Heartland Community College
Division: Social and Behavioral Sciences
Course Prefix and number: HIST 210
Course Title: African-American History
EFFECTIVE DATE OF FIRST CLASS: January 14, 2013
CREDIT HOURS: 3
CONTACT HOURS: 3
LECTURE HOURS: 3
LABORATORY HOURS: 0
Blackboard
This class is accessed through Blackboard . You will be automatically given access to this page. All
assignments, quizzes, papers, and exams will be done entirely through the Blackboard system. If
you have any questions please feel free to contact me at 440-670-4472 or through my Heartland EMail gina.kieffer@heartland.edu.
Instructor Information:
Instructor name: Gina Kieffer
Phone number to contact instructor: 440-670-4472
Instructor e-mail address: Gina.kieffer@Heartland.edu
Hours and days of instructor’s office hours: By appointment only
Please call between the hours of 8:00am-8:00pm.
CATALOG DESCRIPTION:
Prerequisite: ENGL 101 with a grade of C or better. This course examines major political, social
and economic events in African-American history. The topics to be included are: the African
background; slavery; emancipation; the Civil War and Reconstruction; Blacks in the 20th
Century; the Civil Rights movement; and social, cultural and economic aspects of Black history.
TEXTBOOK(S):
Hine, Darlene, et al. African Americans: A Concise History. Combined Volume, 4th ed.
Saddleback, N.J.: Pearson, 2012. Print.
RELATIONSHIP TO ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND TRANSFERABILITY:
This course fulfills 3 hours of elective credit for the A.A. and A.S. degrees. It should transfer to
most colleges and universities as an elective course. However, since it is not part of either the
General Education Core Curriculum or a baccalaureate major program described in the Illinois
Articulation Initiative, students should check with an academic advisor for information about its
transferability to other institutions. Refer to the IAI web page at www.itransfer.org for more
information.
COURSE OBJECTIVES (Learning Outcomes):
Outcomes
General Education
Outcomes
Range of Methods of
Assessment
Distinguish between primary and
secondary sources as the foundation of
modern historical scholarship in AfricanAmerican history.
PS1
exams, quizzes, research
paper, group project,
other methods
Interpret primary sources critically by
analyzing their historical contexts.
CT3
exams, quizzes, research
paper, group project,
other methods
Formulate historical interpretations, both CO4
in discussion and in writing, and defend
them critically with reference to primary
and secondary sources.
exams, quizzes, research
paper, group project, oral
report, other methods
Incorporate into historical interpretations, CT3
both in discussion and in writing, an
understanding of historical causation
reflecting a) knowledge of important
figures and events and their chronological
relationship to each other and b) an
awareness of the contingent relationships.
Through study of African-American culture DI3
and society acquire at one and the same
time a comprehension of diverse cultures
and shared humanity, as evidenced both
orally and in writing.
exams, quizzes, research
paper, group project, oral
report, other methods
exams, quizzes, research
paper, group project, oral
report, other methods
COURSE/LAB OUTLINE:
1. The African Background
a. West African cultures and societies
b. West African politics
c. Tribal warfare
d. The African slave trade
2. Slavery
a. Slavery in the colonies
b. Slavery and racism
c. The development of the plantation system and the movement westward
d. Plantation slavery
e. Slavery from the point of the slaves
f. Black resistance to slavery
g. Free Blacks in the South
h. Free Blacks in the North
3. Emancipation
a. The anti-slavery crusade
b. White abolitionists
c. Black abolitionists
4. The Civil War and Reconstruction
a. Black military units in the Civil War
b. The Freedman’s Bureau and the transition to freedom
c. The 14th and 15th amendments
d. Jim Crow laws
e. Disenfranchisement and segregation
5. Blacks in the Twentieth Century
a. The Niagara Movement
b. Booker T. Washington vs. W.E.B. DuBois
c. Marcus Garvey and the Back-to-Africa movement
d. Blacks in World War I
e. The Great Migration
f. Black religion
g. The Harlem Renaissance
h. Blacks and the Depression
i. Blacks in World War II
6. The Civil Rights Movement
a. Brown vs. Board of Education
b. Desegregation
c. The NAACP, Martin Luther King and the struggle for equality
d. The Civil Rights Act of 1964
e. Malcolm X, the Black Panthers and Black radicalism
f.. Stokley Carmichael
g. Jesse Jackson and the Rainbow Coalition
7. Social, cultural and economic aspects of Black History
a. Black economic life since World War II
b. Black society since World War II
c. Art
d. Literature
e. Music
Methods of Instruction:
The teaching of history involves lectures, discussion groups, readings, writing, videos, and
occasional activities. Your role as students is to read, come to class prepared to debate the
issues of the day, to question the decisions of the past and the judgments of historians. This is
an online class. You will be provided with my lecture notes, outlines, video clips, and discussion
boards. I will assume that you can read the text and that you will ask questions if you find the
readings or lectures confusing or contradictory. You will be expected to summarize, analyze
and integrate the information from readings, lectures, and discussions into written form for the
quizzes, exams, and papers. The emphasis on academic skills will prepare you for both further
academic work and for the workplace.
Method of Evaluation (Tests/Exams, Grading System):
1. Participation & attendance-Includes participating in discussions on the discussion board
in the class at least once a week. This section is worth 160 points. (16 weeks x 10 points
each= 160 points)
2. Research Assignment- Each student will complete a Research Assignment. The topics
will be given out at a later date. It will consist of approximately 5-10 pages of writing
and it will be worth 50 points.
3. Quizzes and “short assignments”-Every week you will have either a quiz or a short
assignment. You will only have one chance to take each quiz. This section of the class
will be 240 points. (16 weeks x 15 points each = 240)
4. Final Exam-You will be given a Final Exam. It will take place according to the Final Exam
Schedule set up by the college. It is an essay exam & it will be worth 50 points.
5. Total Possible Points= 500.
GRADING SCALE:
A = 500-450
B = 449-400
C = 399-350
D = 349-300
F = 299- and below
Participation (or Attendance):
Students need to log into Blackboard at least once every week. You will receive a total of 160
points for attendance and participation in this class. The way you attend an online class each
week is by logging in and completing your weekly assignments. I will provide you with a weekly
assignment. It is your responsibility to complete the assignment in a 1 week time period. You
will also be provided with weekly discussion board questions. You will be required to answer at
least one of the questions provided to you and respond to a classmates posting too. Your
participation points for the week will be based on your responses to the questions. In order to
receive the total points, your questions need to be in-depth, intelligent, and they must show
you read your assignment for the week. You may also be given assignments in which you are to
participate. You will receive points in this case too.
Incompletes:
Under extra-ordinary circumstances an incomplete may be given at the instructor’s discretion,
if the student has completed a pre-set amount of the graded assignments and if the instructor
believes that the student is likely to finish the course. No one has an automatic right to receive
an incomplete.
Extra-Credit:
Extra-credit may be offered at the instructor’s discretion. No extra-credit is scheduled for this
course.
Make-up of Tests and Assignments:
A clear policy for make-ups is necessary for the fair conduct of a class. In this class if you know
you will not be able to complete an assignment on time, you must notify the instructor at least
one class period prior to the date you will be unable to complete the assignment. I will discuss
options to make-up the assignment. Any further requests to make up a quiz, test or assignment
will be evaluated on the individual merits of the case.
Deadlines:
Deadlines are to be observed with a strictness designed to stiffen your spines. The same
guidelines that apply to make-up excuses apply to deadlines. Show a willingness to stand up
and accept responsibility and you will earn the respect of your instructor.
REQUIRED READING AND WRITING:
This course requires approximately 30-40 pages of reading per week or 500 per semester.
Reading assignments will include both primary and secondary source materials. A minimum of
15 pages of college level writing is required in this course. Writing assignments include papers
of various lengths, essay exams, and various projects as deemed appropriate by the instructor.
Student Conduct:
At all times you should conduct yourself in such a manner that others will look upon you as an
example of maturity and honesty. Humor is useful, within bounds, and cleverness is prized by
instructors and fellow students. Most important is respect for yourself, for others and for the
task that you have set for yourself by enrolling in a history course. You are engaged in a
process of education that is more than a thousand years old. You are a college student, a
seeker of knowledge who must conduct himself or herself as a representative of a community
of scholars and a participant in furthering your education.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a fundamental principle of collegial life at Heartland College and is
essential to the credibility of the College’s educational programs. Moreover, because grading
may be competitive, students who misrepresent their academic work violate the right of their
fellow students. The College, therefore, views any act of academic dishonesty as a serious
offense requiring disciplinary measures, including course failure, suspension, and even
expulsion from the College. In addition, an act of academic dishonesty may have unforeseen
effects far beyond any officially imposed penalties.
Violations of academic integrity include, but are not limited to cheating, aiding or suborning
cheating or other acts of academic dishonesty, plagiarism, falsification of academic records or
documents, and unauthorized access to computerized academic or administrative records or
systems.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presenting of others’ ideas as if they were your own. When you write a paper,
create a project, do a presentation or create anything original, it is assumed that all the work,
except for that which is attributed to another author or creator, is your own. Plagiarism is
considered a serious academic offense and may take the following forms:
1. Copying word-for-word from another source and not giving that source credit.
2. Paraphrasing the work of another and not giving that source credit.
3. Adopting a particularly apt phrase as your own
4. Using an image or a copy of an image without crediting its source
5. Paraphrasing someone else’s line of thinking in the development of a topic as if it were
yours.
6. Receiving excessive help from a friend or elsewhere, or using another project as if it were
your own.
Adapted from the Modern Language Association’s MLA Handbook for Writers of Research
Papers. New York: MLA, 1995: 26]
Note that word-for-word copying is not the only form of plagiarism. Penalties for plagiarism
may be severe, ranging from failure on a particular piece of work, failure in the course, to
expulsion from the school in extreme cases.
Many plagiarism problems can be remedied by citing the sources of original work. When in
doubt, cite the source according to the style your instructor directs. Usually this is APA or MLA
style. Don't be daunted by citing sources that are not books. You can cite everything, including
pamphlets, maps, cereal boxes, telephone conversations, movies, television shows, Internet
and world-wide web sites.
If there is some suspicion regarding a student's work, you may be asked to visit the Heartland
campus for a meeting with the instructors; alternatively, you may be asked to take quizzes and
tests on a computer at a local school, university, government building, chapel, synagogue,
mosque, or another religious institution to verify identity your work.
Philosophy of Grades
The Heartland Community College grading philosophy grows out of our vision of
educational excellence. This common philosophy provides a framework for each
academic division and instructor as they establish their own individual course grading
system, evaluation methods, and course policies using the shared general rubrics for letter
grades given below.
Letter grades serve as a vehicle to promote meaningful evaluation of student
achievement, to inform students of academic progress, and, as necessary, to improve
student performance, habits, and practices. Using a letter grade as a prerequisite for
subsequent courses means we believe that the grade was assigned through a conscious
judgment about a student’s readiness to proceed to more advanced study.
At Heartland, students’ academic achievement is measured by their mastery of course
objectives and content. We challenge students to meet these recognized standards of
achievement and we assign grades based on their success in doing so. Simply stated, we
believe that the responsibility for academic achievement rests with the student and that
holding students responsible for their learning promotes their academic growth.
Letter Grade Rubrics
“A” This grade represents consistently outstanding performance that demonstrates
superior understanding and skillful use of important course concepts. Performance at this
level signifies that the student is extremely well prepared to continue with more advanced
study of the subject.
“B” This grade represents performance significantly beyond the level necessary to
achieve the course objectives. Work is of high quality but not consistently at an
outstanding level. Performance at this level signifies that the student is well prepared to
continue with more advanced study of the subject.
“C” This grade represents an acceptable achievement of the course objectives.
Performance at this level signifies that the student is reasonably well prepared to continue
with more advanced study of the subject.
“D” This grade represents less than adequate performance. It signifies questionable
readiness to proceed with more advanced study of the subject.
“F” This grade reflects unacceptable performance. The student is not yet ready to
proceed with more advanced study of the subject, and must repeat the course successfully
to receive credit.
Academic Support Services (Academic Support Center) www.hcc.cc.il.us/divisions/asc
Testing Services (located in Student Commons Building 2001)
Testing Services provides a secure testing environment for students who are enrolled in online,
hybrid, and other distance learning courses; have a documented disability; or need to take a
make-up exam. Testing accommodations for students having documented disabilities must be
arranged by the student through Disability Support Services, and Testing Services will only
administer make-up exams at the request of the instructor. For more information, please call
(309) 268-8050.
Library
The Library provides fast and free access to credible information from a full range of resources
including books, online journals, videos, newspapers, online music, class reserves, and
interlibrary loan. Individualize research by appointment or come in anytime. See the Library tab
in myHeartland, email library@heartland.edu or call (309) 268-8292 for details.
Tutoring Services
Tutoring Services provides tutoring in various forms at no cost to Heartland students in Normal,
Pontiac, and Lincoln. Tutors are available at convenient times throughout the week. Study
groups are also available by request. For more information about services available at each
location, please call (309) 268-8231 (Normal), (815) 842-6777 (Pontiac), or (217) 735-1731
(Lincoln).
Open Computing Lab
The Open Computing Lab provides free computing for HCC students at convenient times throughout the
week. The computer lab is staffed by trained Lab Assistants and offers the use of approximately 70
computers, a scanner, a laser printer, and an electric typewriter.
Disability Support Services
Disability Support Services (DSS) ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to the
college’s programs, services and activities through the provision of reasonable accommodations as
mandated in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. DSS offers a
wide range of services to support students with disabilities, including: assistive technology, document
conversion services, personnel, classroom and testing accommodations. Students with a documented
disability who wish to discuss academic accommodations should call (309) 268-8259 for details.
Writing Lab
The Writing Lab provides guidance for writers on assignment comprehension, critical thinking
and the stages of the writing process. The Writing Lab is staffed by English faculty and Tutors
with years of experience working with students on writing. In every session, supportive staff
work with writers to explore and develop their own ideas as appropriate to the needs of their
readers and to learn the rhetorical strategies necessary for effective communication. For more
information, please call (309) 268-8231.
Services in Community Commons Building, first floor (Raab Road campus)
Academic Advising
Academic advisors help students develop a plan of study, review degree/program
requirements, discuss transferability of courses, and provide career exploration support. For
more information, please call (309) 268-8033. Academic Advising services are also available at
the Lincoln and Pontiac sites.
Career Services
Career Services assist students to determine career goals, develop employability and job search
skills and connect with potential employers in preparation for employment and career
transitions. Through the Online Career Center at www.collegecentral.com/heartland students
can learn about area employment opportunities, prepare and post resumes and find a host of
free career-related resources. The job shadow and internship programs offer access to relevant
work-based learning opportunities that enhance academic experiences and support students in
their career pursuits. For more information, please call (309) 268-8034 or email
Career.Services@heartland.edu.
Financial Aid Office
The Financial Aid Office provides information on programs and types of financial aid available to
students. For more information, please call (309) 268-8020.
Transcripts (Located in Student Commons Building 1000)
Official and unofficial transcripts may be obtained in the Student Records Office. Transcripts
may also be obtained at Heartland’s Lincoln and Pontiac sites. Official transcripts must be
requested in writing. The form is available online
(http://www.heartland.edu/transcripts/index.jsp) or in the Student Records Office. Unofficial
transcripts are available to print online through IRIS.
Syllabi disclaimer:
Changes to this syllabus will be made as need arises. You will be informed at the earliest
convenience if a change is to be made. Any change will be at the discretion of the instructor or
to meet changes necessary to effective instruction.
Course Calendar:
Jan 14-Jan 20
Chpt 1
Africa (The African Background)
a.
b.
c.
d.
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Jan 21-Jan 27
Chpt 2 & 3
West African cultures and societies
West African politics
Tribal warfare
The African slave trade
Chpt 1 Quiz
The Middle Passage and Black People in Colonial North America
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 2 & 3 Quiz
Jan 28-Feb 3
Chpt 4 & 5
Rising Expectations & African Americans in the New Nation
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 4 & 5 Quiz
Feb 4-Feb 10
Chpt 6
Life in the Cotton Kingdom
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 6 Quiz
Feb 11-Feb 17
Chpt 7 & 8
Free Black People in Antebellum America & Opposition to
Slavery
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 7 & 8 Quiz
Feb 18-Feb 24
Chpt 9 & 10 Let Your Motto Be Resistance & The US Disunites over Slavery
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 9 & 10 Quiz
Feb 25-March 3
Chpt 11
Liberation, African Americans, and the Civil War
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 11 Quiz
March 4-March 10 Chpt 12 & 13 The Meaning of Freedom: The Promise & Failure of
Reconstruction
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 12 & 13 Quiz
March 11-March 17 Chpt 14
White Supremacy Triumphant
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 14 Quiz
March 18-March 24 Chpt 15
Black Southerners Challenge White Supremacy
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 15 Quiz
March 25-March 31 Chpt 16
Conciliation, Agitation, and Migration
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 16 Quiz
April 1-April 7
Chpt 17
African Americans and the 1920’s
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 17 Quiz
April 8-April 14
Chpt 18 & 19 Black Protests, the Great Depression, the New Deal
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 18 & 19 Quiz
April 15-April 21
Chpt 20
The World War II Era and the Seeds of Revolution
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 20 Quiz
April 22-April 28
Chpt 21 & 22 The Freedom Movement & the Struggle Continues
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
Chpt 21 & 22 Quiz
April 29-May 5
Millennium
Chpt 23 & 24 Black Politics, White Backlash 1980-Present & A New
Discussion Board Posting Assignment
May 6-May 15
FINAL EXAM WEEK
Chpt 23 & 24 Quiz
FINAL EXAM DUE