California State University, Fresno
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Ethnic Studies - Courses



You are in the official 2001-2002 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.


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Ethnic Studies Program

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COURSES

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Ethnic Studies (ETH S)

1. Ethnic Experience (3)
Examines the experiences of various ethnic minorities in the U.S., addresses the issue of race as it affects ethnic formation, analyzes public policy and ethnic experience, discusses the comparable idealogies of race and gender, and evaluates culture and ethnic experience. G.E. Breadth Area D3.

2. Ethnic Expression (3)
Comparative study of the characteristic ways in which ethnic minorities in the United States think and feel about themselves and the world, as reflected in literature, art, and music.

104W. American Poverty (3)
Prerequisite: satisfactory completion (C or better) of the ENGL 1 graduation requirement. Analysis of poverty in America. Students will receive guidance and criticism in preparing papers on poverty issues. Emphasis on research techniques, evaluation of evidence, documentation, bibliography, organization, style and mechanics of writing. Meets the upper-division writing skills requirement for graduation.

130T. Topics in Ethnic Studies (1-3; max total 6)
In-depth research and writing on the past and contemporary situation of America's major ethnic minorities.

189. Fieldwork in Community Relations
(3; max total 6)

Supervised field observation, participation, and documentation in the operation of minority communities.

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African American (AF AM)

10. Introduction to African American Studies (3)
A survey course designed to introduce students to the vast array of scholarship defining the African American experience. The course will integrate the scholarship of historians, sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, artists, educators, and other culture makers.

15. Basic Composition and Communication (3)
Designed to help students express themselves concisely and clearly both in speech and writing; assist students to overcome difficulties in spelling, grammar, punctu ation, sentence construction; investigate techniques and methods to develop term papers.

21 and 121. Gospel Choir (1; max total 8)
(Same as MUSIC 102GC.) Performance of a variety of inspirational songs reflecting the African American cultural experience. Participation through rehearsals, activities, programs, and field trips.

24. African American Music (3)
The origin and evolution of African American music from the perspective of social and cultural history. Emphasis on slave songs, gospel, jazz, rhythm and blues, and soul music.

25. African American Literature (3)
Major authors, their works, themes, and movements in African American literature in America from colonial times to the present.

27. Introduction to African American Culture and Image (3)
Introduction to the social experience of African Americans in American life and to various images of that experience which have developed historically. G.E. Breadth D3.

35. Art and Music of Africa (3)
Comprehensive study of African artistry and music.

36. Contemporary African Societies (3)
Analysis of the cultural and political structure of some Black African nations; understanding the impact of colonialism in Africa; realizing the relationship of African Americans to Africa.

38. African American Sociology (3)
Basic principles sociology from the perspective of the African American experience.

40. Freshman Seminar for Minority Students (3)
Open to freshmen and transfer students. Designed to further student development in such areas as study skills, writing, oral presentations, and interaction with other students and faculty. Students are assigned a faculty mentor.

42. Ethnic Psychology (3)
Introduction to psychology as an empirical science; biological and social basis of behavior; evaluation of concepts or general psychology and personality theories; emphasis on perception, learning, motivation, and intelligence; applicability to behavioral patterns of African Americans.

50T. Topics in African American Studies (1-3; max total 9)
Selected topics at the introductory level in African American Studies.

56. The African American Family (3)
Deals with the origin, development, and adaptations the African American family has created to sustain itself as a viable institution. Emphasis is on problems encountered and created by the American society and how the African American family handles these adversities.

60. Introduction to African American Theatre (3)
Study and practice in performance of African American drama and oral interpretation projects. Class will include poetry reading; dance performances; dramatic interpretations; comedic sketches. Previous experience not required.

92. African American Cuisine (1)
A cultural examination of the origin of soul food. Sociocultural emphasis upon food gathering and preparation, consumption of all-purpose hog and health considerations, and nutritional value of the soul food diet. Demonstrations and experimentation with gumbo, red beans and rice, collard greens, hot water cornbread, and sweet potato pie. (Course fee, $15)

93. Rap Music Genre (1)
Sociopolitical examination of rap music and its influence as a social movement. Emphasis on the lyrical presentation and the various styles of rap music such as hard core, social, afrocentric, regga -muffin, and commercial. Format includes lectures, videos, and live performances.

100A. African Dance (3)
Focuses on the history of African dance in the United States, uses of dance among Africans/African Americans. Activities include dance techniques; imagery/visualization, dance exercises; simple constructive rest techniques; African dance step techniques preparatory for advance class. (2 lecture, 2 activity hours) (Formerly AF AM 130T section)

100B. African Dance (3)
Prerequisite: AF AM 100A or permission of instructor. Teaches advance space orientation, advance imagery /visualization techniques; advance constructive rest; central/alignment; dance philosophy of Laban; choreography; specific African dances and dance performances. (6 lab hours)

124. The African American Experience in Children's Literature (3)
A survey of selected material: Children's books, tapes, cassettes; dealing with the African American experience in children's literature.

127. African American Creative Writers' Workshop (3)
An intensive reading and writing workshop in the African American experience. Selections and discussions from major literary artists, including: Hughes, Baldwin, Giovanni, Brooks, Ellison, Angelou, Gaines, and others. Students are required to write expository essays analyzing literature, poems, and short stories.

129. African American Literary Classics (3)
An intensive analysis of selected classical narratives in African American literature and culture.

130T. Topics in African American Studies (1-3; max total 9)
Major social problems confronting African Americans in America today; emphasis on welfare, education, legal systems, religious institutions, and economic institutions; effect on the African American segment of the population.

135. The African American Community (3)
Analysis of the various lifestyles and cultural patterns of the African American community and spatial ghetto areas. Emphasis on unique cultural features of the family, religion, foods, music, art, and folkways.

136. African American Business Economic Development in the United States (3)
Introduction to African American entrepreneurship and employment with special emphasis on the analysis and development of business ventures. Relationship of economic forces to historical, political, and social change. Step by step on how to start your own business.

137. African American Women (3)
(Same as W S 137.) An overview of the accomplishments of African American women in the United States; their contributions to American culture; African influence; African American women as defined by a dominant society vs. legitimate definition designed to encourage a positive self-concept.

140. The African American Church (3)
History of the formation and development of African American religious institutions (Christianity, Islam, Judaism) in the African American community; their effect on the African American personality.

141. African American Health Care (3)
Investigation and analysis of major health problems and delivery services in the African American Community.

142. African American Child Rearing (3)
Specific and unique issues facing African American parents as their children journey through the development process.

144. Race Relations (3)
Critical examination of contemporary race relations issues such as affirmative action, hate crimes, interracial relationships, religion, criminal justice system, media images/stereotyping, and more. Analysis of theoretical frameworks and their application to racial ethnic groups.

145. Life and Times of Martin Luther King Jr. (3)
Explores Dr. King's leadership in the nonviolent movement for racial equality and human dignity, from the Montgomery Bus Boycott to King's assassination (1955-68). Emphasis on philosophy, ideology. Format: lectures, films, slides, recorded speeches, and discussion.

146. Law and the Minority Community (3)
Critical analysis of the foundation and changing structure of law and legal insti tutions as perceived by minority communities, with emphasis on equal employment and education, criminal justice, and political power.

148. Issues in the African American Community (3)
Prerequisite: AF AM 10 or permission of instructor. In-depth, comprehensive, critical analysis of the current social and economic structure of the African American community. Examination of the effects of institutional racism on current social policy.

150. South Africa (3)
An introductory analysis of the social, racial, political, and economic problems of people of South Africa, both past and present.

165. Advanced African American Theatre (3)
For students previously enrolled in AF AM 60. Advanced production and perfor mance in the African American Theatre.

178. History of African Americans (3)
(Same as HIST 178.) Evolution of African American society from 1619 to the present; emphasis on the social, political, and economic aspects as they relate to cultural values, theories in the development and environment that contribute to the African American way of life.

190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for SP grading.

191. History of Allensworth (1)
An examination of the historical development of the African American town of Allensworth from its status as a town to its existence as a state historic park. Students will be exposed to various academic disciplines through lectures and a field trip to the park.

195. Diversity in the United States: Race and Gender Issues (3)
(See CLS 195.)

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American Indian Studies (A I S)

5. American Indian History (3)
An interpretive survey of American Indian history from the native point of view including accounts of American Indian origin and the arrival of immigrants from Asia, Africa, and Europe. (Formerly N A S 5)

9T. Topics in American Indian Studies
(1-3; max total 9 if no area repeated)

Selected topics at an introductory level in American Indian Studies.

50. Contemporary Life of the American Indian (3)
Current problems of American Indians and Arctic Natives resulting from culture conflict, acculturation, minority status, and governmental policy.

60T. Topics in Indian Education (3; max total 9)
Foundations and history of Indian education, methods of teaching Indian children, curriculum and practices for Indian education, guidance for the Indian student, problems of teachers of Indian children, education of Indian adults.

100. American Indian Religion (3)
American Indian religious systems, including basic concepts of religion and the sacred, ceremonial life, medicine, functions of religious institutions and practices, and contrast/conflict with non-Native religious systems.

101. American Indian Law (3)
Concepts of laws on Indian reservations, termination, litigation and complaints, strengthening tribal governments. Law related to Indian land and resources.

103. Indians of California (3)
Survey course on the ancient cultures of California, historical development of California Indian cultures according to regional resources, conflict between the California Indian people and various colonial forces, arts and culture of California Indian people, and contemporary issues of California Indians.

160. The Politics of Indian Education (3)
This seminar examines the interaction of politics, culture, and education, using case studies of federal financing of Indian education in the mission, Bureau of Indian Affairs, tribal, and public school systems.

170. Experience in American Indian Community (3; max total 6)
Offers students supervised field experience working for a tribe, tribal/Indian organization, tribal school or Indian education program, public agency, or the university's Indian organizations.

190. Independent Study (1-3; max total 6)
See Academic Placement -- Independent Study. Approved for SP grading.

195. Diversity in the United States:
Race and Gender Issues (3)

(See CLS 195.)

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