African American History:
Reconstruction to the Present (H382/564)
Towson University – Spring 2008
Thursday 5:30-8:10
Linthicum Hall 112
Dr. Omar H. Ali
Office Hours: By Appointment
(119-K Linthicum)
E-mail: oali@towson.edu
Overview:
This is an upper-level course in African American history beginning with era of Reconstruction and continuing to the present. Through lectures, readings of primary and secondary sources, class discussion, video documentaries, and a museum trip we will explore the various ways in which African Americans have advanced democracy in the United States. Among the key themes that will be covered in the course are Radical Reconstruction and Black Populism in the mid and late nineteenth century, black nationalism, socialism, and communism in the first half of the twentieth century, the modern Civil Rights movement, Black Power, and the independent political movement of the latter half of the twentieth century.
Grading:
Participation (15%)
Quiz (10%)
Midterm Exam (35%)
Final Exam (40%)
Required Readings:
Darlene Clark Hine, et al., African Americans: A Concise History, Volume Two: Since 1865, Second Edition (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, 2006)
Roy E. Finkenbine, Sources of the African American Past: Primary Source in American History, Second Edition (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson, 2004)
Video Documentaries:
Reconstruction: The Second Civil War
Homecoming
Marcus Garvey: Look for me in the Whirlwind
A. Philip Randolph: For Jobs and Freedom
The Murder of Emmett Till
Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker
Eyes on the Prize
Yusuf’s Movement
Weekly Schedule:
January 31 - Introduction
February 7 – Chapter 12 and 13: Emancipation and Reconstruction
In class reading: Finkebine, 84-85; 87-89 (Harriet Hernandez); 93-94 (Henry Adams)
Video: Reconstruction: The Second Civil War
February 14 – Chapter 14 and 15: Black Populism and Jim Crow
In class reading: Finkebine, 96-97; 97-98 (Mamie Garvin Fields)
Video: Homecoming
February 21 – QUIZ
February 28 – Chapter 16 and 17: Migration and Agitation
In class reading: Finkebine, 118-119; 119-120 (Ida B. Wells); 132-133; 134-135 (W.E.B. DuBois)
Video: Marcus Garvey
March 6 – Chapter 18 and 19: Great Depression and the New Deal
In class reading: Finkebine, 146-147; 152-154 (Roy Wilkins)
Video: A. Philip Randolph
March 13 – MIDTERM EXAM
March 16-23 – Spring Break
March 27 – Chapter 20: Post-World War Activism
In class reading: Finkebine, 156-157, 169; 169-170 (Charles Hamilton Houston); 174-176 (Elizabeth Eckford)
Video: Emmett Till
April 3 – No class
April 10 – Chapter 21: Modern Civil Rights Movement
In class reading: Finkebine, 178-179, 181-183 (Franklin McCain); 190-192 (Fannie Lou Hamer)
Video: Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker
April 12 - Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
(Meet in the lobby at 2:00 sharp; bring $6 for admission fee with Student ID)
Location: 830 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202; Tel. 443-263-1800
For directions go to: www.africanamericanculture.org/museum_geninfo.html
April 17 – Chapter 22: Black Power and the Gary Convention
In class reading: Finkebine, 196-197 (Malcolm X); 203-205 (Black Panther Party)
Video: Eyes on the Prize
April 24 – Chapter 23: Independent Black Politics
In class reading: Finkebine, 212-214 (Growing Divergence)
Video: Yusuf’s Movement
May 1 – REVIEW SHEET DUE (four pages minimum, typed; bring two copies to class)
May 8 – FINAL EXAM PAPER
Question: "How did African Americans work to advance their freedom between the abolitionist movement of the 1840s through the movement of black independents in the 1990s?"
Grading Policy:
Attendance is mandatory. For every recorded absence there will be a 2.5% deduction in the student’s overall grade. For every three times that a student is late for class (that is, by the time I take attendance), 2.5% will be deducted. A note from a physician (or registered nurse) will be required for illnesses or injuries that result in students missing class. The note must be presented within a week after missing class.
There are no make-up exams. The only exceptions are if a student is too ill or injured to show up to class and provides a note from a physician stating this or the student must attend a family funeral. Students will only receive the full ten percent for class participation, if they are consistently active in class and turn in a final review sheet (three pages minimum, typed) at the beginning of class on May 1. Bring in at least one blue book for the midterm and final.
Students must bring their copy of Finkenbine’s Sources of the African American Past for weekly in-class readings and discussion.
Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated. See Student Academic Integrity Policy, Appendix F, University Catalogue, Part V.
If you need accommodation due to a disability, please make an appointment to see me. A written statement from Disability Support Services (410-704-2638) authorizing your accommodation will be required.