EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY AFC/PLSC/WGST 243
Course Syllabus
243: Black Women Politics and Racism Sec #
#14160, #16655, #11765
Instructor: Dyann Logwood
Office: 714 Pray-Harrold
Office Phone: (734) 487-1177
Email: dyann.logwood@emich.edu
Class Meetings: Tuesdays 5:30-8:10pm 319 Pray-Harrold
Office Hours: Tuesdays by appointment
Additional office hours will occur directly after class when needed.
1.
BROAD PURPOSE OF COURSE
Black Women: Politics and Racism is an examination of the African American experience from the
female perspective. This course will acquaint students with the trends, issues and forces that have
shaped that experience; considers the concepts of cultural adaptation, institutional development, and
group self-definition; and surveys the contemporary status and condition of African American
women. This course will also address the complexities of the black female experience, including its
historical, political, policy, legal, economic sociological, psychological, religious and artistic
dimensions.
This course is an introduction to the study and analysis of American politics as it relates to African
American women. The course will explore the way in which political issues affect Black women
differently than African American men, White men, and White women. Considerable attention will
be given to the way we define the political realm as opposed to the non-political realm when
discussing groups that have traditionally been marginalized or excluded from political life.
2.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
This course has the following major objectives:
(1) To introduce the student to a womanist (Black feminist) perspective on politics.
(2) To make the contributions of African American women to American politics visible.
(3) To introduce the student to the concept of the intersection of race and gender as a single category for political analysis.
(4) To explore the interconnection and interaction between gender, race, and power.
(5) To study how state authority defines and restricts African American women's political and economic
conditions.
(6) To provide tools of critical thinking and analysis to enable the student to make evaluations of and
judgments on various contemporary political issue.
(7) To provide students with a forum to discuss political issues as they relate to race and gender.
3.
TEACHING METHOD
This is an undergraduate-level course with a focus on theoretical concepts and contemporary women’s
issues. This course is designed as a lecture and discussion-based and group-oriented course, with
considerable responsibility on students to make discussions more meaningful through active input. In
addition to the required textbook for this class, students are required to read assigned articles to
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compliment the lessons. The instructor will provide some articles. Students are required to read assigned
articles and other supplemental reading material prior to classroom lecture/discussions.
4. Evaluation:
Methods of assessment will include:
Short essays and research papers
Discussion in class and online
Oral presentations
Group projects
Quizzes
Objective and essay exams
Journals
Email: I will communicate with you throughout the semester via e-mail and post handouts on Canvas.
You should check your e-mail daily, print out the handouts and make note of any changes in the syllabus
or assignments. Feel free to e-mail me anytime; however, rude e-mails will not be answered. The
professor reserves the right to modify the syllabus/assignments.
Assistance: Technical questions (problems with the quiz, or viewing items in the course such as
documents or films or accessing the dropbox etc.) should be directed to Canvas support.
Student tech support for Canvas: If students contact you with problems using the Canvas system, please
ask them to immediately call Canvas 24-hour tech support: 844.326.6322
Not only does Canvas provide great support, but they also can collect important technical information
that will help us to fix deeper problems in the system. The longer a student waits to call the harder it is
for us to troubleshoot their problem.
6.
GRADING
A grade of A reflects excellent work that is well above the level necessary to meet course requirements.
A grade of B reflects good work that is slightly above the level necessary to meet course requirements. A
grade of C reflects average work that meets basic requirements. A grade of D reflects poor work that is
worthy of credit, but does not meet the basic requirements. A grade of E reflects failure to achieve credit
for the assignment. Grades of A-, B-, C-, D-, etc. reflect the student’s inability to achieve the points
necessary for the higher grade. In some cases, extra credit assignments can help, but extra credit is at the
complete discretion of the instructor. Any complaints about grades should occur within one week after
students receive the grade for a given assignment. Students can request a reevaluation during office hours
or by appointment. Depending on the nature of the complaint, the instructor reserves the right to require
the complaint in writing.
Final Grade Policy:
If a student stops attending class without officially withdrawing from the course, I will assign that student
an “E” for the semester. A “W” is assigned only when an official withdrawal has been completed. An
“I” (incomplete grade) is assigned only when a student has completed the majority of the work of a course
and the student’s work has been of acceptable quality (C or better) but the required amount of work has
not been completed because of illness, necessary absence or other satisfactory reasons. An “I” grade must
be removed within one year or it will become a permanent part of the student’s academic record. To
submit missing work or extra credit to improve a grade after the grade has been posted is not acceptable
according to University policy.
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6. ASSIGNMENTS
Course Assignments
Each assignment will be awarded a point total. Your final course grade will result from adding together
all of the point totals. Keep a record of your grades below.
Your
Score:
You will be graded as follows:
Attendance/Participation
60
____
Participation Assign./Discussion Boards
40
____
Group Presentation
35
____
Quiz
35
____
Collage/Presentation/Paper
35
____
Final
35
____
Paper Assignments
70
____
____
Midterm-
Total points
310 possible
Minus deductions for excessive absences __________
Total points = __________/ 310 pts possible
Final Grade Scale
A 95-100%
A- 90-94%
C+ 76-79%
C 73-75%
E Below 60%
B+ 86-89%
C- 70-72%
B 83-85%
D+ 66-69%
B- 80-82%
D 63-65%
D- 60-62%
Assignment Breakdown
7. Response Papers
One response (either verbal or written) to the readings per class is required. The entries are to be
completed before by 5pm and submitted on Canvas in the assigned drop box. You must put the date
and topic of readings at the beginning of each of your entries. The response paper should be typed
and submitted, unless it’s a verbal response. The response to discussion should be between 2-3 full
pages. Feel free to go over 3 pages. The responses must contain the following:
1. In paragraph form describe the main points of each of the essays assigned for that day.
Discuss each essay separately. Then compare and contrast the essays.
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2.
3.
4.
5.
Define the main issues from each essay in your own terms.
Discuss what if anything, you think differently about as a result of the readings.
Discuss if you agree or disagree with the author's conclusions, why or why not?
Also include any questions you have about the readings.
*Late papers will not be accepted.
Verbal Response Nights: You are responsible for the readings assigned each week. You must actively
engage in participation and demonstrate that you have read the material. To receive credit your responses
must directly relate to and reference the material, and not just reference general comments from your
classmates.
Quizzes. There is a quiz, midterm and a final in this course. Format and review for the tests will be
announced in advance and some will be posted on Canvas.
Collage Assignment. What does it mean to be an African-American woman? (i.e. discuss what black
womanhood means to you). How do you define culture according to your ethnic background? What
images/stereotypes/myths exist about African-American women? How do those images/myths/stereotypes
affect you and other people like you? Create a collage to represent these questions and write a 1-2 page
essay that explores (the answers) these questions. I will announce the Due date in class. An in-depth
description of this assignment will be available in the online companion to this course.
8.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance/Punctuality/Participation
Regular attendance for this course is essential. Remember, this is a 15 week course. It will be to your
benefit to keep up with the readings and assignments and even complete them in advance. Attendance
will be taken during each class period. All students are expected to be in class and in their seats at the
beginning of each class period. A grace period will be given during the first five minutes of
class. Students who arrive after that period will be marked late for that day.
You are permitted one excused absence in the course excluding quiz days, and days on which
presentations are scheduled, and days on which we have a guest speaker. This absence should be used to
cover family/personal emergency, illness, court appearance, etc. Documentation is required. Beyond that,
unexcused absences will negatively affect your grade. Students who do not miss any classes will receive 3
extra attendance points. If you receive an excused absence you will not be eligible for the extra attendance
points. You must be present in each class to receive the extra points.
Participation Points
Participation points are reserved for guest speakers, in-class exercises, and discussion board and group
discussions. My goal is to book at least one speaker during the semester. The remaining points are
reserved for overall attendance and participation through class discussions and presentations. In order to
receive maximum participation points, you need to be present on speaker days and in-class exercise days
and continually demonstrate (through asking questions, commenting on the literature, discussions during
lectures, etc.) that you are an active participant in the course. If you do not speak up, you will not
receive the points. If you have an excused absence on the day of an in-class assignment or guest speaker,
you do not receive participation points. Again, these points are given to those who are present to
participate.
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Five (5) points will be deducted from your attendance/participation points for each unexcused
absence beyond the allowable one. If you encounter some unusual personal circumstance that may
require an extended absence (e.g., pneumonia, complex medical treatment, etc.) be sure to consult with
me about your situation in enough time to make adjustments in scheduling and assignments. Do not
assume that you will get an incomplete. Check university deadlines for dropping a class without a grade
penalty. Students who do miss class are responsible for getting notes from a classmate and getting
assignment information that you missed.
9.
REQUIRED TEXTS
The textbook for the course is available at the Campus Bookstore in the Student Center. Sister
Citizen: Shame, Stereotypes, and Black Women in America by: Melissa V. Harris-Perry
ISBN-10: 0300165412 | ISBN-13: 978-0300165418
Supplemental Readings taken from: Various magazines and websites will be available on Canvas.
Check each Unit for additional articles to print out. The library is an excellent place to print out the
additional readings.
10.
OTHER POLICIES
Special Needs Accommodations
If you wish to be accommodated for your disability, EMU Board of Regents Policy 8.3 requires that you
first register with the Students with Disabilities Office (SDO) in 240 EMU Student Center. You may
contact SDO by telephone (734.487.2470). Students with disabilities are encouraged to register with the
SDO promptly as you will only be accommodated from the date you register with them forward. No
retroactive accommodations are possible.”
COURSE ACCESSIBILITY AND DISABILITY STATEMENT
It is my goal that this class be an accessible and welcoming experience for all students, including those
with disabilities that may their impact learning. If anyone believes s/he may have trouble participating or
effectively demonstrating learning in this course, please meet with me (with or without a Disability
Resource Center (DRC) accommodation letter) to discuss reasonable options or adjustments. During our
discussion, I may suggest the possibility/necessity of your contacting the DRC (240K Student Center;
734-487-2470;drc@emich.edu) to talk about academic accommodations. You are welcome to talk to me
at any point in the semester about such issues, but it is always best if we can talk at least one week prior to
the need for any modifications.
Academic Integrity: Written or other work, which a student submits, must be the product of her/his own
efforts. If you are unsure of how to site sources within text, please refer to the APA manual. When you
submit a paper or other written work where other sources are required, it is assumed that you have
incorporated appropriate style measures.
Academic dishonesty, including all forms of cheating and/or plagiarism, will not be tolerated in this
class. Penalties for an act of academic dishonesty may range from receiving a failing grade for a
particular assignment to receiving a failing grade for the entire course. In addition, you may be referred
to the Office of Student Judicial Services for discipline that can result in either a suspension or permanent
dismissal. The Student Conduct Code contains detailed definitions of what constitutes academic
dishonesty, but if you are not sure about whether something you’re doing would be considered academic
dishonesty, consult with the instructor.
F and J International Students
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Student and Exchange Visitor Statement (SEVIS)
The Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requires F and J students to report the
following to the Office of International Students, 229 King Hall within ten (10) days of the event:
• Changes in your name, local address, major field of study, or source of funding;
• Changes in your degree-completion date;
• Changes in your degree-level (ex. Bachelors to Masters)
• Intent to transfer to another school
Prior permission from OIS is needed for the following:
• Dropping ALL courses as well as carrying or dropping BELOW minimum credit
hours;
• Employment on or off-campus;
• Registering for more than one ONLINE course per term (F visa only)
• Endorsing I-20 or DS-2019 for re-entry into the USA.
Failure to report may result in the termination of your SEVIS record and even arrest and deportation. If
you have questions or concerns, contact the Office of International Students at 734.487.3116, not the
course instructor.”
Religious Holidays
Current University policy recognizes the rights of students to observe religious holidays without penalty
to the student. Students are to provide advance notice to the instructor in order to make up work,
including examinations that they miss as a result of their absence from class due to observance of
religious holidays. If satisfactory arrangements cannot be made, the student may appeal to the head(s) of
the department(s) in which the course(s) is/are offered.)”
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law designated to protect the
privacy of a student’s education records and academic work. The law applies to all schools and
universities which receive funds under an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education and is
applicable to students at EMU. All files, records, and academic work completed within this course are
considered educational records and are protected under FERPA. It is your right as a student in this course
to expect that any materials you submit in this course as well as your name and other identifying
information will not be viewable by guests or other individuals permitted access to the course. The
exception will be only when you have given explicit, written, signed consent. Verbal consent or email is
insufficient.
CHANGES IN THE SYLLABUS
This syllabus and the schedule of assignments may change in relatively minor
ways if necessary. If you miss class, you are responsible for finding out whether any
announcements about such changes were made in your absence.
Classroom Conduct
Students are expected to abide by the Student Conduct Code and assist in creating an environment that
is conducive to learning and protects the rights of all members of the University community. Incivility
and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated and may result in a request to leave class and referral to
the Office of Student Judicial Services (SJS) for discipline. Examples of inappropriate classroom conduct
include repeatedly arriving late to class, using a cellular telephone, or talking while others are speaking.
You may access the Code online at www.emich.edu/sjs.
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In-Class Disruptions: My goal is to create an optimal learning environment. Because this class relies
heavily on in-class discussion, please be respectful of your classmates when making comments. Behavior
that inhibits in-class learning (including cell phone usage, outbursts, and talking that competes with
lectures, speakers, and other discussions) will not be tolerated in this class. Make sure your cell phone is
on vibrate or off. If it rings in class, you will first be warned. If it rings again, you will lose
participation points (10 for each instance). Step outside of the classroom to answer any calls or conduct
non-class-related business. Do not send text messages during class, this is considered disruptive behavior.
Laptops can be used during the review/lecture portion of the class only. Please keep them closed until that
portion of the class. Excessive chatter and talking over the professor, other speakers, or classmates who
have the floor will also result in a loss of participation points (10 for each offense). Issues involving
outbursts or threats to fellow students or the professor will become a university issue and will be resolved
by campus police.
Extra Credit: The professor reserves the right to rule on extra credit. Extra credit opportunities include:
on campus women-oriented speakers and events, getting a physical, getting your blood-pressure and
cholesterol checked, donating blood, getting your bone marrow tested, and volunteering. You must show
proof in order to receive credit. You can receive 1 point for each extra credit assignment and can receive a
total of 5 points in extra credit. This will affect your final score and will benefit you the most if your
final score teeters between two grades. Additional criteria may apply. There is also a list of films and
television shows (in your textbook) that you can view in order to receive extra credit.
Extra Credit Guidelines for events, television shows and films
To receive extra credit you are required to write a 1-2 page paper about events that will be announced in class periodically.
Your paper should include; what the event was about, how it affects women, how it applies to topics discussed in class and
the readings and how it affected you personally. You must reference at least 3 readings in your analysis.
Extra Credit Discussion Boards: Are also available. Responding to an extra credit discussion board
topic will also provide you with extra credit. Your responses should be in depth, and at least a few
paragraphs in length. After you write your response you can also respond to your classmates comments.
Each discussion board topic is worth 1 point.
Group Meeting Reports:
Group meeting reports should consist of the following:
Who attended the meeting? Where did you meet? What did you talk about, plan, research, assign, and
decide? When and where is your next meeting? A brief outline of the topic you are covering and
everyone’s assigned duties. This report should be typed and handed in to me on the assigned dates. There
will be two reports due this semester. This assignment will factor into your final group project grade.
*If you are absent it is your responsibility to find out from a classmate what assignments or notes you
missed in class. If you do not have a textbook, there is one on reserve at the library. If that one is not
available it is your responsibility to borrow a classmate’s. If you have these special circumstances or other
circumstances (such as illness, family issues, car issues, child-care etc.) it will work to your advantage to
do the assignments early and turn them in to me before the due date. Late, e-mailed, or faxed assignments
will not be accepted. You must be present at the beginning of class to turn in your assignments.
Assignments should not be turned in to my mailbox/office or dropped off by someone else. If there is an
emergency, documentation is needed. You are allowed 1 documented excuse.
*A grade of “I”ncomplete will only be given in special situations. 1. The student must be passing the
class. 2. The student must have only 1 assignment to complete. 3. The reason for the student receiving an
Incomplete is for an Emergency situation. All 3 criteria must apply. An “I”ncomplete grade is a rare
occurrence and also needs Department approval. Students should not count on receiving an Incomplete.
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CAMPUS RESOURCES
The Disability Resource Center (240K Student Center, 487-2470) offers a variety of services
and support for the EMU community. The details are on their website
(http://www.emich.edu/drc/). Any student who needs an accommodation for a disability may
discuss it with me privately or may contact the DRC directly for assistance. Visit or call them at
the address and phone above, email them at DRC@emich.edu, or navigate to their website
through the link above.
The International Student Resource Center (200 Alexander, 487-0370) offers students
assistance with their grammar, writing, and reading as well as coping with English as a Second
Language (ESL). The students staffing the ISRC have training in working with ESL populations
and can also help international students understand the standards for writing academic papers in
the United States. Visit or call them at the address and phone above, email them
at esl@emich.edu, or navigate to their website athttp://www.emich.edu/worldlanguages/isrc.htm.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Resource Center (354 Student Center, 487-4149)
provides education, training, programs, and events on LGBT issues and offers support,
information, resources, advocacy, and community bridging to the campus population. Visit or
call them at the address and phone above, email them atlgbtrc@emich.edu, or consult their
website at http://www.emich.edu/lgbtrc/ to find out about specific events and services.
The Center for Multicultural Affairs (358 Student Center, 487-2377) offers cultural education
programs and heritage celebrations, student leadership and volunteer opportunities, community
resource information and a multicultural library, and organizational meeting space. Visit or call
them at the address and phone above, or navigate to their website
at http://www.emich.edu/cma/ for more information about their resources and events.
The Women’s Resource Center (356 Student Center, 487-4282) provides programming about
the experiences that women have in common that offers a platform for creativity, discovery, and
growth for all people. It also provides information, advocacy, and referrals to anyone who
visits. Finally, if provides opportunities for students to earn class, Learning Beyond the
Classroom, and volunteer credit through service to the center or by attending programming. To
find out more, visit or call them at the address and phone above, email them
at emu_womenscenter@emich.edu, or consult their website
at http://www.emich.edu/cma/index.php
The Holman Success Center (G04 Halle Library) provides a variety of services and resources to
help you supplement your academic and organizational skills, and adjust to the academic
environment, including workshops, peer tutoring, and other programs. Visit them in the
basement of the Halle Library or navigate to their website athttp://www.emich.edu/hsc/ and find
out how they can help you make the most of your education.
EMU Writing Support
The University Writing Center (115 Halle Library; 487-0694) offers one-to-one writing consulting for
both undergraduate and graduate students. Students can make appointments or drop in between the
hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays. The
UWC opens for the Fall 2015 semester on Monday, September 14 and will close on Monday, December
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14. Students are encouraged to come to the UWC at any stage of the writing process.
The UWC also has several satellite locations across campus (in Owen, Marshall, Pray-Harrold, and Mark
Jefferson). These satellites provide drop-in writing support to students in various colleges and programs.
Satellite locations and hours can be found on the UWC web site: http://www.emich.edu/uwc.
UWC writing consultants also work in the Academic Projects Center (116 Halle Library), which offers
drop-in consulting for students on writing, research, and technology-related issues. The APC is open
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Additional information about the APC can be found at
http://www.emich.edu/apc.
Students seeking writing support at any location of the University Writing Center should bring a
draft of their writing (along with any relevant instructions or rubrics) to work on during the consultation.
Other Research Project Help
To complete the research required for college classes, you’re expected to have experience with
undertaking a college-level research project. If you do not, you will need to review the research
process and learn to access information resources through the Halle Library. There are two
online sources that can help you to develop these skills:
Research 101 @ EMU (http://www.emich.edu/halle/research101/) - is an interactive online
tutorial for students seeking an introduction to research skills. The tutorial covers the basics,
including how to select a topic and develop research questions, as well as how to select, search
for, find, and evaluate information sources. There is also a section that helps students to
distinguish between scholarly and popular sources.
Using the Halle Library Video Series (http://brand.emich.edu/video/thelibrary/) - is a basic,
30-minute introduction to accessing information through the Halle Library. Topics include
finding books and other materials in the library catalog, basic article search, using course
reserves, and a tour of the Library.
Individualized assistance from a librarian is also available to you. Librarians at EMU are
professors with advanced degrees in information science, and often other disciplines as well.
They are experts in the use, access, assessment and management of information, and are happy to
assist you with your research. You can request help at the Information and Reference Desk on
the first floor of the Halle Library, drop in at the Academic Projects Center in 104 Halle Library,
contact them through email or instant messaging, or schedule an appointment to meet one-on-one
with a subject specialist librarian. For this course, Lisa Klopfer is the professor/librarian that you
can contact at lklopfer@emich.edu or at ext. 2123 at the Halle Library.
Ask a Librarian (http://www.emich.edu/halle/askalibrarian.html) - provides details on how
to obtain assistance from the Library’s professors/librarians.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
We provide quality services that help EMU students reduce psychological symptoms, cope with
difficult life events, and be successful in their personal and academic endeavors. We provide
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consultation to faculty and staff and training to new mental health professionals in support of the
academic mission of the University.
CAPS is recognized by the university community as an essential mental health resource for
supporting individual wellbeing and academic success.
Our Location:
313 Snow Health Center
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
Telephone:
734.487.1118
Fax: 734.481.0050
Email: Counseling.Services@emich.edu
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
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