African & African-Amer Studies (AAAS)

AAAS 503     Minority Groups     3 Credit Hours

The status of racial and ethnic minorities in the United States with particular reference to the social dynamics involved with regard to majority-minority relations. Topics of study include inequality, segregation, pluralism, the nature and causes of prejudice and discrimination and the impact that such patterns have upon American life. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version AAAS 403. Students cannot receive credit for both AAAS 403 and AAAS 503. (AY)

Prerequisite(s): SOC 200 or SOC 201

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate

AAAS 504     Dissed: Differ, Power, Discrim     3 Credit Hours

Have you ever been dissed? Why are some people targets of disrespect? This class examines the unequal distribution of power - social, economic, and political - in the United States and other countries that results in favor for privileged groups. We will examine a variety of institutional practices and individual beliefs that contribute to disrespect. We'll look at ways that beliefs and practices, like viewing inequality as consequence of a 'natural order', obscure the processes that create and sustain social discrimination. We will engage in the intellectual examination of systems, behaviors, and ideologies that maintain discrimination and the unequal distribution of power and resources. Students will not receive credit for both AAAS 404 and AAAS 504. This course is distinguished from its 400-level counterpart by the requirement of additional assignments, including a required additional paper.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate

AAAS 533     Race/Ethnic Health     3 Credit Hours

Full Course Title: Race, Ethnicity and Community Health This course begins with a broad overview of health disparities in the United States, with a focus on the three types of social inequality- race/ethnicity (and nativity status), socioeconomic status (SES), and gender. Following this introduction epidemiological issues, health behaviors, health care services, and health and social issues specific to various minority populations in the U.S. are examined in greater depth. The underlying position of the course is that understanding why these groups are at a higher risk of developing poor health outcomes is crucial to developing better health care and health policy interventions and moving towards health equity. (OC).

AAAS 569     Contemp African American Lit     3 Credit Hours

An intensive study of major 20th century African American writers. Fiction, poetry, autobiography, and drama will be examined, but one genre will be stressed in any given term, e.g., the novel. Lectures will provide historical and biographical context for analysis and discussion of the works. (OC).

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate

AAAS 577     African American English     3 Credit Hours

An examination of the structure, history and use of African-American English. Topics will include the pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary of African-American English, theories of origin, linguistic repertoire and code-switching in African-American communities, the Ebonics controversy, and the role of this variety in education and identity formation. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version. Students cannot receive credit for both AAAS 477 and AAAS 577.

Prerequisite(s): LING 280 or LING 281 or LING 480 or LING 580

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate

AAAS 591     Topics in African Diaspora     3 Credit Hours

This course deals with African Diasporan history from the 19th century to the present. The method is by definition cross-cultural and comparative, requiring that the works or figures under study represent a diversity of Diasporan nationalities and/or cultures. The course may focus on a wide range of topics. Students cannot receive credit for AAAS 491 and 591 when the topic title is the same.

Restriction(s):
Can enroll if Class is Graduate