COURSE DESCRIPTION / SYLLABUS
Introduction
As stated in the SRJC catalog, Humanities 6 is an
interdisciplinary exploration of American identity and the invention of what it
means to be an American. The course will explore the cultural contributions
of at least three racial or ethnic groups, focusing on the
visual arts, music, drama, film, literature and philosophical/religious thought
within the cultural context of the United States. Course materials may
be presented either chronologically or thematically.
Required Texts
Crossing into
America, edited by Louis Mendoza and S. Shankar. The New Press, 2003.
Homeland,
by Dale Maharidge and Michael Williamson. Seven Stories Press, 2004.
Course Requirements and Grading Criteria
Requirements for the course include regular attendance and
participation in class discussions, completion of assigned readings, mid-term
exam, final exam, and completion of a semester research project on a topic of
the student’s own choosing related to the material covered in the course.
Excessive unexcused absences will result in a loss of grade points, as will
non-participation in class discussions. Essay tests will be based on readings,
lectures, and class discussions; and each test will include only that material
covered since the preceding test. The semester research project, as stated
above, will be on a topic of the student’s own choosing; and will include a
topic proposal due with the mid-term exam. Beyond its role in grading for this
course, the purpose of the semester project is to help prepare the student for
meeting the research and writing requirements of further study at the four-year
undergraduate level.
The mid-term exam, final exam, the semester project, and
attendance and participation will each contribute equally to the student’s
final grade as follows:
Mid-term exam:
25%
Final exam: 25%
Semester Project:
25%
Attendance and
Participation: 25%
For those in need, optional projects for extra credit will
be available.
Syllabus (subject to revision)
Introduction to the course.
Readings:
Crossing into America,
pp. xiii-27.
Week 3: Sept. 4/6 (Labor Day, Mon. 9/4: No class)
Readings:
Crossing into America,
pp. 28-67.
Readings:
Crossing into America,
pp. 68-96.
Readings:
Crossing into America,
pp. 97-129.
Readings:
Crossing into America,
pp. 130-177.
Week 7: Oct. 2/4
Readings:
Crossing into America,
pp. 178-219.
Week 8: Oct. 9/11
Review for Mid-Term Exam
Readings:
Crossing into America,
pp. 220-254.
Week 9: Oct. 16/18
Mid-term
Exam & Semester Project Proposal
Week 10: Oct. 23/25
Readings:
Crossing into America,
pp. 256-294.
Week 11: Oct. 30/Nov. 1
Readings:
Crossing into America,
pp. 295-342.
Readings: Conclude Crossing into America;
introduce Homeland.
Readings: Homeland, Prelude & Book
One.
Week 14: Nov. 20/22
Readings: Homeland, Book Two.
Week 15: Nov. 27/29
Readings: Homeland, Book Three.
Readings: Homeland, Book Four.
Week 17: Dec. 11/13
Review for Final Exam
Readings:
Week 18: Dec. 18/20
Final exam.
Semester projects due.
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