AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES 28AC
GLOBALIZATION AND MINORITY AMERICAN COMMUNITIES
FALL 2009
INSTRUCTOR: STEPHEN SMALL
Office: 510-643 7972
Email: small@berkeley.edu
Lecture: Tues, Thurs, 3.30-5.00pm: Barrows 20
Office hours: Tues, Thurs , 1.30pm-2.30pm
680 Barrows, or by email appointment
Graduate Student Instructor: Ameer Loggins
COURSE OVERVIEW
The goal of this course is to describe and explain the circumstances of African
Americans, Chicanos and Asians in two distinct historical periods (the 1890s and 1990s)
in relationship to patterns of migration and globalization. We examine key aspects of
both periods - including economics, politics, demography, class relations, racist
ideologies and cultural strategies - and we examine their impact on each of the three
groups. Throughout the analysis we will distinguish the experiences of men and
women, and consider the impact of gender ideologies on these experiences. The course
begins with an introduction to the main themes and issues, and a consideration of key
aspects of United States society today. It then provides a concise history of the patterns
of settlement of African Americans, Chicanos and Asians. This overview provides
students with a basic introduction to the distinctive histories of each of the groups so
that they may have a sufficient grasp of the factual information concerning the groups
before moving on to more analytical and interpretative issues. We then move to a
discussion of the key analytical concepts to be employed in the course. Finally the
remaining sections of the course explore the experiences of each of the groups in the
two distinctive socio-historical periods. Each group will be discussed in relationship to
key concepts; and similarities and differences among them will be explored for both
socio-historical periods. In this way students will not have to wait until the end of the
course before discussing commonalities, but rather will explore them as the course
proceeds.
COURSE EXPECTATION/REQUIREMENTS
1.
2.
Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of course reading and lecture
materials.
Demonstrable competence in the theoretical and methodological issues raised in
the course.
1
3.
Attendance at lectures and participation in class discussions.
(turn over page)
2
Evidence that course requirements have been satisfied will be assessed by means of
THREE ASSIGNMENTS. One take home exam (30% of the course grade), one in-class
exam (30% of the course grade) and a final exam (40% of the course grade). The take
home exam will be organised around key concepts. The in-class exam and final exam
will consist of essays and short answer questions.
READING
Dale Maharidge, The Coming White Minority. California, Multiculturalism, and
America’s Future, 1999.
Andrew Barlow, Between Fear & Hope. Globalization and Race in the United States.
Tomas Almaguer, Racial Faultlines, The Historical Origins of White Supremacy in
California, 1994.
Darrell Y. Hamamoto and Rodolfo D. Torres, New American Destinies. A Reader in
Contemporary Asian and Latino Immigration, 1997.
A short Course Reader. (From ZeeZee Copy, Durant Avenue).
It is the student’s responsbility to scheudle the reading ahead of class meetings and in
anticipation of course assignments. A suggested guide to reading will be handed out in
class.
CLASS MEETINGS
Section I: Introduction and Overview (5 Weeks: Aug 29-Oct 2)
Overview of main themes and issues, description of the situation today, brief history of
each group.
Required Reading: Maharidge, Chapters 1-15; Barlow, Introduction and
chapters 1-5; Miles and Small.
Section II: Concepts and Theories (3 weeks: Oct 3-Oct 23)
We examine the key concepts and theories employed in the course, including
international migration, new international division of labor, globalisation, global
village, disapora, racialization, race, ethnicity, and the gender division of labor.
Required Reading: Waters, Chapters 3, 4, 7; Nielson, Ammott and Mattaei,
Lourde; Almaguer, Introduction and Chapters 1-5.
Section III: Minorities in the 1890s (3 weeks: Oct 24-Nov 13)
We explore the flow of individuals, ideas and institutions between local, national and
3
international contexts for each of the three groups in the 1890s. We consider the impact
of economics, politics, demography, class, racism and cultural strategies on the
circumstances of each group. And we examine how these circumstances have been
shaped by the changing patterns of migration, racialization and globalization.
Required Reading: Almaguer, Chapters 6–7, epilogue; Hamamoto and Torres,
Introduction and Chapters 1-8.
Section IV: Minorities in the 1990s (3 weeks: Nov 14-Dec 4)
Again, we explore the flow of individuals, ideas and institutions between local, national
and international contexts for each of the three groups in the 1990s. We consider the
impact of economics, politics, demography, class, racism and cultural strategies on the
circumstances of each group. And we examine how these circumstances have been
shaped by the changing patterns of migration, racialization and globalization. We also
compare these patterns with [those of] the 1890s.
Required Reading: Barlow, Chapters 5-7; Hamamoto and Torres, Chapters 9-16.
Section V: Discussing Differences: Contemplating Commonalities (1 week: Dec 5-9)
We consider the difference and similarities across the three groups, and over the two
periods.
Required Reading: Review previous reading.
IMPORTANT DATES
Tuesday Oct 6th: 2009 Take home paper handed out in class.
Tuesday, Oct 13th: 2009: Take home paper due at start of class.
Tuesday, Nov 3rd, 2009: In-class Exam.
FINAL EXAM: EXAM GROUP 20: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009: 1230-330P
Note: students will be allowed to do alternate exams only with legitimate reasons, and
where sufficient advance notice is provided to the course instructor. Any last minute
emergencies will be dealt with in compliance with official university policy.
4