D. Emily Hicks, Ph.D.
Office Hours: MW 1-1:50 and 3:00-3:45 PM.
Spring 2016
Office: AL 363
MW 11:00-11:50 AM
e-mail: marquesa@aznet.net
MW 12:00-12:50 PM
Teaching Assistant: Aaron Acosta
Classroom: NE 073
CCS 200
Intermediate Research and Writing
Note: this syllabus is a contract. It may be updated throughout the semester. The most recent syllabus (which will always
be posted on Blackboard should be followed). The basic grading system will not be changed. Additions and corrections
will be made for clarification if necessary. Students who are disruptive will be asked to leave the class. They may return
the following class. After three incidents, further actions will be taken.
Most important rule: if we have a TA (hopefully Aaron Acosta), you must learn the name of that person and greet him/her
politely.
Your Responsibilities
It is your responsibility to have the books the first day of class and to have done the reading. Telling me that you do not
have the books yet does not excuse you from doing the reading and turning in quizzes. Ask another student to Xerox the
reading (or read at least some of the chapter at the bookstore—enough to get a sense of the topic). If you choose to get an
older edition, you must still read the more recent edition essays (by borrowing the essay from another student). Do not
blame the professor for your situation (that you are waiting for your books). Even if you are waiting for checks/books, you
still need to follow the syllabus. Do not e-mail the professor several weeks into the semester that you chose not to buy/rent
the book. You are responsible for reading/doing the work in the class.
Many students choose not to buy books at SDSU. This class is based on the textbook. You need to bring the book to
every class and you need to do the reading. For the first few classes, many students show up without books. You will
be asked to share with these students at the beginning of the semester.
Turn off your cell phones. Do not surf the net during class. Do not check your messages or text your friends. Do not
leave class to take phone calls (except in case of emergency—and then I will give you permission for that day). Do not
enter information into your cell phone. Take written notes. Remove both earplugs when talking to the professor
before and after class. Do not listen to music during class. Do not watch Netflix during class.
Shock
This may be your first experience in a diverse class in which there are “so many Anglos” and/or “so many students who
speak Spanish.” Do not assume that all students grew up with swimming pools, taking flying lessons, travelling to Europe
every summer, or living the way that you did. Some students in our class may be from countries that you cannot locate on a
map. Despite your negative experiences in the past (with people who are “different” from you), try to keep an open mind
(and talk to the profesor and the teaching assistants if you have problems with this). If CCS 200 can get (usually) students
from Mexico City to get along with Tijuanenses and Chicana/os, give the class a chance to include you.
I have done a DNA test (and you can do one for $99.00). I am of mixed ancestry (through maternal ancestry)-Melungeon/Redbone. My ancestors migrated from the Carolinas to Louisiana (The Neutral Zone) and Texas before
coming to California. Try to get to know each other regardless of differences in clothing/hairstyle/skin tone/class
backround etc. GLBTIQA students may not always feel welcome at SDSU (and may wonder how comfortable it will
be to take a CCS class). This is referred to as the diversity “climate.” Some students find the climate to be “chilly.”
Another boundary that may divide students is the introvert/extrovert divide. If you talk a lot, let our class be a place
to listen. If you are shy, hopefully, you will find that our class is able to “behave” so that you also speak (on occasion,
when you have something to say).
Required Book:
Kessler, Gary E. Voices of Wisdom, a Multicultural Philosophy Reader. Belmont, California: Wadsworth-Cengage. 8Th ed.
Dobie, Ann B. Theory into Practice (any edition).
MLA Handbook, recent ed. ($20.00) (optional)
Online: To be read as soon as possible; your first quiz will be based on this.
Dussel, Enrique interview: <http://nakedpunch.com/articles/186>
It is your responsibility to Xerox essays from another student depending on the edition of the book that you purchase. This
will provide an opportunity for you to get to know students in the class. Most essays are included in both editions. I am
using an older edition so that students can pay less (due to the rising costs of textbooks). The syllabus includes page
numbers for two editions.
Note to non-English majors and others who don't know: MLA format is extremely important. Google it if you have
never heard of it. You need to use it or you will not get an A in this class. You can learn about it online if you do not buy
the book. You cannot pass our class without buying or having access to Voices of Wisdom, because you have to refer to
our textbook when you write your quizzes (and when you write the midterm and the final). Many students at SDSU do
not buy books. In this class you, need the book. Another book that will help you to write research papers is Ann B. Dobie's
Theory into Practice. Very bright students have gotten Cs in this class.
Total (if you buy both Kessler and Dobie): ~$86.00 (much more at Aztec Shops).
Both of these books can be sold back, because they are very popular and I teach them every semester.
Course Description:
This is a writing course, taught through the Department of Chicana/o Studies, with only one book. Our class will
celebrate border identities. Chicana/os are usually self-identified people of Mexican American descent. The term is defined
in multiple ways and may include people Central American descent (who may clarify that they are not Mexican). There
may be students in our class from El Salvador, Nicaragua or Honduras. CCS 200 students tend to be very diverse (from
South Africa, many countries in Europe and countless other countries). Some of you may not like writing; others may love
writing. Some of you may think that you do not write well. Hopefully, you will combine your love of texting (but not in
class) with communicating your viewpoints in relation to those who have lived before you (and some living philosophers,
artists and writers).
In this class, we actually talk about the textbook. It makes sense to do the reading, because the class is structured around the
reading. And, for those who like things to be fair, there are quizzes (but you do them at home).
You will be introduced to how to read, analyze and write about philosophical, literary (Borges, Anzaldua) and political texts
(including lyrics). You will learn to write a research paper by learning to think in relation to a variety of multicultural
philosophical traditions and indigenous forms of knowledge. You will be exposed to the areas of philosophy known as
ontology, epistemology, axiology and aesthetics. You will read and/or learn about pre-Colombian, feminist, including
Chicana feminist and Chicana queer theory, existentialist and religious texts and philosophies. The religions you will
discuss will include Hinduism, Buddhism and Sufism. If you write lyrics, or if you write fiction or experimental texts, you
can substitute a “creative” project for either the midterm or the final. However, this “writing experiment” needs to be linked
to our reading in the course. There will be a pushing of a hidden agenda of kindness, compassion, understanding and
respect.
What You Will Learn:
You will be introduced to the idea that the perspective of the working class is distinctive. During class discussions, you will
learn to discuss complex, controversial topics, including globalization, civil disobedience, pacifism, LGBTIQA rights and
animal rights. You will read Cornel West and you may write about Kanye West (and/or Jay-Z or your favorite garage band).
You can write about Immortal Technique or the sound track of the series Superstition (the lyrics or music of the band of
your choice). Here are examples: the lyrics of “Cancer” by the band My Chemical Romance, “Bring Me to Life” by
Evanescence or anything by Julieta Venegas or Heltah Skeltah or Babymetal. If the material is controversial, you will learn
how to analyze it in order to discern and to enhance the possible political critique that it might contain (in the case of
underground hip hop). Rock en espanol as a genre (or Mexican films and directors) are also possible research topics; you
will be taught how to analyze lyrics and film. You will have the opportunity to analyze philosophical arguments in the
lyrics of Prince and Rage Against the Machine. You will learn about sacred spaces and moral responsibility. You will read
Nietzsche, a philosopher who influenced the Chicana lesbian author Gloria Anzaldua (whose work you will also read). You
will watch a YouTube interview with a famous philosopher who was also a pacifist and a mathematician, Bertrand Russell.
About the Professor and the Pedagogical Philosophy of the Professor:
Professor Hicks holding her son (who is now 27 years old) at art exhibition in Oakland, California
The professor is a performance/multimedia artist. Some of her works will be available to be viewed online. Last year, she
attended the IX Hemispheric Institute Encuentro in Montreal. She has served as a performance art consultant for the
Bishop's School (La Jolla) production of Rent (2014). She was a “troubled youth.” She attended three high schools (San
Diego, Hoover and Monte Vista) before being sent to Francis Parker.
Your questions, comments and presentations will be the most important part of this class. The focus of the course will be on
you, not me. It will be all about you!
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, you will have been introduced to decolonial thought and the work of Enrique Dussel and Walter
Mignolo. You will have become come familiar with several areas of philosophy, including value theory (axiology),
epistemology, metaphysics, ethics and aesthetics. You will leave the course with a deeper understanding of indigenous
knowledge, feminist perspectives and queer theory. You will have learned that Chicana/o have contributed to philosophy
through texts, music and art.
Learning Outcomes:
There are three foci in your learning strategies as a student that may need a slight adjustment. These are: a) reading a
passage once (instead of at least twice and in some cases, many, many times); b) getting discouraged and deciding that
philosophy is too hard; and c) believing that you do not know enough to write about your beliefs, experiences and
philosophical issues. Hopefully, you will learn to read a passage many, many times, you will discuss the passage with each
other, and you will gain confidence. The specific areas of philosophy to be learned in this class form the content of this
writing class. You will learn MLA format as well as how to write about ideas using a philosophical vocabulary. What you
will accomplish is the goal of how to write a paper (introduction, definition of terms, body, conclusion, end notes, works
cited).
Course Organization: The A-K and L-Z Configuration will be explained in class (if it becomes necessary). If we divide
the class, attend your section only. No changes. No late quizzes accepted. Some quizzes may be graded in class by the
professor and other students on the day on which they are turned in (check +/check/check -). The professor will re-check all
check – grades.
Course Requirements:
You will write one diagnostic paper to determine your eligibility for writing a research paper. Some students will be taking
an objective exam. The grade for this paper will not be figured into the course grade.




Midterm: research paper (3-5 pages not counting title page and Works Cited page) (two sources minimum in
addition to textbook, MLA format)
Final: research paper (5-7 pages not counting title page and Works Cited page) (two sources that are not online and
are not Cliff Notes/Spark Notes/high school paper web sites min. for a possible C grade in addition to textbook,
MLA format)
Quizzes (on information presented in class, readings and presentations)
Presentations
Papers must be written with reference to the course readings. A minimum of two references from each of the required texts
is necessary for a C grade on research papers (midterm and final papers). Internet research must be supplemented by
academic research from the library (academic journals and books). A paper with online research only will not be given an
A.
Office hours etiquette: Turn off your cell phone before entering the professor's office (unless you have a parent in the
ICU or an emergency phone call for which you are waiting—not a call from a friend). Put money in the meter before you
enter the office. Do not text your friends while talking to the professor. Take notes on suggestions. If you've seen
students order coffee at Starbucks while on their cell phones, you'll know how not to act when you are talking to the
professor. No talking to, asking questions or making requests from the professor while listening to music with one ear
through your headphones. Take off both headphones and stop (and focus) for a conversation. No checking e-mail while
the professor is answering your questions. Because the professor does not know if you are entering information in your
cell or ignoring him/her, and this may be happening during the middle of class, before looking at your phone, politely
announce “I am going to enter that into my cell phone and then I'm going to put my phone away because I want to
respect the no cell phone in class rule.” Come to the office with specific questions about the reading (not with the
expectation that the professor will write your paper for you). This is a research paper class. If you cannot write at the
college level (problems with sentence structure) you need to go to a tutor.
For Artists/Performers/Digital Humanities
Check out this article: <http://www.kpbs.org/news/2013/feb/02/juvenile-hall-stage-young-playwrights-journey/>. You may
substitute a play for either the midterm or final. You must have written a piece of fiction in high school (same with art
project. You may substitute an online time line project for either the midterm or the final.
Zombies/Vampires/Twilight Gothic Literature Module
My sixteenth cousing Dominic (von Hapsburg) just got the Dracula castle (Bran Castle) back:
http://www.roconsulboston.com/Pages/InfoPages/Culture/BranCastle/Restitution.html
The following information is found on this website:
The Bran Castle, first built by Teutonic Knights in 1377 to protect Kronstadt (Brasov) from
Ottomanattacks, became a key guard post at the Carpathian Mountain pass for the Austro-Hungarian Empire's hold
on Transylvania.
You may write about Gothic literature, the Hapsburgs and/or the Hapsburgs in Mexico (Maximilian) in any combination. I
am related to the Hapsburgs through an American (Lady Mary Virginia Acheson—maternal ancestry) and through my son's
first cousin's (a Gonzalez Diaz Lombardo) first cousin (the Corcueras, one of whom married Miriam, Archduchess of
Austria). I plan to teach a Latin Horror class in the future.
For Poli Sci/ISCOR and Other Interested in Internal Relations and Council on Foreign Relations Phone Calls
All those with international interests are invited to write about the Honduras and Mexico chapters in George W. Liebmann's
The Last American Diplomat (for the midterm or final) and/or to get 75 points of extra credit (one time only) for attending
CFR phone calls.
National and International Honor Societies
I will be informing my students about Pi Gamma Mu and Phi Alpha Theta. I plan to hold events (Pi Gamma Mu) and to
attend some meetings (held bi-monthly by Phi Alpha Theta).
Depression and Other Medical Issues
Depression is a medical issue. Talk to me during office hours about depression or other serious medical issues so that you
can work with the administration and get the help that you need. Medical leaves of absence are available for students (with
documentation). You need to fill out a form to get an INC (and a copy needs to be filed with the CCS office). You need to
remind me with follow-up e-mails about your INC (so that I do not have to walk all over campus changing the grade—and I
can make the grade change online).
Emily
Hicks
Fall
2015
Office Hours: MWF
Office: Arts and Letters
e-mail: marquesa@aznet.net
MWF 11-11:50
MWF 12-12:50
Students must leave the class immediately so that the next class can
enter. Students can ask questions about the class during office hours
only (not after class). Turn off cell phones in office hours.
TECH/SCHEDULER: nWith the permission of the TA, one student can
get credit for being the tech and one for taking care of the presentation
schedule. Credit for either MT or Final. Student must turn in a piece of
paper at time of MT and Final mentioning this “deal” and student must
take all quizzes. You must be polite and easy to deal with (helpful) for
students. You may not listen to music with headphones while being the
tech.
Week Day
Date
Discussion
Topics/Learning
Outcomes/
Activities
Materials read before class (be ready for quizzes and real time
discussions). Some material is controversial. The overall perspective
is closest to that of Henry Louis Gates, Jr. in his book (and television
series) Black in Latin America. Begin working on the midterm as early
as you can in the semester. You will choose your own topic, but it must
be related to both: a) our textbook; b) multicultural studies. If you
have never thought about your social class (or how much money your
family has) or your ethnicity, this course will be challenging and
possibly disturbing. Tread cautiously when asking family about the
past (especially regarding border-crossing and legal documentation) and
if there is resistance, back off from the discussion.
1
2
3
W
1/20/16
Syllabus,
Blackboard, no add
codes (class full).
Overview. Syllabus will be discussed. Discipline: 50 points taken off
for students who talk to their neighbors during class. The professor will
approach the desk and ask for the student's name. Do not check your email or text during class. Get permission to get a phone call in case of
an essential (emergency call that you are expecting).
F
1/20/16
Online Fri: Who
am I?
Quiz on Dussel inteview. Questions will appear on Blackboard under
Announcements. Dussel interview:
<http://nakedpunch.com/articles/186>.
M
1/25/16
Identity, Class,
Ethnicity and
Gender
Ch. 8. Does Science Tell Us the Whole Truth and Nothing But the
Truth? Introduction. How Do We Come to Belief? Charles Sanders
Peirce, “The Fixation of Belief. The Growth of Scientific Knowledge.”
pp. 361-68 (7th ed.). (5 pages Peirce; less difficult) OR “Meaning in
Life, ” pp. 96-106 (8th ed.).
W
1/27/16
Aesthetics and
Your Aesthetic
Chapter 6. “What is Aesthetic Value?”; “Introduction”; “Art as
Expression” and “Having an Experience” pp. 261-68 (7th ed) (Dewey).
(5 pages of Dewey; you do not have to read the entire article; less
difficult). In 8th ed, pp. 296-98. Dewey (299-303, 8th ed).
F
1/30/16
Online Fri:
Deterritorialization
Assignment: deterritorialization paper. Are you removed from your
place or language of origin. Five parts: a) name; b) major; c) are you
deterritorialized (from the dominant majoritarian culture); d) travel
(inside city, California, US and international travel) and e) other
interests (music, art, video games, etc.). Deleuze and Guattari excerpt
from Kafka discussed here:
<http://www.umass.edu/complit/aclanet/janadele.htm>. If you are
bilingual/bicultural, “border,” a “local,” from the South Bay, from
Tijuana or Spanish speaking now living in this region, this assignment
is fairly straightforward and easy. If you or a family member have a
disability, or you are of a different ethnic group from the dominant
culture (Anglo/white/European), or your parents or grandparents speak
a language other than English or you are able to perceive a significant
difference between yourself and the dominant culture at San Diego
State, in California, or in the United States, you may use this difference
as the center of your paper. Parents or grandparents who speak any
language other than English (including French, German, Italian)
“count” in this exercise. If you believe yourself to be “normal,”
“white,” “middle class” and able to speak only English, this assignment
may be more challenging. Do not just turn in one sentence: “I am
normal. I am not deterritorialized.” Try to find a way in which you or a
family member exist in a slightly marginalized mode (class, ethnicity,
gender, disability, etc.).
M
2/01/16
Are You
Deterritorialization paper due. 1 page. Take your previous notes into
Deterritorialized?
Tragedy of the
Commons
4
acount when you write this paper. Do not write that you are “not
deterritorialized.” Everyone is deterritorialized in some way
(linguistically, economically, geographically, ethically, in terms of
gender, etc.).
Garrett Hardin, “The Tragedy of the Commons.” pp. 278-87 (8th ed.).
Helen E. Longino, “Can There Be a Feminist Science?” pp. 426-434.
W
2/04/16
F
02/06/16 Online Fri
Quiz
Bertrand Russell, “On the Value of Philosophy,” pp. 15-18. (8th ed).
Quiz on this reading.
M
02/08/16 Value Theory
(Axiology)
Read the following: Part Two. Value Theory (Axiology). Ch. 2.
How Should One Live? The Buddha, “The Four Noble Truths” pp. 3137 (7th ed) (less difficult). In 8th ed, pp. 555-62.
W
02/10/16
F
02/12/16 Online Fri
A Feminist Science
The Examined Life, Socrates on Living the Examined Life, pp. 48-50. Plato, “The
Happiness and the
Apology.” pp. 50-55. (difficult). 8th ed. pp. 65-80.
Life of Moderation
Mexico: 2001 and
2016
Quiz 3 is a response to the following prompt. Put your name on your
quiz paper and the number of the quiz. You need to do research for this
quiz (information that is recent). If you read Spanish, you can look at
Proceso. You can also go the Council on Foreign Relations web site.
From Lomnitz's introduction to Deep Mexico, Silent Mexico (2001):
In Mexico, narratives that identify the habits of the Mexican people as
paradigms of rationality, and therefore as universally applicable, have
had little success. The country has been hyperconscious of its backward
condition for at least 150 years. Moreover, it has had to deal with a
layered history of imperialist depictions: in the nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries, Mexicans could not be made into the paragon of
rationality because they were racially inferior; later on, the Mexican
people were portrayed as traditionalists, as fatalists whose rational
capabilities, though no longer biologically deniable, were no less
blinded by superstition. Today Mexico is routinely labeled a
"developing nation." Because it is allegedly not yet developed, it is not
in a position to speak for humanity at large. Not surprisingly, then,
Mexican faculties have concentrated on contributions to the resolution
of the nation's problems. These need to be dealt with first; universality
will come later.
Mexican-born Lomnitz is a professor of history and anthropology at
Columbia University. Distinguish between his views and how Mexico
has been portrayed by others.
Bring your response (Quiz 3) to class on Monday (and continue this
practice throughout the semester).
5
6
7
M
02/15/16 How Can I Know
What is Right?
Quiz 3 due. No late quizzes. The Song of God and the Gita, pp. 72-79
(7th ed). 8th ed: 87-94.
W
02/17/16 The Ethics of Care
Alessandra Tanesi, “The Importance of Standpoint in Feminism,” pp.
374-87 (8th ed).
F
02/19/16 Online Fri
Generate and answer three questions related to Tanesi. In other words,
you must invent the questions. This will be Quiz 4.
M
02/22/16 Justice, Utility and
Care
Quiz 4 graded in class. Ch. 3. Virginia Held, “Justice, Utility and
Care.” 144-158 (8th ed).
W
02/24/16 Rawls
John Rawls, “A Theory of Justice,” pp. 149-160 (7th ed); 191-99 (8th
ed).
F
02/26/16 Online Friday
“God is Red,” pp. 179. Vine Deloria, “Sacred Places and Moral
Responsibility,” pp. 180-190 (7th ed). (11 pages; less difficult). 8th
ed,: pp. 218-27. Quiz 5. Write one page on this essay.
M
02/29/16 Sexism, Racism and
Homophobia. Note:
West is from
Sacramento,
California.
Quiz 5 due. No late quizzes. Ch. 5. Sexism, Racism and
Homophobia. pp. 190-191 (7th ed). Hooks, bell. “Ain't I a Woman?”
pp. 192-95 (7th ed). West, Cornel. “Race Matters.” pp. 196-99 (7t
ed). (7 pages; less difficult)
W
03/02/16 Globalization
Ch. 5. Globalization and Justice. Peter Singer, “One World: the
Ethics of Globalization,” pp. 206-212 (7th ed).
F
03/4/16
Go to the library. Do research for the midterm. Check out the Chicano
Collection. In my experience, most SDSU students who get Bs and
Cs (and expected As) avoid the library. They brag to their friends
that they never buy books for class, never study, and never do research.
If you prefer to take advice from such students, it is your choice.
Despite being told that online resources must be combined with books
and articles, they still list web sites (with no books/articles published by
academic presses). Often, they list the URL with no author's name or
title. They do not use MLA format. They are always surprised by
their low grades (and usually explain that it high school, they did not
read and did not have to read books). Rock stars, visual artists, doctors,
lawyers, politicians and business executives have to read contracts,
articles and reports. As long as you do not wish to enter a profession
(and you do not care about your grade), you can afford to avoid the
library. Feel free to share this paragraph with your parents and
invite them to contact me through e-mail. If they wish to support you
indefinitely, and they attended SDSU (and did not buy books), you are
lucky. Some parents are wealthy and never read books (and have no
books in their homes). Some “rich” people know nothing about art,
Online Friday
music or intellectual life. They find college to be a “waste of time and
money.” However, many students have parents who did not have the
opportunity to go to college (or to complete their studies) and most
students do not have parents who wish to support them indefinitely.
Begin working on your midterm as early as you can in the semester.
8
9
10
11
M
3/07/16
Animal Rights
Ch. 5. Tom Regan,”The Case for Animal Rights,” pp. 253-260 (7th
ed). 8th ed.: pp. 289-95.
W
3/09/16
Thinking and
Writing
Pbilosophically
Ch. “Thinking and Writing Philosophically.” pp. 20-33 (8th ed.)
F
3/11/16
Online Fri
Work on your midterm. Contact professor during office hours for
individualized help.
M
3/14/16
What is Aesthetic
Value?
Midterm due. Ch. 6.
W
3/16/16
The Artist as Citizen Emily Hicks. “The Artist as Citizen.” pp. 299-303 (7 th ed.) or pp.
327-331 (8th ed).
F
3/18/16
Online Friday
Quiz 6 based on Hicks and Linda Nochlin essays.
M
3/21/16
Art
Linda Nochlin, “Why Have there Been No Great Women Artists?” pp.
297-318 (8th ed).
W
3/23/16
Logic and Mysticism “Is Certainty Possible?”; “René Descartes: Meditations I and II.
Empiricism and Limited Skepticism.”; “David Hume: An Enquiry
Concerning Human Understanding. Should We Believe Beyond the
Evidence?,” pp. 320-334 (7th ed). Difficult. Spend extra time reading.
8th ed.: 343-59. Alternative assignment: write one page on Anne Fitch
(Lady Conway).
F
3/25/16
Online Friday
M
3/28/16
HOLIDAY
W
3/30/16
HOLIDAY
F
4/01/16
Online Friday
Jean-Paul Sartre, pp. 500-507 (8th ed).
Social Identity. Gloria Anzaldua, “How to Tame a Wild Tongue.” pp.
558-65 (7th ed). 8th ed.: pp. 578-85.
Chicana Lesbian
Cultures
12
M
4/04/16
Presentation 1
Presentations.
W
4/06/16
Presentation 1
Presentations.
F
4/08/16
Online Friday
Prepare for presentation; do research for final.
Assignment
13
14
15
M
4/11/16
Presentation 2
Presentations.
W
4/13/16
Presentation 2
Presentations.
F
4/15/16
Online Friday
Jorge Valadez, Pre-Columbian Philosophical Perspectives.” 8th ed:
pp. 472-77. Martin Heidegger, “Introduction to Metaphysics”: pp.
478-80 (8th ed.). Quiz: Write one page on either essay.
M
4/18/16
Presentations 3
Presentations.
W
4/20/16
F
4/22/16
Online Friday
Work on presentations (if you have not yet presented).
M
4/25/16
Presentations 4
Presentations.
W
4/27/16
Presentations 4
Presentations.
F
4/29/16
Online Friday
Mexican film (Amores Perros) critical response (quiz). If you cannot
get access to Amores Perros, choose any television program or film
with a multicultural or diverse cast (Glee, Orange is the New Black,
etc.).
Presentations
Film Assignment
Quiz
16
M
5/02/16
Presentations 5
Presentations.
W
5/04/16
Presentations 5
Presentations.
5/06/165/12/16
Final's Week: note
half hour earlier
than normal class.
The final is a research paper. Bring hard copy of paper to class. Do not
put paper under office door. No late papers will be accepted.
17
Final paper due at the beginning of the time slot for the final (double
check the schedule in case I am in error):
11-12 AM: May 11, 2016 10:30-12:30 (half hour earlier than normal
class)
12-1 AM: May 13, 2016 10:30-12:30 (half hour earlier than normal
class)
Grades:



Midterm: 300 points (3-5 page paper, 250 words per page)
Final: 500 points (5-7 page paper)
Quizzes: 100 points
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Presentations: 100 points
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Total: 1000 points
930-1000 points equals and A. 900-929 equals an A-. 870-899 equals a B+. 830-869 equals a B. 800-829 equals a B-.
770-779 equals a C+. 730-769 equals a C. 700-729 equals a C-. 670-699 equals a D+. 630-669 equals a D. 600-629
equals a D-. Below 600 equals an F.
Throughout the semester, there may be a few ungraded assignments. They may improve your grade indirectly, through
offering you a chance to perfect your understanding of the material.
Extra credit: 22.50 points total (for panel, CFR phone calls and TBA)
Assignments
 All students will write a one page paper addressing the following: name; major; are you deterritorialized (in
relation to country, culture, language, disability, social class, etc.); travel (inside and outside of the US); other
interests (especially music, art, open mic, etc.).
 The midterm research paper is 3-5 pages (250 words per page). It should have a title. Two outside sources of
information required (in addition to our textbook). One must be a book or an academic journal (not an on line
article).
 The final research paper is 5-7 pages (250 words per page). It should have a title. Sources of information for
midterm and final should include the books on the reading list, on-line academic articles, academic journal articles
and academic books. Wikipedia, most newspaper articles (NY Times and The Washington Post are an exception),
brief abstracts and non-.edu/.gov websites should not be used. If you are not sure, check with me. Your paper
should have an introduction, a body of several paragraphs and a conclusion. You paper should be an analysis
paper, not an argument paper. CNN, Fox, USA Today, etc. do not count as sources. The CFR web site and Foreign
Affairs may be used. Interviews and similar programs on KPBS (or PBS stations) may be used. Conspiracy
theories may not be presented as analysis (but academic articles about conspiracy theories may be used). Note to
conspiracy theorists: you may speak in class. Moon landing hoax. David Icke. However, do not refer to
conspiracy web sites in your papers. Do not refer to Cliff Notes, Spark Notes or other similar web sites of to
Wikipedia.
 Every book, article or reference listed in the Works Cited must appear in the paper. No passage may be copied (I
will Google passages in some cases) from references without quotation marks and page numbers.
 Attending class will have an effect on your grade insofar as it affects your participation (and by extension,
understanding of the material).
Presentations
Students will prepare Power Points of about 7-10 slides (7 mins.) on topics of their choice (but related to themes and issues
related to ethnic studies); musicians and artists may present in a different format (as can other students—talk to me);
students may cook food (but the recipe must be included, the student must make the food him/herself) and information
about the dish (region, history and ingredients) must be given. Include a Works Cited page in your presentation.
Student Resources
Voice of the Shuttle (vos.ucsb.edu/)
Students will be encouraged to form online discussion groups using Blackboard.
Presentations
Parents, families and friends are invited to the presentations. An invitation and a hand-out (one for each student and one for
the professor) is required for full credit. Partial credit will affect the grade (200 possible points).
Extra Credit (22.50 points for entire semester)
CFR phone calls and possibly other events. The first art exhibition will be held at the La Jolla Historical Society (in La
Jolla).
Absences
No more than three absences without medical documentation. Roll will be taken (at the beginning of the class) throughout
the semester. Participation points will be given for attendance.
Student Resources
Voice of the Shuttle (vos.ucsb.edu/)
Students will be encouraged to form study groups (including on-line study groups).
Some course materials may be available on Blackboard.
COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS CONFERENCE CALL SERIES
Students will received 22.5 points (out of a total of 22.5 for the entire semester) for attending one of the events. Students
must read online articles and come with prepared questions. Students must arrive on time and bring a pencil, their
questions, and paper to take notes. They must turn in their questions to me in order to get credit. This year, Professor Hicks
has been invited to a CFR luncheon in New Orleans (annual event at the International Studies Association conference).
All calls are held from 12:00-1:00 p.m. (ET). To join, email educators@cfr.org.
Winter/Spring 2017 Academic Conference Call Series TBA
lStudent Rights and Responsibilities:
The course is focused on difficult, painful, controversial topics. Students may express their views openly and should be
respectful towards alternative views. All classroom disruptions will be met with a call to Campus Security. Any student
who feels that the class is not a place where his or her parents could be brought should bring his/her concerns to the
professor so that by the end of the course, the classroom environment will be appropriate. Some controversial topics may
be discussed before the end of the semester, and some of these topics might not be appropriate for the public presentations
of research. Use discretion, humor, good graphics and a multidimensional perspective when dealing with topics that could
offend other students. Linking one's views to the reading is a diplomatic way to put forward unpopular perspectives. Be
cognizant of one's own experiences and how these experiences may overlap with stereotypes. Be ready to have your views
challenged. Diversity leads to innovation.
Essential Policy Information
 Policy for late work: no late work without a medical excuse (with documentation). It is not come to class just
before it begins to tell the professor that you will not be in class (due to job/whatever other reasons). The professor
will be getting prepared for class, and will not have time to discuss your individual situation. An e-mail does not
count as an excuse for an absence (although it is appreciated so that the professor knows what is going on with
you).
 Policy for missed tests: with medical excuse only. Quizzes must be made up on the day of return to class.
 Policy for extra credit: extra credit (CFR phone calls, one cultural event).
 Policy for off-campus events. There are no off-campus events scheduled.
 Human Subjects Protocol. Students will not be required to conduct interviews.
 SDSU Honor Policy: Institutions of higher education are founded to impart knowledge, seek truth, and encourage
one's development for the good of society. University students shall thus be intellectually and morally obliged to
pursue their course of studies with honesty and integrity. Penalties for offenses are part of Title 5 of the California
Code of Regulations. See 41301(a). See <http://www.rohan.sdsu.edu/dept/senate/policy/pfacademics.html>.
 ADA Policy
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
SDSU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to permit them to carry
out their educational responsibilities. Requests for assistance and accommodation can be directed to the Director,
Disabled Student Services, 619594-6473, TDD 619-594-2929.
Students should provide the professor with paperwork linked to a disability at the beginning of the course.
 Syllabus Change Policy
The above schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.
 Professors are now required by executive order of the Chancellor of the CSU to report academic dishonesty
(plagiarism and cheating) to the administration at SDSU. Plagiarism occurs when you copy directly from a text
and you do not put quotation marks around the directly quoted passages. Even if you include the works you cite on
your Works Cited page, it is not sufficient. Each passage, idea, observation, piece of data, etc. needs to have a
source attached to it. If you paraphrase a passage, you need to give a source at the end of the paraphrase. To test
how well you understand the concept of plagiarism, take a passage out of your paper and Google it. You will
quickly see how easy it is for the professor to discover if you have provided proper attribution or not.