2017-18 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]
Africana Studies Department
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Seth N. Asumah, chair
Old Main, Room 207
607-753-4105
Fax: 607-753-5760
cortland.edu/aas
School of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Associates
Anne Adams, Africana Studies; Seth N. Asumah, Political Science; Deyquan Bowers, Africana Studies; Evan Faulkenbury, History; Richard Harris, Africana Studies; Ibipo Johnston-Anumonwo, Geography; Samuel Kelley, Communication Studies; Kassim Kone, Sociology/Anthropology; Yomee Lee, Kinesiology; Edward Moore, Performing Arts; Mechthild Nagel, Philosophy; Emmanuel Nelson, English; Susan Rayl, Kinesiology; Lewis Rosengarten, Educational Opportunity Program; Hasan Stephens, Africana Studies; Paul van der Veur, Communication Studies
Degrees and Minors
Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies with a concentration in African and African American History
Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies with a concentration in African American Sociological, Political, and Community Development
Bachelor of Arts in Adolescence Education: Social Studies and African American Studies (7-12)
Minor in African American Studies
Description
The African American Studies Program is the oldest of the ethnic studies programs at SUNY Cortland, dating back to 1975 when it was founded as the Department of Black Studies.
Students who major in African American studies may choose a concentration in African and African American history or in African American sociological, political, and community development. Thirty-six hours are required for the major. Students may also minor in African American studies, an 18-hour program. Majors may combine courses in African American Studies with a professional sequence to qualify for initial certification as social studies teachers for grades 7-12.
Special Features
- Faculty who have won distinguished awards in teaching
- Faculty who have won Chancellors awards in service
- Fulbright awardees
- Nationally and internationally recognized faculty
- Credit-bearing internships
- Adolescence education — social studies and African American studies career in high school teaching
- Scholarship support in African American Chorale
- Research with faculty, conferences and publication
- Study Abroad: University of Ghana - Legon, Ghana; United States International University, Kenya; Tubman University, Liberia
Career Potential
- Government service: international, national, state, local
- Journalism
- Social and family services
- Politics
- Teaching
- Business
- Community activism
- Community development: international, state, local
Requirements
- Degree requirements listed in this catalog apply to all of the majors offered by this department.
- Liberal Arts Requirements: 90 credit hours.
Major
Dual Major
Minor
AAS 100 - Introduction to African American Studies Exploration of philosophies, problems, prospects, challenges of African American studies viewed in their interdisciplinary nature. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
AAS 106 - Africana Dance Salient features of Africana culture, precepts and norms through dance, discussion and practical performances. May be taken for a maximum of two credit hours. Also listed as EXS 106. (1 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
AAS 110 - Survey of African American Music A general survey of African American music tracing the origin from colonial music of the 17th century to rap music of the 20th century. Also listed as MUS 110. Fulfills: GE 11; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
AAS 112 - Beginning Blues Guitar Examines the role of blues guitar in African-American history and culture through listening, discussion and performance. May be repeated once for credit. Also listed as MUS 112. (1 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
AAS 120 - Politics and Multiculturalism Introduces students to how and why general democratic theory, key political institutions, patterns of political interaction and sociopolitical attitudes in the American polity and throughout the world generate or attempt to eliminate injustice, prejudice and discrimination. Problems of racism, sexism, classism, ageism, ableism, religio-ethnic conflicts and prospects for a “just” society will be examined through the lens of post-modernist political theory. Also listed as POL 110. Fulfills: GE 11; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
AAS 129 - Special Topics in African American Studies Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisite: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 142 - Rock, Jazz and Blues Ensemble College-community mixed ensemble that performs a wide range of African-American music such as folk, blues, jazz, rock, funk and soul. S, U grades assigned. May be repeated for up to three credit hours. (1 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
AAS 170 - Institutional Racism Racism: its origins in society and its manifestations in contemporary life. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 205 - Prisons and Punishments
A consideration of theoretical issues surrounding the concept and justification of punishment from traditional sources (Kant, Bentham, Mill) to modern critiques (Foucault). A number of special issues surrounding prison policy and practice (race, supermax, prisons, youthful offenders) are also analyzed. Also listed as PHI 205. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at at least once every two years
AAS 206 - Blues Appreciation in Culture Through lecture, literature and documentary sources, a comprehensive analysis of this art form and its impact on American culture and society from the late 1800s to today. Fulfills: GE 8. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
AAS 208 - Latin Beats Explores Latin/Iberian, African and African American interactions expressed musically, reflecting intercultural dynamics, tensions and cohesions. Musical appreciation and aesthetic awareness are developed by focusing on Latin and African American expressions principally through Latin beats in the United States and the Caribbean. Fulfills: GE 8; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B= offered at least once per year
AAS 210 - Racial and Gender Role Stereotypes Focus on racial and gender role awareness and attitudes in individuals. Prejudice and discrimination against ethnic minorities and women are examined, from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Also, the causes and consequences of prejudice and discrimination are discussed. Also listed as CIN 210, PSY 210. Fulfills: GE 11; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
AAS 215 - Sports and Music Explores the meaning and role of sport and music in human endeavor and culture and how these intersect. Included is music associated with the Olympics, as nationalist testimony through national anthems, half-time shows, “popularism” in music and sport, music and the representation of team identity, sports music as militaristic displacement, and music in sports films. Fulfills: GE 8; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
AAS 229 - Special Topics in African American Studies Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisite: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 231 - Hip-Hop Culture Evolution and development of hip-hop culture from geographical isolation to worldwide cultural and musical phenomenon with special attention to spheres of influence at the cultural, musical, economic and political levels; emergence of artistic forms and pioneers; current and future trends; theory and critical analysis; and presentation styles and techniques. Also listed as COM 231. Fulfills: GE 8. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occassionally
AAS 241 - African American Chorale College-community mixed choral group which performs a wide range of African American music such as folk, Negro spirituals and traditional and contemporary gospel. Concert tours. Consent of department required. Grading: S, U grades are assigned. (1 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
AAS 251 - Introduction to African-American Literature Survey of African American literature: representative novel, poetry, drama from various time periods. Prerequisite: CPN 101 or 103. Also listed as ENG 251. Fulfills: GE 7, GE 11; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
AAS 270 - Race and Racism An examination of political and philosophical issues stemming from relations of power based on race in the U.S. Subjects will include how the concept of race has been used to classify humans, designating them as inferior or superior; the notions of racial identity or race consciousness; and political philosophies addressing the problem of racial oppression. Also listed as PHI 270. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
AAS 290 - Introduction to African Politics and Society Insight and background to traditional, contemporary African society; orientation into aspects of African colonial administration, post-independence politics. Also listed as POL 290. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
AAS 292 - Race and Politics in America Analysis toward understanding factors, impact of race on American politics. Focus on American racial minorities, their role as pressure groups, functional approach to problem of racism in this country. Also listed as POL 292. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B= offered at least once per year
AAS 296 - The Politics of Disaster An exploration of the many factors that impact the victims of hurricanes, floods and other disasters, beginning with their location, government and the storms themselves. Topics include technology, politics, ideology, race and social structure. Special attention will be given to hurricanes Katrina (2005) and Sandy (2012). Also listed as POL 296. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at at least once every two years
AAS 304 - Peoples of Africa African ethnology: the religion, language, social, economic, political organization of cultures in Africa south of the Sahara. Prerequisites: ANT 102 or 300. Also listed as ANT 304. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at east once every two years
AAS 312 - African-American History to 1865
Advanced course on the history of African Americans from the 18th century to 1865 with a focus on historiographical issues relating to slavery, African-American culture, the industrial revolution, abolition and the larger narrative of American history. Prerequisite: HIS 200, 201 or AAS 100. Also listed as HIS 312. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
AAS 313 - African-American History since 1865
Advanced course on the history of African Americans from 1865 to recent times with a focus on historiographical issues relating to reconstruction and freedom, race and industrialization, migration and Jim Crow, protest traditions, black politics, African American culture, the Civil Rights movement, and the relationship between class and race in the American tradition. Prerequisite: HIS 200, 201 or AAS 100. Also listed as HIS 313. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 321 - Africa, Human Origins to 1800 Critical examination of African History from earliest times to 1800. Main themes emerge from historiographical emphases on origins, grouping of peoples of Africa, evolution of political, social and economic institutions, global connections through trans-Siberian and Indian Ocean trades, spread of Islam, slavery and growth of states and empires Prerequisite: HIS 100, 101, 110, 111, 150, IST 200, 210 or AAS 100. Also listed as HIS 321. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at at least once every two years
AAS 322 - Modern Africa, 1800-Present Critical examination of African History since 1800. Main themes emerge from historiographical emphases on indigenous African and European influences, imperialism, colonial rule, independence, apartheid, problems of independent Africa. Prerequisite: HIS 100, 101, 110, 111, 150, IST 200, 210 or AAS 100. Also listed as HIS 322. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at at least once every two years
AAS 329 - Special Topics in African American Studies Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisite: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 332 - Jazz The history of Jazz in the United States, styles and structure as well as the place of this music in our culture. Prerequisite: MUS 100, 221, 222 or 223. Also listed as MUS 332. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
AAS 352 - Early African American Writing African American writing before World War II. Emphasis on critical reactions, analysis. Slave narrative, autobiography, rhetoric, fiction, poetry included. Prerequisite: AAS/ENG 251. Also listed as ENG 352. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 361 - U.S. Ethnic Identity and Conflict Social histories of major U.S. ethnic groups are contrasted in terms of both cultural identity and social structural differences. Anthropological and sociological data, theories and interpretations of internal U.S. cultural and power differences are presented to analyze and challenge the concepts of “race” and “minority.” Prerequisite: SOC 100 or 150 or ANT 102. Also listed as ANT 352, SOC 352. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
AAS 362 - Politics of Developing Nation States Politics of development and nation building; political structures and forces examined with special attention to developing political systems of Third World including Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East. Also listed as POL 362. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
AAS 376 - African American Community Organizations Ideological concepts, programs, goals of major organizations in African American community. Regular class, off-campus experiences to design more effective organizational strategies. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 390 - South Africa Historical background to apartheid and contemporary racial conflict in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Prerequisite: HIS 101, 111, 150, AAS 100, IST 200 or 210. Also listed as HIS 431. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
AAS 395 - International Race Relations Race, ethnic relations in United States, Great Britain, South Africa, Zimbabwe. Impact and nature of race issues in League of Nations, United Nations, Organization of African Unity. Prerequisite: Six hours in African American studies or political science. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 396 - African American Social and Political Thought I Social, political thought of African American people and leaders from 1850s to 1950s in periods of emigration, assimilation, accommodation, cultural nationalism, political nationalism, protest movements. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 397 - African American Social and Political Thought II Social, political thought of African American people and leaders from 1960s to present. Emphasis on African American Congressional Caucus, selected African leaders. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 404 - Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Examines civil rights and liberties under the United States Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court. As such, it emphasizes problems arising from struggles for the protection of persons, opinions, property from arbitrary governmental and private interference. Close examination of U.S. Supreme Court opinions is central to the course. Also listed as CRM 404 and POL 404 Fulfills GE 11; LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code S = offered in spring
AAS 412 - Independent Research in African American Studies One, two or three credits may be earned on projects related to African American studies. Students may enroll for independent study as many as three times, but for no more than a total of six credit hours. Prerequisite: Consent of coordinator. (1-3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
AAS 425 - African American Women Novelists Study of African American women’s tradition in American literature. Focus on the representative works of Wilson, Harper, Hurston, Larson, Petry, Morrison, Naylor, Walker. Prerequisite: ENG 325, 326, 355 or 356. Also listed as ENG 425. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 428 - The Civil Rights Movement in America
Critical examination of the Civil Rights Movement in America. Focus will be on historiographical developments and debates relating to the development of the movement; organizing strategies and leadership styles; and regional, gender and class experiences. Prerequisites: HIS 200, 201, AAS 100 or permission of instructor. Also listed as HIS 428. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 429 - Special Topics in African American Studies Selected topics. May be taken more than once as subtitle changes. Prerequisite: Designated by department as appropriate for content and academic level of credit. (1-4 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O= offered occasionally
AAS 431 - Communication and Prejudice Examination of roles played by intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, organizational, political, and mass or mediated communication in relation to prejudice. Analysis of theories, issues, problems and practices. Prerequisite: COM 100. Also listed as COM 431. Fulfills: GE 11. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
AAS 432 - African Americans in Television and Film Historical and critical examination of the evolution of African American images in screen and TV from the early 1900s to the present. Prerequisite: CPN 101 or 103. Also listed as CIN 432, COM 432. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code F = offered in fall
AAS 433 - Slavery in World History Advanced comparative analysis of systems of unfree and forced labor. Examines Atlantic World, Africa and Indian Ocean World from early times to emancipation and beyond in the early 20th century. Prerequisite: HIS 100 or 101 or 110 or 111 or 200 or 201. Also listed as HIS 433 (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at at least once every two years
AAS 436 - Films of Spike Lee Analysis and critique of Spike Lee films emphasizing directing style, structure and production design on selected films. A thematic analysis of major works and an examination of critical reaction from feminists, black nationalists, film critics and theoreticians. Prerequisite: CPN 101 or 103. Also listed as COM 436. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code B = offered at least once per year
AAS 456 - International Politics in the Middle East Analysis of Middle East as point of conflict between Arab and Israeli, east and west powers, oil producers and oil consumers. Prerequisite: POL 101. Also listed as POL 456. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
AAS 460 - Geography and Film Select problems in cultural geography as exhibited through film. May be repeated with different subtitle: Social Geography of England, Comparative Cultural Geographies — India and Brazil, Race Issues in Southern Africa. Also listed as GRY 460 (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O= offered occasionally
AAS 468 - African-American Sport History This course examines the historical perspective of African-Americans in sport. Emphasis will be placed on the social, cultural, economic and political experiences of African-Americans in sport beginning with the Nubian culture in Africa through colonial America, slavery, the Jim Crow era of legal segregation, World War II and integration, the Civil Rights Movement and the late 20th century. Open only to juniors and seniors. Also listed as EXS 468. Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr)
Frequency code O= offered occasionally
AAS 470 - American Multicultural Literature Close readings of representative texts by major 20th century American writers of color. Prerequisite: Any 200-level English course. Also listed as ENG 475. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
AAS 485 - Africa, South of the Sahara Cultural, political factors and relationship to past and present population patterns. Prerequisite: Introductory geography. Also listed as GRY 485 (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code C = offered at least once every two years
AAS 486 - Senior Seminar in African American Studies Interdisciplinary seminar aimed at integrating knowledge of various subspecializations of students beyond the core courses through discussion and readings. Required of all seniors specializing in African American studies. Prerequisite: African American studies major or minor. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code O = offered occasionally
AAS 581 - Teaching the Inner City Child Issues related to teaching in high-need urban schools: roles of culture and context in teacher-student relationships; impact of social structures such as race and class on student achievement; how teaching in urban contexts is different; and effective practices in urban schools. Also listed as EDU 525 and FSA 525 Fulfills: LASR. (3 cr. hr.)
Frequency code A = offered every semester
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