You are in the official 2002-2003 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Ethnic Studies Program
COURSES
Ethnic Studies (ETHS)
1. Ethnic Experience (3)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2. 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 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.
African American (AFAM)
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)
Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2. 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: AFAM 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)
Discussion and written analyses of significant poetry, drama,
fiction, and nonfiction by African American writers representing
a variety of views and perspectives. Historical and social contexts
of literary works.
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 WS 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: AFAM 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)
Prerequisites: G.E. Foundation and Breadth Area D. An introductory
analysis of the social, racial, political, and economic problems
of people of South Africa, both past and present. G.E. Multicultural/International
MI.
165. Advanced African American Theatre (3)
For students previously enrolled in AFAM 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.
American Indian Studies (AIS)
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.
Ethnic
Studies Degrees