Ethnic Id - HDFS Whiteness

Spring 2008  
HDFS 295     Ethnic Ident: Whiteness           3.0          CRN # 12289/12599
                                                                              INSTRUCTOR(S)           TYPE         DAYS        TIME         BUILD    ROOM
 Smith, Sherwood      Lecture      Thursday     1230-145pm    LL      A102
 DEPARTMENT: Integ Prof Studies
-------------------------------------------------------------------------1/08 fin

 

DATES OF CLASSES

 

 

 

 

 

ASSIGNMENTS

 

January

 

 

 

 

1

15 & 17

 

 

 

Definitions = 17 Jan

2

22 & 24

 

 

 

 

3

29 & 31

 

 

 

A Whiten Assessment = 31 Jan

Project Proposal = 31 Jan

 

February

 

 

 

 

4

5 & 7

 

 

 

Video Paper #1 = 7 Feb

5

12 & 14

B-H library 2/12

 

 

Book Review #1 = Lopez 14 F

6

19 & 21

Museum 2/21

 

 

 

7

26 & 28

 

 

 

Museum Paper Due 28 Feb

 

March

 

 

 

 

9

4 & 6

4 Mar = Town Mtg

 

 

Video Paper #2 = 13 March

10

11 &13  *

Springbreak= no class

 

11

18 & 20

 

 

 

B Whiten Assessment = 20 Jan

12

25 & 27

 

 

 

Book Review #2 = Thendeka =27 March

 

April

 

 

 

 

13

1 & 3

 

 

 

Final Paper = 3 April

14

8 & 10

 

 

 

C Whiten Assessment = 10Apr

15

15 & 17

 

 

 

 

16

22 & 24

 

 

 

Closure Paper = 24 April

17

29

 

 

 

Bonus Pts (Blue Bk)= 29 April

 

May

 

 

 

 

18

1

 

 

 

 

19

8

*Final Exam: 8 AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Final Exam:  Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 8:00 AM

 


2008 Spring

WhitecourseHDFS

 

Development of Ethnic Identity: Constructions of Whiteness in the USA: HDFS 295

 

Year

Course Title

 Prefix & #

   Dates/Place

2008

Development of Ethnic Identity:

Constructions of Whiteness

HDFS 295 A

14 Jan-8 May 08

 

Course code#  # 12289/12599

 

A 102   L/L

 

 

Sherwood Smith,

Lecturer, Integrated Professional Studies     

e-mail:   I check once daily

ssmith3@.uvm.edu 

 

Office Hrs Thurs. 9-11 am

461 Main St.,Allen House

Burlington, VT  05405             

telephone: 656-8739

Course Focus:

 

Course focuses on understanding the development and role of  ethnicity ("whiteness") in the context of identity development, social construction and issues of social positioning within US society today.  It will begin with a historical look at various waves of immigration and the developmental issues related to cultural adaptations and explore effects of social, economic, ethnicity/ race on white identity development.  Finally, it will situate the construction of whiteness in the larger context of general development issues.

 

Major Themes of the course are:

 

1.                  How are identities social constructed?

2.                  What is whiteness? Is there a white identity?

3.                  Historical Perspective of White Identity                      

4.                  Exploring Whiteness:  Critical Reflections:

                        Developmental Influences

                        Role of  Institutions

                        Model of Identity Development    

 

Note:  Assignments and reading may change to reflect events of interest or other issues

 

5 Course Goals:

 

 

 

·         Examine some of the components of human development such as values, behaviors, beliefs, and customs that are associated with his/her ethnic identity as a culture;

·         Broaden and enrich your understanding of issues related to cultural identity development theory and research.

·         Reflect upon the influence of  ethnic identity on the development of  behaviors, values, beliefs, and attitudes specifically regarding day-to-day interactions with, expectations of, and judgments about  people;

·         Critical analysis of the meanings of “whiteness” in the USA

·         Identify critical issue related to ethnic identity (personal or professional)

REQUIRED TEXTS:

 

 

 

Rothenberg, Paula. (2002). Whiteness: Essential Readings from the Other Side of Racism  Worth Press [ISBN]

 

Haney Lopez, Ian (1996)  White by Law.   New York, New York University Press  [ISBN 0-8147-5099-0]

 

Thandeka. Learning to be White: Money, Race, and God in America [ISBN 0-8264-1292-0 ]

 

Bailey_Howe Library:  Course reserves

 

Optional Text:

*Assigned for Graduate Students

  *Allen, Theodore W.  The Invention of the White Race: Vol.  1 – Racial Oppression &  Social Control. London: Verso, 1994.

  

I

Participation  (30 points)

A major part of the class is discussing the readings/videos and your experiences.  It involves not just speaking, but coming to class having done the reading, helping us understand the relationships of your experiences to the content and critically reflecting on the issues presented.

Criteria:  

 Able to clear define your viewpoints 

 Uses examples from texts and/or data to support your positions

 Demonstrates their knowledge of the materials and understanding of theories

 Engages with other in discussion

 

II

Thoughts & Writings (30 pts for 4 assignments) (single space)

A)        Definitions & Whiteness Description (5 pts ) (2-3pgs)

B)        Example of Whiteness/Museum (TBA) = (5 pts) (2 pg)

C&D)   Book Reviews ( 10 pts each ) ( 2 pages)

            Analysis of your description paper as Lopez would.

            Analysis of your description paper as Thendeka would.

 

 

A)    Definition  1/17

B)     Museum  2/28

C)    Book #1  -2/12

D)    Book #2 – 3/27

 

 


 

III

2 Video Analysis Papers:   (4 pgs each ) ( 20 points )  ( double space)

      #A = Tim Wise Presentation or  Jane Elliot (Eye of the Storm) or

                  In the White Man’s Image

    #B = Mirror of Privilege [DVD 5103]or Domino[VID1713] or An

         alternative for B (Must be submitted in writing (title & description)

         2 wks prior to the due date of the assignment.) ( Film you select

          must have a White focus and be at least 50 minutes long.)

 

 

 

A  = 2/7

B  = 3/13

 

Format for Video Analysis Paper:

Part 1:  (4 Pages/double space) = DICE = Description, Interpretation, Context, & Emotion

 

D = Describe briefly the film (one short paragraphs).  It is a brief statement of what happened in the film without interpretations.

 

I = Interpretation of the events(s) from your understanding of whiteness.  You must use the course materials to support your interpretation(s) with theory and/or references to explain the issues of whiteness in the film.  And explain the constructions of whiteness that the film is using (What does the film have to do with white identity in terms of theories or models?)

 

C = Contrast and/or compare the viewpoints of the film maker(s) (related to the course’s focus) to authors/articles.  Clearly explain the comparison of film to text(s)*.

     *For each of the these texts support or critique the authors themes and theories in relationship to the film:

 ( Haney Lopez, Ian (1996)  White by Law & Thandeka. Learning to be White: Money, Race, and God in America) and reserve readings

 

E = Emotion related to the experience should be discussed.  Did your feelings change over time?  Discuss your feeling before during and after viewing the film. What was the source of your feelings?  How did your emotion impact your experience of the event? Focus this section on stating your feelings and the cause agent only, not logic ( Do not use the word “think/thought.”)

 

 

IV

Two Presentation   (5 points)  

  1. Clear explanation of concepts/theories
  2. Organized within the time given

You will pick one issue in the film and present it as it relates to course concepts and/or theories.  (Five minutes)


 

V

Closure & Review of White/Whiteness Definition

 1 page/single space  (5 points)

Due April 24, 2008

 

Part 2:  Comment on your learning from the course and related to the course goals (see syllabus)

VI

Whiteness Assessment Project: ( 50 points)    

A= 10pts = Jan. 31 ,

B = 20pts = Mar. 20 

C= 20pts = Due = 10 Apr

 

·        Graduate student will review & use the additional text (Allen, T. ) ( TBA  points graduate students *)

·         

Undergrad

6 pages and does not include introduction page or list of references

Grad

10 pages and does not include list of references

 

Pick one topic (school text, book, magazine, profession, video….) in US culture that is  predominantly white and critique it using the information from the course plus  5 scholarly sources beyond the class materials.

Proposal on your topic is due Jan. 31:  1 pg (Given description of topic =What are your  reasons for  interest in this topic/area=Why)

Overall Paper contains three parts:

A) *Introduction  Why did you picked this topic? What is/are the whiteness issues (literatures, authors & yours) you will research?  How might whiteness involved? (Suggest key questions)

B) *Annotated Bibliography for 6 key scholarly sources: Who, what & why (reason for selection) us APA format for references

C)*Analysis of the medium (using referenced sources and course materials), (“Does this support and/or challenge the course concepts or theories?”) (Does it fit with your views?)  You must use references/examples to support your ideas. Give a list of reference .

6 scholar sources (Peer Reviewed research ) and  any other sources 

12 scholarly sources ) and  any other sources 

VII

        Bonus Points ( 10 pts)  -  attend and analyze “Ethnic Identity events” 3 points per each /limit 3 = 9 pts (plus 1 if attend 3 events)           Due = 29 April 2008

Attend event and say why it counts

2 pages in Blue Book

for each

 

 

 

Paper General Formats:

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 your points.  High quality work will clearly discuss the social or theoretical issues.

 

3.                  Demonstrated understanding of institutional and cultural issues as shown through references to theories or reading clearly linked to specific examples.

 

4.                  Whenever possible make clear references to text or other class materials that could support your viewpoint act and serve as examples or model the concepts you are discussing.

 

5.                  A bibliography (cite source only) must be attached for the references used.  All direct quotes must be so marked or points will be deducted.

 

6.                  Points will be deducted for spelling and grammar errors especially, if they are repetitive & blatant.

 

 

 

GRADING:

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:

            A = 90-100%

            B = 89-80%

            C = 79-70%

            D = 69-60

            F = 59 - 0

              +/- Grading: based on overall final points if necessary              Plus/Minus Grading Scale:

A

90-100% 

C

74-77%

B+ 

88-89%

C-

 70-73

B

84-87%

D+ 

68-69%

B-

80-83

D

60-67%

C+

78-79%

E

below 60%

 

NOTE:  Missing more that 1/2 or more of the course may result in a F for the course.

 


 

General Expectations:

Be honest, do the readings, be respectful of everyone in the class , be empathic and think critically

 

Overall:

Students are expected to be on time and prepared for class discussions and presentations.   Individuals are expected to be actively involved in the class.  Class works to provide a climate of open and productive interactions through active listening, respectful questions and self-reflection.  The goal is to support an awareness of self & others and further develop your critical thinking skills.

 

Policy on late papers 

Unless arrangements are made prior to the due date, papers are due at the beginning of the class period or by request via e-mail by 11:00 PM that day.  Late papers will be lowered one grade and must be submitted by the next class. Thereafter, the paper will not be accepted.

 

Special Needs or Situations: Students with special needs should inform the instructor so that arrangements can be made.  Special situations that conflict with class attendance are to be discussed in advance.  Instructor can be reached by phone or e-mail.

 

POLICIES

 

 

Academic Integrity Policy

It is one of our responsibilities as students and faculty at UVM is to be familiar with and adhere to the University’s Code of Academic Integrity http://www.uvm.edu/~cses/?Page=ah.html&SM=ahmenu.html.  Offenses against academic honesty are defined in this policy as “any acts which would have the effect of unfairly promoting or enhancing one's academic standing within the entire community of learners.”  University has policies regarding 4 standards of academic integrity and their violations (plagiarism, fabrication, collusion, and cheating).

 

Attendance & In-Class Participation: One of the goal of a seminar course is to have active and informed discussion.  For that to happen all students are expected to be present, prepared, and involved in every class.  We will work together to construct and maintain for an environment that supports the participation of all students.  More information about class participation is provided under Course Requirements.

 

In the event you miss a class, please let me know about your circumstances as soon as possible (prior to class whenever possible by e-mail).  You are still responsible for information covered during that class and assignments due or given out. You are expected to make arrangements to submit any assignments due on time, and to have a classmate take notes and collect class materials for you.  Please be sure you understand the material covered and contact me at the next class if you have questions. Missing over half of the class session may result in failing the course.

 

While I acknowledge that absences (due to illness or personal emergencies) are unavoidable, multiple absences may negatively impact your grade. 

Format and Submission Procedures for Written Assignments: Unless otherwise noted, all papers should be typed, on white paper and labeled with:  your  name, Assignment Title, Assignment Due Date, and Semester/Course (HDFS XXX).

 Subsequent pages should include a header with your last name and the page number at the top . Please use double spacing on any assignment more than 2 pages, a standard size font (12 point font;) and 1” margins all around (top, bottom, left & right).  You do not need to a separate title page.

 

APA Format is relied upon in this class for citations, references, and other aspects of professional writing (this is the style of writing most often used in the HDFS discipline).  You are expected to become familiar with the key elements of this style as needed by reviewing the current Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA Manual), available in Bailey-Howe Library’s Reference Section.

 

 

Hard copies and e-mail attachments of all assignments are required.  For hard copies, please staple  all pages together (do not fold over or paper clip pages).  If you cannot submit a hard copy an  emailed copy can be used. NOTE:  e-mail attachments, the name of your file is important!  Please convert your file to Rich Text Format and name it as above with .RTF as the extension.  (If you are unsure how to do this the UVM computer helpline can tell you .)

 

 

 

Paper Assessment Details

 

 

Objectives:

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 your points.  High quality work will clearly discuss the social or theoretical issues.

3.                  Demonstrated understanding of institutional and cultural issues as shown through references to theories or reading clearly linked to specific examples.

4.                  Whenever possible make references to text or other class materials that could support your viewpoint act and serve as examples or model the concepts being discussed.

5.                  If you use references, a bibliography must be attached.  All direct quotes must be so marked or points will be deducted.

6.                  Points will be deducted for spelling and grammar errors especially when ithey are repetitive or blatant failure to proof read is evident.

 

Evaluation of Written Work

Does the writer:

1) Presents a clear, focused thesis? 

2) Demonstrates an understan­ding of the key concepts?

3) Provides appropriate substantiation (e­.g. exampl­es, research findings, references  to readings) for generalizations or conclusions made?

4) Presents her/his ideas in an orderly and effect­ive way? 

5) Please type and double space all papers and use 12 point size type.

 

General Expectations:          

Students are expected to be on time and prepared for class discussions and presentations.   Individuals are expected to be actively involved in the class.  Class works to provide a climate of open and productive interactions with a goal of increasing awareness and critical thinking.

 

 

 

 

 

 


HDFS Whiteness - Spring 2008

COURSE DATES: General Assignment Overview:  ( Subject to change)

See page 1 for specific dates.

 

Week

DATE

READINGS :

IN-CLASS ASSIGNMENTS

ITEMS DUE

1

 

 

Definitions

 

 

2

 

White By Law:  i- 110

Geometer of Race

The 100%  American

 Identity chart

 

Definitions and  paper on Whiteness

3

 

 

White By Law:  111- 225

Do We need a Common Am. ID

 What do White People Want to be Called?

Video: Illusion of Race #1

Project Proposal

4

 

 

Topic for Project Paper Discussions sign-up

 

Video paper #1

***

 

 

 

 

5

 

Whiteness: Essential Readings

 

Book Review 1

Lopez

 

6

 

 

 

 

7

 

 

Presentations

 

8

 

 

 

 

***

 

 

 

 

9

 

Learning to be White

 

Video Paper #2

 

10

 

 

 

 

11

 

 

Presentations

 

12

 

 

 

Book Review 2

Thendeka

***

 

 

Presentations on Project

 

13

 

 

Presentations on Project

Project Final

14

 

 

Presentations on Project

Bonus item

15

 

 

 

Closure paper

16

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Final Exam:  Thursday, May 8, 2008 at 8:00 AM

 

 

 

 


 

HDFS295 EthnID

DEFINITIONS  EXERCISE  [ Due 2nd  class-Jan. 2008]

 

NAME:______________________

 

A:        Type your short definitions for each of the following words  on separate sheet of paper. Use only the definitions in your head and not from a dictionary.

B:        After completing your definitions using an in print Dictionary (give reference APA) give the dictionary’s definitions for the 3 terms you found most interesting. (new page)

 

American

 

 

Culture

 

 

Ethnicity

 

 

Nationality

 

 

Caucasian

 

 

Anglo

 

 

Saxon

 

 

Ethnicity

 

 

Race

 

 

Privilege

 

 

White

 

 

Truth

 

 

Aryan


HDFS295 EthnID

WHITE DESCRIPTION PAPER    [ Due 2nd  class-Jan. 2008]

FORMAT:

 

NAME:______________________                                  DATE:____________

 

Type definition(s) for white identity (What is whiteness (your definition)? How have you developed an understanding of whiteness prior to this course?).

Your answer should be, at least, one page double spaced.

 

Assignment will be graded on clarity, grammar and neatness only.

 

Please print a second copy for me to keep on file during the course.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HDFS295 EthnID

 

WHITE DESCRIPTION PAPER For MUSEUM VISIT    [ Due  26 Feb. 2008]

 

FORMAT:

 

NAME:______________________                                  DATE:____________

 

 

Assignment will be graded on clear use of specific examples to theories /concepts, grammar and neatness.

 

The goal of the paper is to use the lenses of whiteness identity development theory to explore the museum’s collect.  You may focus on the museum as a whole or a specific exhibit .

 

Your answer should be 1-2 pages double spaced.  You can include images as appendices if necessary.