Psychology 188: Seminar in African American Psychology

Professor Halford H. Fairchild, Pitzer College

Fall 2007

Course Objectives: This course explores classic and contemporary texts in African American Psychology. In addition to learning about these texts, as a seminar, a principal goal is to encourage the development of communication skills among the students.

Texts:

W.E.B. DuBois. (1903, 2003). The Souls of Black Folk. NY: Barnes & Noble Classics. (This book is also available free, online: click here or here).

Carter G. Woodson (1933). Miseducation of the Negro. Available online free.

Paulo Freire (1970, 1993). Pedagogy of the Oppressed. NY: Continuum. Chapters 1-3 of 4. Chapter 4

Course Organization and Requirements

Attendance is required.  Each day, students should come to class with an "S/R Paper" on that day's readings. One unexcused absence is allowed during the semester. Students' grades will be lowered 1/2 grade for every two additional absences (3 absences mean that the highest possible grade a student can receive is an A-).

S/R Papers.  "S/R" stands for "Stimulus/Response."  The "Stimulus," each day, is the day's reading assignment.  The "Response" is the student's reaction to that reading.  For each class session that has a reading assignment, students should write an "S/R" for each of the readings.  The "Stimulus" portion of the paper should be a very short summary or synopsis of what the reading assignment was about.  The "Response" portion may be short or long -- and should provide your insights, reflections, thoughts, reactions, and/or questions to the reading material.  These "Responses" will be shared in class as part of our class discussion.  Students should come to class, each day, with their "S/R Papers" typed and ready to hand in.  "S/R Papers" will be worth up to 100 points.  Late papers receive 50% credit. Papers submitted by email or in absentia receive 50% credit.

Book Reviews. Students must write a 500-700 word (2-4 page) review of each of the three books. These should be styled according to book reviews in any major periodical. These reviews will each count for 500 points.

Class Participation.  Classroom participation is required.  Up to 500 points will be awarded for classroom participation. 

Grading

Grades will be based on work performed, and determined subjectively by the instructor.  Attendance is mandatory, as is class participation, so these items weigh heavily in grading.  "S/R papers" are worth up to 100 points (50% off for late papers).  Class participation is worth up to 500 points.  "A" students receive 92% or more of the available points; "B" students 82% or more; etc.  Students on the margins receive minuses or plusses.  See notes, above, regarding the negative effects of absences.

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