Gilliam/HIS 108

Kentucky State University

Division of Behavioral & Social Science
HISTORY 108 (Introduction to African American History)
Syllabus
PROFESSOR: Dr. Erin Wiggins Gilliam SEMESTER: Fall 2020
OFFICE: 233B Hathaway Hall CLASS TIME: 11:00-12:15
OFFICE PHONE: 502-597-5926 CLASSROOM: Hathaway Hall 123 and online
FAX: 502-597-6714 OFFICE HOURS: MWTh 10-12
Always available by appointment!!
E-MAIL: Erin.gilliam@kysu.edu

I. MISSION STATEMENTS:
The Objectives and Learning Outcomes of this course directly support the Mission of the University:
Kentucky State University is a public, comprehensive, historically black land-grant university committed to
advancing the Commonwealth of Kentucky, enhancing society, and impacting individuals by providing quality
teaching with a foundation in liberal studies, scholarly research, and public service to enable productive lives
within the diverse global economy. Available at: https://kysu.edu/about-ksu/mission-vision-core-values/ .

This course supports the mission of the College of Humanities and Social Science, in accordance with the
overall mission of the University: to provide students with requisite academic skills, knowledge, and a sense of
competence which will allow them to assume leadership roles in their respective fields of study or career
interests. Available at: https://kysu.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-sciences/

This course supports the mission of the School of Behavioral & Social Sciences: to provide students with the
knowledge, skills, and perspectives with which to analyze and interpret phenomena in History, Sociology and
Psychology as well as in related disciplines, such as African American Studies, Global Studies, Law, and
Intelligence and Security Studies. Available at: https://kysu.edu/academics/college-of-arts-and-
sciences/behavioral-social-sciences/
II. NOTICE TO STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:
The mission of the Testing and Disability Services is to facilitate equal access to KSU’s campus, programs,
activities, and services, in accordance with federal and state regulations and University policies. We support this
mission by applying eligibility guidelines and coordinating the delivery of appropriate accommodations so that
students with disabilities can pursue their educational goals. Additionally, we promote greater disability
awareness campus-wide. The University also provides reasonable accommodations to students and campus
visitors with disabilities through Testing and Disability Services in Hathaway Hall room 107. Students with
disabilities are invited to contact Dr. Phillip Clay (phillip.clay@kysu.edu) in the DRC at 502-597-6041 for
information on eligibility, required documentation, and available services. Additional information concerning
the DRC and accommodations can be found at https://kysu.edu/academics/office-of-educational-
support/disability-resource-center/disability-resources/

III. STATEMENT ON VETERANS AFFAIRS:

Kentucky State University’s Veterans Affairs Coordinator provides information regarding educational benefits
from the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), assist in applying for GI Bill benefits, certify enrollment to the
Veterans Affairs (VA) for payment each semester, and assist in resolving payment problems. This guide
provides general information about Veterans Affairs Benefits. For more information about educational benefits
programs for Veterans, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs at 1-888-442-4551. Additional information
available at: https://kysu.edu/administration-governance/academic-affairs/registrar/veterans-affairs/

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IV. COURSE DESCRIPTION: Welcome to the Introduction to African American History (HIS 108). The
experience of Africans in America and the African Diaspora are broad and deep. The study of that experience
will be examined, beginning in Africa, the birthplace of civilization and humanity and will extend to the history
of blacks in America. It is impossible to capture each element of the journey, but our analysis will be a
historical and interdisciplinary approach to explore some of the political, cultural, economic, artistic and social
themes that illustrate the influence of the construction of African American realities in the past and present.
Through lectures, readings, and discussions, students will gain a sense of the complex and shifting nature of
American racial ideologies, their relationship to political and economic developments, and their impact on all
the nation’s people. In addition, students will learn core skills related to the study of history, such as identifying
key points and arguments in assigned readings, analyzing historical documents and cultural texts, and
expressing their ideas clearly and persuasively in their written work and oral expression. This course provides a
thematic/chronological introduction to African American History. It deals with political, economic, and social
development and historical perspective of African Americans in the United States. In order to pass this course,
you must be CONSISTENT in the weekly readings, class participation, and attendance. This class meets three
times a week and you are expected to be prepared for every class meeting. This class is an interactive course
and is not intended to be an entirely lecture style class. You are expected to participate and your grade will
reflect your participation effort.

University Catalogue Description:

Introduction to African American History (HIS 108) A historical survey of the African American Experience from its origins in
African culture to the present. Major themes include the African heritage, the middle passage, slavery, segregation, second class
citizenship, survival skills, gender politics, and their impact on the enduring black community.

V. COURSE OBJECTIVES/STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOME: The objective of this course is to

increase students’ knowledge of how historians and social scientists discover, describe, and explain the
behaviors and interactions among individuals, groups, institutions, events, and ideas. Such knowledge will
better equip students to understand themselves and the roles they play in addressing the issues facing humanity.
Students will also be able to:

SLO 1: To gain an introduction to the concepts and themes of African American history.

SLO 2: To understand major periods and trends in African American history.

SLO 3: To relate the topics studied to one’s experience.

VI. PROGRAM OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES: The History Undergraduate Program at Kentucky State University is focused on
preparing students upon graduation to pursue entry level positions in the human and social service, education, as well as, pursue
graduate education in a vast array of related disciplines. History graduates will:
With this course, we hope to encompass the following goals:
A) To gain an introduction to the nature of early American History.
B) To understand major periods and trends in early American history.
C) To analyze and reflect upon major topics in American history.
D) To relate the topics studied to one’s experience.
F) To use library resources in order to enrich the textbook’s presentation of topics.
G) To understand and appreciate contributions made by other people and cultures to American history.

VII. REQUIRED TEXTS: Textbook: Darlene Clark Hine, The African American Odyssey. Pearson
This is an e-textbook and will be available in your BB shell.

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You must have an active KSU email and Blackboard account to access your e-textbook.

VIII. BLACKBOARD: As this course is supported by Blackboard, all lecture materials/readings,

outlines/quizzes, and exams are available on Blackboard. You must use the BB turn in in option to submit the
final essay and bibliography. It is the student’s responsibility to check for new announcements on Blackboard
frequently.

IX. COURSE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS, EXPECTATIONS, POLICIES:

Official Email (requirement)

An official KYSU e-mail is established for each registered student, each faculty member, and each staff
member. All university communications sent via e-mail will be sent to the KYSU e-mail address. The
Professor’s email is: Erin.gilliam@kysu.edu E-mail responses can expect a response approximately within 48
hours of receipt. Emails should be sent directly to erin.gilliam@kysu.edu and NOT through BB messages.

Student expectations
Students are expected to take responsibility for their learning by posing questions during class discussions or in
Bb discussion boards; submit assignments on time; notify the Instructor of difficulties immediately; manage
time wisely by beginning assignments early so that there is time to consult with ACE tutors and/or the Instructor
on questions prior to the due date of the assignment. The exchange of ideas is the basis for innovation in both
theory and method. With this in mind, my role is to facilitate discussion of the course material and to
expand upon and clarify concepts which may be unclear, rather than to solely lecture over the readings.
Therefore, all assigned reading material(s) may not be covered during class meetings. The purpose of this
format is to create an open forum for the free exchange of ideas. You are encouraged to come see me during my
office hours if you have questions or need help with the material.

All members of the class have the right to their own opinions and should feel free to express them. You will
probably find at some point that you disagree with the opinion of the person expressing his or her point of view.
African American History and other social sciences have the tendency to discuss varied or sensitive topics. You
are encouraged both to keep an open mind and to critically evaluate the material we cover. You may offer
opposing arguments courteously and respectfully. It is not acceptable, however, to be intolerant of other
opinions or points of view. Comments that demonstrate prejudice toward other class members due to race,
creed, religion, sexual orientation, and so forth will not be tolerated.

Class attendance
Students are expected to attend the entire period of each class throughout the semester.The university
attendance policy will be followed. For any excused absence, all make-up assignments will be discussed and
determined by the Instructor.

For additional information on the university attendance policy visit: https://kysu.edu/administration-

governance/academic-affairs/registrar/class-attendance/

Academic Integrity Statement

In an instructional setting, plagiarism occurs when a student deliberately uses someone else’s language, ideas,
or other original (not common-knowledge) material without acknowledging its source. This definition applies to
texts published in print or online, to manuscripts, and to the work of other student-writers. Therefore, you are
expected to make every effort to acknowledge sources fully and appropriately in accordance with the contexts
and genres of your writing. If you are unsure how to represent another person’s work in an assignment, contact
me for advice before submitting your work for a grade. Additionally, review KSU Undergraduate Academic
Regulations and Policies ( http://kysu.edu/administration-governance/academic-affairs/registrar/select-a-
catalog/2015-2016-catalogue/undergraduate-academic-regulations-and-policies/academic-honesty/ ).
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A submitted assignment that proves to be totally or partially plagiarized from an original work may be graded
with a “ZERO”. The consequences for academic dishonesty are severe. You can be expelled for any of the
above behavior. Be assured that I will take action against you if I find that you have engaged in academic
dishonesty.

X. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Paul G Blazer Library
KSU Library main page: https://kysu.edu/academics/library/

Office of Educational Support

The Office of Educational Support provides strategic coordination of student success services from admission to
graduation.  We embody our University’s values of Student Center Philosophy and Nurturing and Supportive Campus
Climate by ensuring that our programs, services and activities improve our students’ intellectual, social, and
emotional well-being. Additional information available at https://kysu.edu/academics/academic-support/

X. EVALUATION PROCEDURES: Scoring and feedback will be provided approximately one week
following the closing of a due date.

The Rubric:
There will be four tests and a final examination. There will also be a 3-page paper on a related topic in African American History ..
This paper is to have an argument with a thesis. The professor/classroom teacher must approve topics.

Four tests valued at 100 points each……..400 points

Class participation/Discussion Boards…..200 points
Additional Assignments………………….75 points
Final Examination………………………..150 points
Topic proposal and annotated Bib…………175 points
Of the 1000 points possible, the breakdown is as follows

-Letter grades are: 900 points and above = A; 800-890 = B; 700-790 = C; 600-690 = D; and 590 and below = F.
-University rules relevant to cheating and plagiarism will be strictly enforced

XII. COURSE CALENDAR/SCHEDULE:

Each week there will be a discussion board posted in your blackboard shell. You must create a new
thread and reply to each classmate. All comments should at least be 4 -6 sentences and a complete and
cohesive academic thought.

1: Review the syllabus, course requirements and essay rubric. Why we study history discussion? What does it mean to study black
history?

Learning and discussions: Ch.1Ancient Africa and Ch. 2 –The Middle Passage read the chapter prior to class

2: Lecture and discussions: (This section will contain information from Chapters 3-5) Black People in Colonial America and
Independence read the chapter prior to class

3: Lecture and discussions: Chapter 8 and 9 Opposition and resistance to slavery

4: Lecture and discussions: Chapter 10, The United States Disunites over Slavery

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Test I (review given prior to test day) All exams are posted on BB

5: Lecture and discussions: Chapter 11-13 The Civil War and Reconstruction

6: Lecture and discussions: Chapter 14-15 African Americans in the Antebellum Chapter 8 African Americans in the Reform Era

7: Lecture and discussions: Chapters 17 African Americans in the early 20th Century

Test II Covering Chapters

Test on BB
8: Lectures and discussions: Chapter 18-19 The Great Depression

9: Lectures and discussions: Chapter 20, WWII and the African American Perspective

10: Lecture and discussions: Chapter 21 and 22 The Freedom Movement, 1954-1965

Test III Chapters 17-22 Test on BB

11: Lecture and discussions: Chapter 23 Black Politics

12: Lecture and discussions: Kentucky State University and the Health of HBCUS

13: Lecture and discussions: African Americans in the New Millennium Chapter 24

Test IV Chapters 23, HBCUs,

Week 14: Lectures and discussions: Chapter 25, African Americans at the Dawn of the New
Millennium

Week 15: Recap and review for final exam

Final examinations according to University Calendar

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Student can attend a professor approved event for their event

credit!!

Student Acknowledgment of Receipt of Course Information

Read the syllabus and the “Common Policies for all Courses at KSU” found throughout the University Catalogue at:

http://www.kysu.edu/about/divisions/studentAffairsAndEnrollment/enrollmentManagement/registrar/Kentucky+State
+University+Catalogue.htm

Then, type exactly what is written below in Statements (1) and (2), and deliver this statement as instructed; make sure
“Student Acknowledgment of Receipt of Course Information” is on the subject line. Adding your name and student ID
at the end of the statement will stand as your signature. I also agree to deliver this copy of the “Student Acknowledgment”
form within two (2) weeks of the start of the semester. I understand that the policies contained within these documents
apply directly to me and to all students in the class. I agree to abide by these policies, and recognize that not abiding by
these policies could result in dismissal from this class and/or affect my standing as a student at KSU as per Section 2.C. of
the Student Handbook and Section XIX.G.1. of the University Catalogue.
1) This statement acknowledges that: (A) I have received the course syllabus for HIS 103 and (B) I have read the "Common Policies
for all Courses at KSU.” I understand this statement will be printed and kept in my permanent file or be placed in my electronic
Blackboard file for future reference.
2) I agree that I have read these documents before sending this email to my Instructor. I understand that the policies contained within
these documents apply directly to me and to all students in the class. By sending this email I agree to abide by these policies, and
recognize that not abiding by these policies could result in dismissal from this class and/or affect my standing as a student at KSU.

(Your) Student Name and ID number

LATE WORK IS NOT ACCEPTED.

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Student Acknowledgment of Receipt of Course Information

Read the syllabus and the “Common Policies for all Courses at KSU” found throughout the University Catalogue at:
http://www.kysu.edu/about/divisions/studentAffairsAndEnrollment/enrollmentManagement/registrar/Kentucky+State+Un
iversity+Catalogue.htm

Then, type exactly what is written below in Statements (1) and (2), and deliver this statement as instructed; make sure
“Student Acknowledgment of Receipt of Course Information” is on the subject line. Adding your name and student ID
at the end of the statement will stand as your signature. I also agree to deliver this copy of the “Student Acknowledgment”
form within two (2) weeks of the start of the semester. I understand that the policies contained within these documents
apply directly to me and to all students in the class. I agree to abide by these policies, and recognize that not abiding by
these policies could result in dismissal from this class and/or affect my standing as a student at KSU as per Section 2.C. of
the Student Handbook and Section XIX.G.1. of the University Catalogue.
1) This statement acknowledges that: (A) I have received the course syllabus for _____________, and (B) I have read the
"Common Policies for all Courses at KSU.” I understand this statement will be printed and kept in my permanent file or
be placed in my electronic Blackboard file for future reference.
2) I agree that I have read these documents before sending this email to my Instructor. I understand that the policies
contained within these documents apply directly to me and to all students in the class. By sending this email I agree to
abide by these policies, and recognize that not abiding by these policies could result in dismissal from this class and/or
affect my standing as a student at KSU.
Student Name and ID number

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