Assignment Schedule Outline
Taft College-Soc 3 Offline – FALL 2008
(rev 7/08)
Instructor: Mark Whyte
*** Honesty:
Let me be VERY CLEAR - If you choose to cheat (it is a conscious
choice you make) – you will be dropped – Instead, you should CHOOSE to learn, better
yourself, develop some self-pride, by doing your own work! (see full description near the
bottom of this document)
PREFACE:
I’m glad you are in class! Let me remind you that you are in charge of
your grade – but it will require diligence and discipline on your part to earn it. Do not slow
down or slack off. And if you do choose to slack off, do NOT expect me to be flexible with
you. Do your work, follow ALL my instructions below, and you will do well. Otherwise you
WILL do poorly and that will be your problem, not mine. If you have a schedule problem that
will slow down your submissions for the week - Contact me in advance thru the TCI aides NOT after the fact. I expect all your work to be submitted on time (even if you have other
classes).
I expect you to work hard and take advantage of this excellent opportunity!
Overview:
The class will be broken into 8 modules (sections or units) of two weeks each.
For each module you will:
@ = Submit
ƒ Read assigned chapters in text
ƒ Complete and @ submit assigned Module assignments (these will function as
preparation for quizzes and the final exam.
ALL assignments are due ON FRIDAYS unless otherwise stated!!
ƒ Late assignments are reduced by 10% - one letter grade! See
syllabus for other grade issues and penalties.
Module Schedule:
Eight modules (two weeks each) over 16 weeks. OR 10 modules over 10 weeks if the
class is set up as a “late start class”. Assignments should be date stamped according to
the due dates below or face late penalties. It is best to submit your assignments in the
following manner: Segment A - Mod SE (short essay); Segment B – FOC, and others.
FALL Session 2008
10/6/08 - 12/19/08
10 Modules
10 weeks
Due each week
Module 1
Oct 6 – 12
Module 2
Oct 13 – 19
Module 3
Oct 20 – 26
Module 4
Oct 27 – Nov 2
Module 5
Nov 3 – 9
Module 6
Nov 10 – 16
Module 7
Nov 17 – 23
Module 8
Nov 24 – 30
Module 9
Dec 1 – Dec 7
Module 10
Dec 8 – 14
Finals
Dec 14-15
Module 1
ƒ Read Chapter 1, 2 in textbook and any additional materials IF they were handed out.
ƒ Short Essay (SE) @ Submit: From the Walter Williams articles: Celebrating
Multiculturalism and Diversity
a. Read and Summarize the article. b. Do you agree with his assertions
concerning the absurdity of this topic? Why or why not? Be very specific and
clear!
ƒ
FOC Reading assignment: Read all of the FOC materials
(Articles: Getting Started with FOC, FOC Sample, FOC Process, Insight to FOC, Intro to Keeprah,
KEEPRAH outline, Saxite)
o @ Submit
o Part 1: Briefly summarize EACH article (1-2 paragraphs)
o Part 2: Explain VERY clearly:
ƒ What is FOC?
ƒ What are 4 the parts?
ƒ What is it purpose?
ƒ @ Submit: FOC “Community” Observations
o Read and understand the materials regarding the FOC process
o @ Submit an observation on the topic of: ETHNICITY (observe a group of
people from a different ethnic group than your own
o Instructions: The below guidelines are the same for all FOC assignments unless
otherwise directed - (use “FOC Sample” document to understand what is
required)
o Make 5 observations concerning differences in that group from your own group,
o Make 3 assumptions regarding each of those observations,
o Choose one of your assumptions and validate it, then
o Make 1 personal application
I EXPECT good solid observations to be made according to the outlined materials
above and from the FOC Sample document
*******************
Module 2
ƒ Read Chapter 3, 4 in textbook and any additional materials IF they were handed
out.
ƒ Short Essay (SE) @ Submit: Reflect on and answer the following questions: (Limit
your answers to a clearly written ½ to 1 full page for each question)
1. William Julius Wilson argues that the Black residents of inner city ghettos want
to work. What factors prevent them from doing so? What can be done to
overcome these problems? Support your answer with facts from the text.
2. Immigration policy in the USA has gone through many changes over time.
Briefly explain some of the major phases of immigration and policy as
discussed in the text. What factors are seen as problems now which have not
been issues in the past. What concerns have been constant. Concerning our
current situation, what do you think the policy should be? What are the
arguments against your position> Defend your position from the text.
ƒ @ Submit: Read document(s) on Worldview
3. Consider this quote: “Our world view gives us a basis, or a perspective,
from which we can analyze, categorize, and synthesize data enabling us to
make sense of our existence. It helps us integrate the facts into a meaningful
whole. In a practical sense, it’s our basis for making life’s decisions.”
4. In 1-2 paragraphs each: Describe clearly the worldview of people in the
following categories: (Do some reading – do not guess at the answers)
ƒ Liberal politician – Choose one: Tom Daschle or Ted Kennedy
ƒ Conservative activist or politician – Choose one: Rush Limbaugh or
Ronald Reagan
ƒ “Community” Observations (FOC)
5. Read and understand the materials regarding the FOC process
6. @ Submit an observation on the topic of: DISCRIMINATION (If you are taking
this course confined in a correctional institution, take note: look for and observe
situations in the prison that are not normal for the prison, RATHER than
comparing normal “outside life” to prison life. Meaning, look for discrimination
between inmates, or other situations inside the prison that discriminate in some
way - apart from - what is usually normal within the prison. (For example: Loss
of privileges as a result of disciplinary actions is not considered discrimination)
*******************
Module 3
ƒ Read Chapter 5, 6 in textbook and any additional materials IF they were handed
out.
Short Essay (SE) @ Submit: From the Walter Williams articles White Guilt, Black
Exploitation
a. Read and Summarize the article. b. Do you agree with his assertions
concerning the absurdity of this topic? Why or why not? Be very specific
and clear!
ƒ Read document(s) on “MUSHY THINKING”
o @Mushy Thinking: Read Article: Illogical Generalizations and submit:
ƒ 2-3 paragraph summary of article AND 3 examples of generalizations
that YOU tend to use and should NOT use (use the article as a
guideline).
ƒ “Community” Observations (FOC)
o Read and understand the materials regarding the FOC process
ƒ @ Submit an observation on the topic of: RELIGION
*******************
Module 4
ƒ Read Chapter 7, 8 in textbook and any additional materials IF they were handed
out.
ƒ Short Essay (SE) @ Submit: Read: Walter Williams' article (found in table of
contents) Poverty Myths
a. Summarize the article. b. Do you agree with his assertions concerning this
topic? Why or why not? Be very specific and clear!
ƒ @ Mushy Thinking: Complete and submit 2 examples of mushy thinking as it pertains
to “Religious issues in America”. Refer to the definition. These are examples of
illogical or moronic thinking about religion be it from the “professors” of the religion –
pastors, mullahs, rabbis etc - or people who are illogical in their comments toward
religious adherents - news media, atheists/agnostics, bigots etc - (find them in newspaper,
radio/TV, books etc.) NOTE: this is NOT so much about “hate speech” but rather any
ideas that when considered are obviously riddled with mushy/illogical thinking.
ƒ “Community” Observations (FOC)
o Read and understand the materials regarding the FOC process
ƒ @ Submit an observation on the topic of: AFRICAN AMERICANS (Note: you can go
many directions here. EX: Issues concerning how they function in the culture around
them. Or various aspects of their culture as you observe it. Etc)
ƒ @ Submit Mid Term
*******************
Module 5
ƒ Read Chapter 9, 10 in textbook and any additional materials IF they were handed
out.
ƒ Short Essay (SE) @ Submit: Reflect on and answer the following questions: (Limit
your answers to a clearly written ½ to 1 full page for each question)
1. According to the text, what are the factors that unify the Hispanic culture in the
USA? What factors stand in the way of their unity? In your opinion, is it
necessary for various Hispanic groups to unify? How might their unification
help or hinder their “position” within the larger USA society and culture?
Explain and support your assertions using the text.
2. How has the treatment of Mexican immigrants changed over time? What
factors do you think are the most important in determining whether or not they
are welcomed by the USA’s government? How does this explain the current
view of Mexican immigrants? Draw on specific theories, concepts and
examples from the text in your answer.
ƒ Read document(s) on “MUSHY THINKING”
o @ Mushy Thinking: Complete and submit 2 examples of mushy thinking as it
pertains to “Women’s issues, such as: sexual harassment, ERA etc”.
Refer to the definition. These are examples of illogical or moronic
thinking NOT just issues that you may disagree with. (newspaper,
radio/TV, books etc.)
ƒ “Community” Observations (FOC)
3. Read and understand the materials regarding the FOC process
4. @ Submit an observation on the topic of: HISPANICS (Note: you can go
many directions here. EX: Issues concerning how they function in the culture
around them. Or various aspects of their culture as you observe it. Etc)
*******************
Module 6
Read Chapter 11, 12 in textbook and any additional materials IF they were handed out.
ƒ @ Short Essay (SE #1) @ Submit: From your Walter Williams article
•
Read: Walter Williams' article (found in table of contents) Affirmative Action Grading
a. Summarize the article. b. Do you agree with his assertions concerning this topic?
Why or why not? Be very specific and clear!
ƒ Short Essay (SE #2) @ Submit: Reflect on and answer the following questions:
(Limit your answers to a clearly written ½ to 1 full page for each question)
1. What is wrong with the stereotype of Asian Americans as “academic stars”?
How does it affect how we view the actions of members of other subordinate
groups/ How can the problems faced by the other student groups (not Asian0
be addressed. Use the text for your response.
2. As explained in the text, the immigration patterns of Chinese Americans and
Japanese Americans have been different over time. What are some of the
differences? How do you think they shaped the experiences of the two groups
in the USA? Are there other factors that you think are more important in
creating such differences? Why? Or Why not? Answer clearly and use
specific examples.
ƒ Review document(s) on Worldview
ƒ @Complete and submit: Using the Worldview materials from this class Describe the personality and other factors of a person's worldview that
says it is good to hate someone simply because they are from a different
ethnic group (EX: White supremacists hating blacks, or black panthers
hating whites, Nazis hating Jews, etc, etc.* What types of experiences and
choices contribute to developing this worldview?)
ƒ “Community” Observations (FOC)
ƒ Read and understand the materials regarding the FOC process
ƒ @ Submit an observation on the topic of: ASIANS (Find an Asian subgroup in
your “community” and make your observations on issues of interest)
*******************
Module 7
ƒ Read Chapter 13, 14 in textbook and any additional materials IF they were handed
out.
ƒ Short Essay (SE) @ Submit: Read the ARTICLE “High Wattage” a. Summarize the
article. b. Do you agree with his assertions concerning this topic? Why or why not? Be
very specific and clear!
ƒ @ Mushy Thinking: Complete and submit 2 examples of mushy thinking as it pertains
to “Current Racial and ethnic issues in the news, such as Jessie Jackson, Rev. Sharpton,
English only spoken in America etc, etc.”. Refer to the definition. These are examples of
illogical or moronic thinking NOT just issues that you may disagree with. (Newspaper,
radio/TV, books etc.)
ƒ
“Community” Observations (FOC)
o Read and understand the materials regarding the FOC process
@ Submit an observation on the topic of: PEOPLEHOOD (Note: Observe 2 different
“groups”, people who do things together because they share common interests, EX:
weightlifters, runners, church people etc. Make observations pertaining to what or why or
how they do whatever they do within that group.)
Module 8
ƒ Read Chapter 15, 16 in textbook and any additional materials IF they were handed
out.
ƒ Short Essay (SE) @ Submit: Walter Williams' article (found in table of contents)
Proclamation of Amnesty
a. Summarize the article. b. Do you agree with his assertions concerning this topic?
Why or why not? Be very specific and clear!
ƒ “Community” Observations (FOC)
o Read and understand the materials regarding the FOC process
o @ Submit an observation on the topic of: DISABILITY
Module 9
No additional reading assignment
Short Essay (SE) @ Submit: 20 points each
1. Thomas Sowell Article: “Idols of Crowds” Note, Thomas Sowell is extremely
intelligent and is a world class economist and thinker. Feel free to disagree with him
but if you do so, back up your assertions. a. Summarize the article. b. Do you agree
with his assertions concerning this topic? Why or why not? Be very specific and clear!
2. Dennis Prager Article: “False Equation”
a. Summarize the article. b. Do you agree with his assertions concerning this topic?
Why or why not? Be very specific and clear!
****************
Module 10
No additional reading assignment
Short Essay (SE) @ Submit: 20 points each
1. Thomas Sowell Article: “The High Cost of Racial Hype” Note, Thomas Sowell is
extremely intelligent and is a world class economist and thinker. Feel free to disagree
with him but if you do so, back up your assertions. a. Summarize the article. b. Do
you agree with his assertions concerning this topic? Why or why not? Be very
specific and clear!
2. Linda Chavez Article: “A Majority Minorit y Nation”
a. Summarize the article. b. Do you agree with his assertions concerning this topic?
Why or why not? Be very specific and clear!
ƒ @Take and submit the FINAL EXAM
Keep in mind:
“The next five years of your life will be just like the last five years UNLESS You Change!!!”
Jim Rohn
AND
You life will change according to the degree that you APPLY what you learn!!
Minimal application? Minimal Change! BUT Apply these principals to the MAX and the
Changes will be SIGNIFICANT!!!
Thanks for taking the course!!