-Nov 1

African Americans (first book review due)

HE

Nov 6-8

Irish Americans and Whiteness Studies

HE

Nov 13-15

Latinos

Image & Reality of Israel Palestine Conflict

Nov 20-22

America’s Changing Social Profile NO CLASS Nov 22

IRIPC

Nov 27-29

Asian Americans: From Railroads to the Indochina Adventure

IRIPC; On-line Reading #4

Dec 4-6

Jewish Americans and Israel (second book review due)

 

Dec 11-13

Intersections (comparative essay due)

 

Dec 18

Final Exam

1:00-3:00 pm

 

 

 

We must recognize that we can’t solve our problem now until there is a radical redistribution of economic and political power. This means a revolution of values and other things. We must see now that the evils of racism, economic exploitation, and militarism are all tied together.                                                                                                                          Martin Luther King Jr.