BIS 351A (LN 11162)

Topics in American Culture: Ethnic Studies

Spring 2007

Tuesday/Thursday 8:45-10:50 a.m., Rm. UW1-050

David S. Goldstein, Ph.D.

Emerging from student demands in the 1960s, and inspired by the interdisciplinary field of American studies which emerged in the 1940s and 1950s, the field of ethnic studies seeks to develop concepts and methods of studying the complex interrelationships among American and global ethnic groups in their historical, social, and cultural contexts.

Learning goals for this course:

• an understanding of the development of ethnic studies as a field, including its history and methods;
• an understanding of theories and approaches in ethnic studies;
• an understanding of intra- and inter-ethnic dynamics in the United States, including how they have shaped contemporary American culture and society;
• honed skills to communicate these ideas verbally and in writing.

This is a discussion-based course.  Most learning will take place in small-group and full-class discussions.  We will take at least one field trip, which might entail time outside of class and a small fee.

I recommend (but do not require) that Interdisciplinary Studies students take BIS 300 before enrolling in this course.

Course texts (available in the UWB Bookstore [save your receipts for a patronage refund] and in library reserve/reference). Note: Click here <http://tinyurl.com/6pamk> to order books online. Click on the link for the appropriate quarter, then enter the line number (LN) shown at the top of this page for "UW SLN Code" (leave other spaces blank) and hit 'enter.' All items have been ordered; contact the bookstore if some materials are not listed.

• Gallagher, Charles A. Rethinking the Color Line: Readings in Race and Ethnicity, 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2007. (ISBN-13 9780073135748)
• Takaki, Ronald. A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America, reissue ed. New York: Back Bay, 1993.  (ISBN-13 9780316831116)

Grading: Your grade will be based on these assignments, which are described on separate pages online (links will be activated when ready):

Midterm examination (in class on Apr. 24)	20%
Research paper  (2000-2300 words, due in learning portfolio at 8:35 a.m. on May 29)	40%
Learning portfolio (including a reflective paper of 600-1000 words, due in Catalyst at 8:35 a.m. on May 29 [ungraded midquarter portfolio due in Catalyst at 8:35 a.m. on May 3])	10%
In-class and online contribution	30%
TOTAL	100%

A note about grades: I know that students often need to juggle school, work, family, and other obligations. I never second-guess students' priorities, and I never think less of students who choose to devote more time and effort to one of these other obligations rather than to an assignment or the course as a whole. I respect the maturity of students who establish their priorities, make difficult choices, and accept the consequences of those decisions. Also, remember that your grade is based solely on my professional assessment of the quantity and quality of your work, not on your effort or on my opinion of you as an individual.

For an explanation of the University of Washington grading system, see <http://www.washington.edu/students/gencat/front/Grading_Sys.html>.  Your weighted grades on assignments will be converted to grade points according to the course grade scale in the "Course Documents" area of Blackboard.

Schedule:

Reserves list (except as noted, in the "Course Documents" area of Blackboard ):

• "Policy on Academic and Behavioral Conduct." Online < http://www.uwb.edu/students/policies/academicconduct.xhtml >.
• Yang, Philip Q. "Introduction." Ethnic Studies: Issues and Approaches.  Albany: SUNY P, 2000.  3-17.
• ---. "Looking into the Future." Ethnic Studies: Issues and Approaches.  Albany: SUNY P, 2000.  273-85.

This page last updated May 7, 2007.

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