Foundations in Comparative Ethnic
Studies
T & TH
CUE 207
Professor José M. Alamillo
Wilson Hall 120
Department of Comparative
Ethnic Studies
(509) 335-4793
Office Hours: Fridays 10-12pm
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Unlike
CES 101, this course moves beyond issues of "cultural diversity" and
"multiculturalism" to focus on a wide range of complex historical,
cultural and political forces that have and continue to shape racial and ethnic
identities and relationships in the United States. The first part looks at the development and
transformation of ethnic studies discipline including its history, methodology,
theoretical approaches to the study of U.S people of color and whites. The second
part examines the concepts of “race”, “racism” and “racialization.” Then we
apply these concepts to a case study of racial conflict in
This
course is a required course for CES Minors and Majors.
Learning
Outcomes:
(1)
To develop an understanding of ethnic studies as an interdisciplinary and
comparative field of study. (part 1)
(2)
To understand the theoretical concepts of race, racism and racialization in
relation to politico-economic structures, social institutions, and everyday
life. (part 2)
(3)
To understand how racial and ethnic groups have resisted and struggled to
recreate their own cultural identities in relations to each other and dominant
white groups, leading to both conflict and community empowerment (part 3)
(4) A critical understanding of ethnic
identity and indigenous identity and how it is constructed and reconstructed by
individuals and groups over time and different contexts.
(part 4 &5)
(6) Develop and sharpen critical writing
skills through critical response papers and essay exams.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
Johnnella
Butler, Color-Line to Borderlands: The Matrix of American Ethnic Studies
(
Eduardo
Bonilla-Silva, White Supremacy and Racism in the Post-Civil Rights Era (Lynne
Rienner, 2001)
Claire
J. Kim, Bitter Fruit: The Politics of Black-Korean Conflict in
Karen
Leonard, Making Ethnic Choices: California’s Punjabi’s Mexican Americans (Philadelphia:
Temple University Press, 1992)
Eva
Marie Garrouttee, Real Indians: Identity and
Survival of Native
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Class
Attendance/Participation (15%)
Given
the nature of this class, it is critical that everyone be involved in class
discussions, whether raising questions from the readings and lectures or
answering questions during class. I expect every student to show respect for
others' opinions and perspectives and hope to engage each other in a productive
dialogue, choosing to agree to disagree when necessary.
Attendance
is required. Since this seminar style course relies heavily on class
discussion, it is important to you attend class and notify the instructor via
e-mail if you have to miss class for a legitimate reason. Only institutional excuses will be accepted.
If you have more than three unexcused absences your grade will be
lowered at my discretion.
Bi-Weekly Critical
Response Papers (25%)
You
will write a 3-4 page critical response to question(s) regarding the course
material, required readings and videos covered for those two weeks. I will
distribute and discuss the question(s) in advance and will provide specific
guidelines for this assignment. Total of 5 papers.
Midterm Essay Exam (30%)
There
will be a take-home midterm exam that will cover the material from Parts One,
Two and Three. Students will be responsible for the information conveyed in the
readings, lectures, class discussions and videos. The Midterm Exam will be due
Oct. 19th in class.
Final Essay Exam (30%)
There
will be a take-home final exam that will cover the material from Part Four and
Part Five. The purpose of this exam is to synthesize the material learned in
class. Students will be responsible for the information conveyed in the reading
assignments, lectures, class discussions and videos. The final will be a
take-home exam distributed on the last day of class and will be in the form of
essay questions. The Final Exam is due on Wed., Dec. 15th by
Grading:
Attendance/Participation…………………………………………………….…..15%
Bi-Weekly Critical Response Papers (5)…….…………………………………25%
Midterm Essay Exam………………………………………………………………30%
Final Essay Exam…………………………………………………………………..30%
Special Note:
*
You written work may be used for assessment purposes and department learning
outcomes.
*
The instructor reserves the right to modify and make any changes to the
syllabus during the semester.
*
You are recommended to use the “My WSU” webpage. [my.wsu.edu]
*
Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented
disability. Contact the DRC in the Admin. Annex 206 (5-1566).
*Academic
Dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication in the process of
completing academic work. If caught students we be punished according to
university guidelines: WAC 504-25-015
LECTURE AND READING
SCHEDULE:
PART
I: Why Comparative Ethnic Studies?
WEEK 1:
Tuesday (Aug. 24): Introductions and Course Overview
Thursday
(Aug. 26):
WEEK
2:
Tuesday
(Aug.31)
Marable,
"We Need New a Critical Study of Race and Ethnicity"[
Thursday
(Sept. 2)
Hu-Dehart, “Ethnic Studies in
Due: Critical Paper #1
PART
II:
Race, Racism and Racialization
WEEK 3:
Tuesday (Sept. 7):
Introduction & Chapter 1: What is Racism? [Bonilla-Silva]
Thursday (Sept. 9):
Chapter 2: Racial
Attitudes or Racial Ideology? [Bonilla-Silva]
WEEK 4:
Tuesday (Sept. 14)
Chapter 4: The New Racism [Bonilla-Silva]
Thursday, (Sept. 16)
Chapter 5: Color-Blind Racism [Bonilla-Silva]
VIDEO: "Race the Power of Illusion”
Due: Critical Paper #2
WEEK 5:
Tuesday
(Sept 23)
Chapter 6: Color-Blind Racism and Blacks [Bonilla-Silva]
Thursday (Sept 25)
Conclusion [Bonilla-Silva]
VIDEO: "Race the Power of Illusion”
PART
III:
The Politics of Racial Conflict
WEEK 6:
Tuesday,
(Sept. 28))
Thursday, (Sept. 30) No Class
Due:
Critical Paper #3
WEEK 7:
Tuesday,
(Oct. 5)
Ch.3 : Black Power Resurgent [Kim]
Thursday,
(Oct.7)
WEEK 8:
Tuesday,
(Oct. 12)
Ch.5: Korean American Response [Kim]
Thursday,
(Oct. 14)
Handout
Midterm Essay Paper
PART IV: The Invention of Ethnicity
WEEK 9:
Tuesday, (Oct. 19)
Video: The Roots in the Sand: Punjabi Mexicans (57min)
DUE: Midterm Essay Paper
Thursday, (Oct. 21))
WEEK
10:
Tuesday,
(Oct. 26)
Thursday,
(Oct. 28)
WEEK 11:
Tuesday, (Nov. 2)
Due:
Critical Paper #4
Thursday, (Nov. 4)
Ch.10
& 11 [Leonard]
PART V: Racial Identity& American Indian Communities
WEEK 12:
Tuesday,
(Nov. 9)
Intro. &
Thursday,
(Nov. 11) No Class
WEEK 13:
Tuesday, (Nov. 16)
Thursday, (Nov. 18)
WEEK 14: (Nov.
22-26) THANKSGIVING BREAK
WEEK 15:
Tuesday,
(Nov.30)
Due:
Critical Paper #5
Thursday, (Dec.2)
WEEK 16:
Tuesday, (Dec. 7):
Thursday, (Dec. 9)
Handout Essay Exam & Final Review
Final
Essay Paper
Due Wed. Dec. 15th by