African American and Latino Studies Syllabus:
Ms. Rodriguez
Room 714
312.445.4680
lrodriguez@noblenetwork.org
Office Hours by appointment
Course Description
This course introduces many aspects of history that will be covered in your high school career. I will
emphasize the importance of the past and how it affects your future. You will have the chance to do
creative projects and learn the objective side of history. The African American and Latino Studies course
will give students perspective on the comparative study of the social, political, cultural, and economic
history of Black and Latino peoples throughout the world from ancient to modern times. Themes will
include community economic development, micro-enterprise and small business, nonprofit
organizations, culture and identity, the development of community, social and public policy, migration
processes, and media portrayals. The class begins with a chronological review of key definitions of
culture. Then we will review some of the key debates in the study of culture in Caribbean and Latinos
studies, such as the links between historical experience, ethnicity, race and culture, the quest for and
critique of national and ethnic identities, studies on popular culture, the multicultural debate, the study
of cultures in displacement, the ethnic turn in cultural studies, the analysis of visual cultures, and the
emergence of pop, media and electronic cultures. Each session will include theoretical readings and
cultural texts different disciplinary perspectives. Supplemental readings will be used to strengthen
student understanding of the curriculum. Students will also analyze data (polls, graphs, charts etc.) and
determine how data is used to make and influence decisions and how it affects us today. This will be
accomplished through individual and group work.
Required Texts Provided by MCP
While both common and independent reading will include materials that are sometimes considered
controversial, it is important that students are exposed to high-interest, classic, and relevant content that
maintains their interest and allows them to progress to higher levels of readership.
Note: Scholarly articles and readings will be handed out very frequently in this class.
Absence and Tardy Policy
For excused absences and absences due to suspension, make up work will be allowed and generally,
students are given as many days as they were absent to turn in work. For example, if a student is absent
for two days, he/she would have to turn in make-up work by the second day back. For unexcused
absences, make-up work does not have to be given. Students who are absent can find work on the
Muchin Wiki.
Late Work
Major Assignments
 10% per day late.
Homework
 50% reduction for turning in assignments one day late.
 After two days, students will receive a zero.
Restroom Policy
Students are expected to leave the classroom for emergencies only.
Extra Credit
 No extra credit assignments can be given or accepted during the last two weeks of any semester.
 Extra credit is made available to the whole class only and not to individuals.
Your grade is based on the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Attendance
Classwork
Homework
Projects
Quizzes
Participation
Major Units
Course Sequencing: All readings, activities and dates are subject to change. The major units of AALS will
include:
Quarter 2: Oral Presentation w/PowerPoint: Each student will be required to make an oral presentation,
with an accompanying power point presentation, on a selected assigned topic, which explores the impact of
development on inner city residents. Additional information will be provided on a separate hand-out for this
assignment.
Due: Jan.8
Quarter 3: Interview Paper: You will be expected to conduct an interview with a minimum of 3 African or Latin
American people (each from the U.S., The Caribbean, Africa, South America, Latin America etc.) asking them
how major themes of the class impact them personally, their families, and their communities. In a 4-5 page
paper, you will analyze your interview responses, challenge stereotypes, picking out emerging themes, and
incorporating concepts/themes/content from class material. Your interview questions must be attached in a
separate document.
Due: Mar. 18
Quarter 4: Field Trips (On your own time) + PPT Presentation
Make sure to include pictures, pamphlets, and what you learned to document your visit!
 DuSable Museum
 Field Museum (Cultures of Africa and Archaeological Collection)
 The Art Institute of Chicago (Africa Collection)
 Bronzeville Children’s Museum
 Ethnic Heritage Museum
 National Museum of Mexican Art
 Chicago Latino Film Festival
Due: June 3
Student Expectations
 COMMUNICATION: You are expected to take ownership and initiative over your own learning.
This means you are encouraged to
o Email me at lrodriguez@noblenetwork.org promptly when you are aware of an absence
you will have or when you have a question that is time-sensitive.
o Use professional email etiquette when sending messages.
• Make appointments for an office hour when extra help is needed.
• Work cooperatively with others when instructed to do so.
• Set up a system for organization tailored to your needs.
CLASSROOM RULES
The Rules:
Be respectful.
Be prepared.
Be fierce.
What this looks like…
Respect yourself and others at all times. No swearing, no offensive
slurs or stereotypes. One person talks at time. Do not interrupt
others. No side conversations.
Come to class every day, on time, and with your appropriate
supplies. Keep an organized binder and exclusive AP GOV notebook.
Sit up straight, make eye contact, and ask articulate questions. No
opt-out. Participate in group work, take notes, and complete all
assignments on time.
Classroom Norms
Materials
Every day we meet for class, you should have these items.
1) Textbook
2) A writing utensil (pen or pencil)
3) Notebook, paper, or folder/binder
4) Your agenda / daily planner
5) Work due or notes
**Failure to bring any one of these items will result in a LaSalle.
Beginning of
Class
Enter the door quietly and begin the Do Now. To avoid being tardy, be in your seat
with your materials out by the time the bell finishes ringing. Assignments that are due
should be turned in before the end of the class.
The system of 1) warning 2) demerit 3) removal from class will be followed when/if
disruptions occur. Warnings can be verbal or nonverbal, such as a stern glance, tap
on the desk, etc. The class will be more beneficial for everyone if it is a safe
environment in which students can share without fear of ridicule or judgment. This
includes being kind to others, raising your hand and waiting to be called on if you
need help, respecting the property of the teacher, the school, and other students, as
well as picking up after yourself when you are leaving.
Do not pack up early; wait to be dismissed by the teacher. Return all materials to the
correct location and do not leave any of your things behind, as you will receive
demerits (2).
During Class
End of Class
Grading Scale (Standard)
A+
B+
C+
D+
97-100
87-89
77-79
67-69
A
B
C
D
93-96
83-86
73-76
63-66
ABCD-
90-92
80-82
70-82
60-62
F
0-59
AFAM/Latino Studies Agreement
I have read this syllabus and understand the content and expectations of this course.
___________________________________
Student Signature (Print)
________________________________
Student Signature (Sign)
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Parent Signature (Print)
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Parent Signature (Sign)
** Please provide me with a story, some insight, or reflection into what you
would like me to know about you now. Please share any information you know about
yourself in terms of your study skills, motivations, strengths, personal interests, areas
of growth you are working on, etc.
LENGTH = 5 lines minimum.