PrejHDFS200Xfin
TITLE
HDFS 295 Development of
Prejudice Course
Number
TIME TBA PLACE: TBA
DAYS Tuesdays & Thursdays
Instructor Sherwood Smith
Email Address Sherwood.Smith@uvm.edu Phone Number 656-8833
Office Location Room 203, Allen House / Center for Cultural Pluralism
Office Hours TBA
“When those who have the power to name and to socially construct reality choose not to see you, hear you, whether you are dark-skinned, old, disabled, female, or speak with a different accent or dialect than theirs, when someone with the authority of a teacher, say, describes the world and you are not in it, there is a moment of psychic disequilibrium, as if you looked into a mirror and saw nothing.”
Course Description:
The course explores the human development issues linked to the development of prejudice from a Western scholarly viewpoint. The concepts of bias, discrimination, hatred, genocide and prejudice are key themes in the study of human behavior and attitude By understanding the different theories and models of development forces involved in prejudice we seek to better understand the emotion and behaviors expressions associated with prejudice. The study of prejudice seeks to empower us to more clearly understand prejudices role in our own lives and those we interact with.
Five Course Goals:
Gaining an understanding of some of the theories that explain prejudice development;
Developing an understanding of prejudice as both a cognitive and affective process.
Analyzing critically the dynamics & theories that attempt to explain prejudice
Reflecting upon the influence of your own heritage, attitudes, beliefs, and ways of thinking as related to prejudice development
Assessing our day-to-day interactions with, regards to expectations, judgments and behavior.
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The Nature of Prejudice
Gordon Allport
Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. Inc.
The Psychology of Prejudice
Todd D. Nelson
Allyn and Bacon Press
NOTE: Articles & videos throughout syllabus will be shown/distributed in class or on reserve at Bailey-Howe Library for study.
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You will be expected to demonstrate your understanding of the theories and concepts presented in the course. You are allowed one sheet of paper (8.5 X 11 inches) with typed material on one side only as a “crib” sheet for your personal use during the exam.
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General Paper Requirement Details:
Please type and double space all papers over 2 pages and use 12 point size type.
Please type and single space all papers 1-2 pages and use 12 point size type
Content Issues:
1. Each point listed should be covered. Label each point as a heading
in each assignment.
2. Quality in analysis of each point is the goal. Work for clarity and
focus on specific points and evidence that support them. High quality work
will clearly discuss the theoretical issues and possible applications.
3. Demonstrated understanding of individual, group and prejudice issues
as shown through references to theories, reading or videos clearly linked
to specific examples.
4. Whenever possible make references to text or other class materials
that could support your viewpoint or those that act and serve as examples
or model the concepts being discussed.
5. If you use references, a bibliography must be attached. All quotes
must be so marked and references noted or points will be deducted.
6. Points will be deducted for spelling and grammar errors if they are
repetitive or blatant.
Assessment Details:
Does the writer:
1) Present a clear, focused statement of objective/purpose?
2) Demonstrate an understanding of the key concepts by using them
correctly?
3) Provide appropriate substantiation (e.g. references to text or other
course material for generalizations or conclusions that you make)?
4) Present her/his ideas in an orderly and clear manner?
Policy on late papers:
Unless arrangements are made prior to the due date, papers are due at the beginning of the class period. Late papers will be lowered one grade and must be submitted by the next class meeting. Thereafter, the paper may not be accepted at all for credit.
Total points earned as a percentage of the total possible points will be
used to determine your grade in the course on the following scale:
+/- Grading: based on overall final points if appropriate
HDSF200X Prejudice Development