Welcome to The Introduction

to African American Studies

I, Fall, 2021

Course Name: Introduction to African American Studies I

Course CRN Code: Afro-005-05-81800
Term: Fall,2021
Credit Hours: 3
Modality: Online via Zoom, Connect & Blackboard Schedule: Tuesdays and Thursdays-1
11:10 A.M.-12:30 P.M. EST
Instructor Information:
Name: Dr. Ammons
E-mail: lammons@howard.edu
Cell Phone: 202-365-1243 (Use ONLY in cases of emergencies)
Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:10-6: 30 pm, Wednesdays 10:00 am- 12:00 EST
and by appointment
 COURSE SYLLABUS

"Education is more than the mere imparting of information.  Above all things, the effort must result in
making one think and do for oneself.  The only way one can function efficiently in society is to know
oneself.  In studying the records of others, one becomes better acquainted with oneself and with one's
possibilities to live and do in the present age." Carter G. Woodson, 1933

Course Description: This course examines the multidimensional aspects of the African (Black)
American experience in the U.S.A.  The material in this course describes the problems encountered
and strategies employed by African (Black) Americans in the transition from slavery to their current
status in America.  The course is organized to focus on the social, economic, political and legal forces
encountered by African (Black) Americans as they attempted to elevate their standard of living and
social status.  Special emphasis will be placed on the African (Black) Americans’ struggle for basic civil
and human rights, freedom, self- respect and identity, equality, political power and acceptance into
mainstream America, the great migration from the rural South to the Urban areas in the North and
West, the fight for desegregation and employment opportunities and the establishment of social,
religious, and economic organizations in the United States of America.  Finally, the course is meant to
provide a survey of the topics examined in the field of Afro-American Studies and to motivate you to
further explore these issues and use the resources of the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at
Howard University.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:
 To develop a clear understanding of fundamental concepts in the field of Afro-American
Studies
 To understand the role(s) African Americans have played in shaping the American society and
the global community.
 To sharpen critical thinking, writing, analytical and communications skills
 To strengthen and enhance abilities to work as a member of a group
 To identify problems in the African American community and develop strategies to help solve
them

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:
 Explain the roles of African Americans and how they helped to shape the American society
 Understand key concepts and theories in African American Studies
 Explain the journey of African American people from slavery to freedom in the quest for equality
and citizenship in the United States of America
 Identify key historical time periods, contemporary events, and circumstances in the life and
experiences of African Americans in the United States of America and the strategies they used to
shape and survive in their environment

STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITIES:
 All students are expected to attend classes regularly and promptly.
 Students are expected to participate in class discussions and complete assigned activities
 Students should not leave the class while it is in progress unless it is extremely urgent or an
emergency.
 Students that are absent for health reasons are expected to present documentation as soon as
possible. If you are absent from classes, you are still responsible for the work missed. If you miss a
 scheduled midterm or final exam, you must obtain your instructor’s approval to take a substitute
exam or you will receive a grade of zero for the exam.
 To facilitate fruitful and lively discussions in class, all students are expected to complete all
assigned readings, Smartbook homework assignments, watch videos, and participate in class
discussions and breakout sessions based on assigned readings. It is strongly recommended that
assigned readings from the textbook should be completed prior to class meetings.
 Each student should use the Student’s Café Lounge to post comments relevant to the assigned
readings, ask questions, discuss class concerns, to make suggestions and to reach out for help on
issues related to the class e.g., experiences with Connect, Blackboard, etc.
 Each student will be asked to post a brief statement on the Student Café’s Lounge on the
discussion board on Blackboard to introduce yourself to the class. Tell us your name, where you’re
from, self-identified race/ethnicity, preferred pronouns, why you are interested in the Introduction to
African American Studies I class, your favorite thing, and why did you choose to attend Howard
University. DUE DATE 8/26/2021
 Students will be expected to demonstrate mastery of material from assigned readings, supplemental
articles and watch videos associated with each of the topics listed on the syllabus via discussions
(Breakout) sessions and will count toward class participation.
 Students will be given Mid-term and Final exams based on selected chapters from your textbook.
DUE Dates of the Mid-term and Final exams will be announced in virtual class meetings, and they
will be administered online via Connect. Note: Final Exam will be on 12/9/2021 2:00 p.m. -4:00 p.m.
 Each student will be required to take one virtual tour: You can choose a National or an International
African and/or African American museum from the list in Attachment B: Hyperlinks to Virtual
National and International Museums. Your essay about the selected national or international
museum should have at least 500-700 words Your task is to describe at least 5 or 6 artifacts in the
exhibit, discuss how each of the selected items (artifacts) relates to specific topics discussed in
class, why you selected each of the artifacts, cite each of the sources used to write your essay and
discuss two things you learned from this experience. You should post your essay on Blackboard
under the Virtual Tour Writing Assignment. Do not send your paper as email attachment or thru
Goggle.doc. Due Date: 10/28/21

 Each student will be expected to demonstrate mastery of the materials from assigned readings
From Slavery to Freedom 10th ed via Smartbook (Homework Assignments). You will respond to
questions about each of the assigned chapters from your textbook. If you answer any questions
incorrectly, Smart book will guide you to the textbook section with the correct answer. You should
read it carefully! You are evaluated based on your ability to complete all questions in each module
by listed due date. The Smart Modules are designed to help you identify key concepts IN THE
ASSIGNED READINGS. See below how to register and payment options for the e-book and
Smart-book modules in Connect.

Communication Policy
• All written assignments must be typed, double-spaced using Times Roman 12-point font in MS Word.
You must use a standard one-inch margin – no Bold-faced or large fonts. Use the citation style, APA,
MLA or Chicago from your academic discipline. All pages should be numbered. Do not include a cover
sheet. Be sure to put identifying information at the top of your paper: Include your name, your
class section (11:10 pm), and the assignment title...
• Always use the Spellcheck option, which you can find in the Word menu; it looks like a checkmark that
includes the letters ABC.
• Log-on frequently to check any changes to your Blackboard course.
• Do not hesitate to ask questions, give suggestions, or raise an issue about the course. If you feel lost
or frustrated, please contact Dr. Ammons at lammons@howard.edu as soon as possible.. Learning to
find help is an important learning strategy that you should use in this course.

Required Course Materials:

 In this course we will use {From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African Americans, authors:
John Hope Franklin and Evelyn Brooks Higginbotham, 10th ed.}. You have the option of purchasing
an online only version or a version that is online but also includes a printed textbook. You will
be given an access code after purchase.
What is Connect?
Connect is an online textbook, homework and learning management platform from McGraw-Hill
Education. Connect uses technology that adapts content to your skill level to make more-efficient use
of your study time and create a more-effective reading experience.

Connect helps you:

 Stay organized with assignments – both in and out of class
 Target difficult material to practice and improve your skills
 Review for exams with self-assessment tests and quizzes
 Track your performance with personalized reports
 Save time on studying
 Save money on textbooks

Student Purchase and Registration: You will purchase access to McGraw-Hill Education’s Connect.
Here’s how:

OPTION 1: Purchase from Connect course URL:

Purchase directly from the course homepage at (need to Get web address}. Connect online is half the
price of the printed textbook.

During the registration process, you will be prompted to create a new account or login
with an existing Connect username and password.
At that time, you will need to do one of the following:
 Purchase access online or Begin your 14-day Temporary Access period
 Enter your access code to begin
Please note: After you register, you will have the option to purchase a low-cost, binder-ready, loose-
leaf, print version of the text through Connect. This is optional. If you choose to purchase a copy, a
full-color, loose-leaf version will be shipped to you.

OPTION 2: Purchase from Connect integrated in {Blackboard}:

Purchase Connect access through your {Blackboard} account. Login to Howard’s {Blackboard }
account, and enter your course, then click on the Connect link, which will take you to the Connect
registration page where you can follow the prompts.
At that time, you will need to do one of the following:
 Purchase access online or begin your 14-day Temporary Access period
 Enter your access code to begin

OPTION 3: Purchase from the bookstore:

Purchase a Connect code at the bookstore and register either with the provided link. During the
registration process, you will be prompted to create a new account or login with an existing Connect
username and password.
At that time, you will need to do one of the following:
 Purchase access online or Begin your 14-day Temporary Access period
 Enter your access code to begin

Please note: After you register, using any of the purchase OPTIONS (1-3) if you chose to purchase a
low-cost, binder-ready, loose-leaf, print-version of the text through Connect a full-color, loose-leaf
version will be shipped to you.
 Evaluation: Your grade in the course will be determined as follows:

GRADING AND COMPUTATTION OF GRADES:

Assignments Percentages for final grade

Introductory Post on Blackboard in the Student Café’ Lounge 5%
Smart Practice Modules in Connect 10%
Mid-Term Exam 30 %
Virtual Museum Tour Writing Assignment (at least 850 words) 10%
Final Exam 35%
Class Participation & Break-out sessions on Zoom 10%
TOTAL 100%
All activities will receive a numerical grade of 0–100. You will receive a score of 0 for any work not
submitted. Your final grade in the course will be a letter grade. Letter grade equivalents for
numerical grades are as follows:

Letter Grade Scale

90 – 100 A
80 – 89 B
70 – 79 C
60 – 69 D
< 59 F

Howard University Statements and Compliance:

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Howard University is committed to providing an educational environment that is accessible to all students.
In accordance with this policy, students who need accommodations because of a disability should contact
the Office of Disable Student Services or (202) 238.2420.
LGBTQ+
Howard University is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is
welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the University community, including all sexes,
sexual orientations, gender expressions, and gender identities. For more information, please contact the
Division of Student Affairs.
Educational Benefits and Opportunities

No member of the University Community shall deny a student fair access to all educational opportunities
and benefits available at the University. To find more information on this policy, please refer to the Code
of Ethical Conduct. To report a concern, visit the Office of Student Affairs.
 The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

It is the policy of Howard University (the “University) to ensure that information contained within the
education records of all students is protected to the fullest extent of the law. To find more information
about this policy visit the FERPA Policy page.

Title IX Statement

Howard University is committed to creating a learning and working environment free from discrimination
and harassment based on sex, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation or marital
status. The following forms of conduct are prohibited by the University’s Title IX Policy: Sexual Assault,
Sexual Harassment, Gender-Based Discrimination or Harassment, Sexual Exploitation, Dating and
Domestic Violence, Stalking, Retaliation, and Complicity (any act that knowingly aids, facilitates, or
encourages prohibited conduct by another person). It is important that you know the various campus
resources and reporting options available to you if you have experienced or have any concerns related to
sex or gender-based discrimination, harassment or violence. For more information access the Title IX
PDF or contact the Title IX administration at TitleIX@howard.edu or 202-806-2550.

Academic Code of Conduct

Howard University is a community of scholars composed of faculty and students both of whom must hold
the pursuit of learning and search for truth in the highest regard. Such regard requires adherence to the
goal of unquestionable integrity and honesty in the discharge of teaching and learning responsibilities.
The prescribed policies and procedures that pertain to violation of the academic integrity policy are
contained in the Student Handbook. Please note refer to the student handbook appropriatefor your
college or school (e.g. Howard University School of Law student handbook, etc.)

Distance Learning Considerations:

How to Be Successful in the Distance Learning Environment

 Be Disciplined. Set aside time for your course. Each week you should allow at least five hours of
work for this course (reading and answering postings), reading and conducting research, and completing
your written assignments.
 Follow Directions Carefully and Precisely.  Read the announcements and all course
information posted on Blackboard carefully. Get acquainted with the communications policy, grading
policy, and other requirements for the course. A good idea is to print the syllabus and keep it handy for
future reference.
 Manage Your Time Efficiently. Work on organizing your time so that you meet all course
assignment deadlines. Late work will not be accepted for this course, therefore you are advised to start
your papers at least a week BEFORE the due date to allow yourself plenty of time to finish. 
 Access the Course Site Frequently.  Plan to log into the course at least three times a week to
read announcements and students' postings in the discussion board.
 Be Patient. The course instructor checks course emails regularly but may take 24-48 hours to
respond to your message.  
Expected Computer and Digital Information Literacy Skills
The following computer skills and digital information literacy skills expected for this course include:
  Using the learning management system (Blackboard)’
 Using email
 Uploading and downloading documents, files, etc.
 Using remote/virtual libraries and databases
 Properly citing information sources

For assistance with these skills please visit Distance Learning for Students Orientation.

University Services

Academic and Student Support Services

For Tutoring Services, visit the Tutoring & Learning Support Services Office.
For writing assistance, visit the Writing Center.
For Library Services, visit the Howard University Libraries.
For Academic Advising, visit the Academic Advising Services.
For technical help with Blackboard, visit the ETS Office.
For general student academic support, visit the Center for Academic Excellence.
For general student support, visit the Division of Student Affairs.
 Technology Support
Enterprise Technology Services:

 For questions about the LMS or third-party tools, visit My Helpdesk and select LMS
Support

 For general tech support questions visit My Helpdesk and select Technical Support
LMS Support (Connect, Blackboard)

 For general assistance with the LMS for students visit Student LMS Support

 To contact ETS: Phone & Email

Phone: 202-806-2020
Email: helpdesk@howard.edu
Proctorio Support:

 ETS Proctorio support, visit here for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
 To contact Proctorio: 24/7 technical support to students
Phone at (480) 428-4089 or toll-free (866) 948-9248.
Email support@proctorio.com

Distance Learning “Netiquette”

Distance Learning communication lacks verbal and non-verbal cues such as intonation, gestures, stance,
and facial expressions that are a regular part of face-to-face communication. The absence of these cues
can quickly lead to misunderstandings in the distance learning environment. In order to reduce the
occurrence of misunderstandings and to promote a distance learning environment where students feel
safe, teachers and students should follow distance learning netiquette.

Watch the video for Distance Learning Netiquette click here

SCHEDULE AND OUTLINE OF CLASS TOPICS

WEEK DATE GOALS READINGS ACTIVITIES

1 8/24 Introduction- Syllabus Post: Statement on the Student Café’s Lounge on
Overview of the the discussion board on Blackboard to introduce
WEEK DATE GOALS READINGS ACTIVITIES
Course yourself to the class.
Where we are Tell us your name, where you are from, self-
8/26 today? identified race/ethnicity, preferred pronouns, why
1st African American you are interested in the Introduction to African
President, voting Franklin & Higginbotham-e- American Studies I class, your favorite thing, and
rights, reparations, book-Chapter 23 why you choose to attend Howard University.
health, race, and
Carceral State
Watch DL Netiquette video

Register/Purchase e-textbook
2 8/31 Ancient Africa: Franklin & Higginbotham- Smart Modules 1-2 due Monday12:00 Noon EST
Identify the land and e-book-Chapters 1- 2 8/30
people which include pps.1-46 You can start these assignments anytime after
9/2 examining languages, READ: purchasing the textbook Watch: The Atlantic
political, social, Slave Trade: Crash Course World History #24
http://www.huffingtonpost.co
economic systems http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnV_MTFEGIY
m/2012/10/17/mansa-musa-
that existed before worlds-richest-man-all-
arrival of Europeans, time_n_1973840.html
commercial networks,
Empires, African READ: Origins of American
Slavery, the middle Slavery--
passage, and slave http://www.jstor.org/stable/2
societies in Americas 5161964
3 9/7 Establishment of Smart Modules 3 & 5
Franklin & Higginbotham-e-
slavery in North Due: Monday12:00 Noon EST 9/6
book-Chapters 3, (skip
America: (1520- chapter 4), and 5 pps. 50-68 Watch: Slavery and the Making of America -
1720s) the paradox of and 89-110 Episode 2 - Liberty in the Air
slavery
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz7Z_7JlC-w
9/9
READ: Slavery in the Lower
South----
http://www.jstor.org/stable/2
5163596
4 9/14 freedom, building Smart Modules: 6 & 8 Due: Monday12:00 Noon
African American Franklin & Higginbotham- EST 9/13
Communities, & Haiti e-book-Chapters 6 pps.
Revolution 111-138 (skip chapter 7) Watch: Episode 15 (Segment 3): The Impact of the
and 8 pps. 173-199. Haitian Revolution
9/16 Culture of racism, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A-HpEqeda0
black conventions,
emigration, the
boundaries of
freedom, black laws,
5 9/21 Abolition movement: Franklin & Higginbotham- Smart module: 9
Pros & Cons of e-book Chapters 9 pps. Due: Monday12:00 Noon EST 9/20
slavery and factors 200-231.
leading to the Civil READ: “Are We Men?":
War and the Prince Hall, Martin Delany,
9/23 underground railroad, and the Masculine Ideal in
Black Freemasonry, 1775-
WEEK DATE GOALS READINGS ACTIVITIES

1865---
http://www.jstor.org/stable/4
90174
6 9/28 Franklin & Higginbotham-e- Smart modules: 11, 12 &13
Reconstruction and
book-Chapters 11, (skip Due: Monday12:00 Noon EST 9/27
Self Determination:
chapter 10), 12 and 13 pps.
Identify key issues Watch: Civil War Reconstruction---
263-368
related to legalized https://www.youtube.com/watch?
segregation, READ: Unreconstructed v=QXXp1bHd6gI&list=PL5DD220D6A1282057
education eras of self- Democracy: W. E. B. DuBois
9/30 help, black women, and the Case for
the paradox of Jim Reparations-- Watch: Booker T. Washington vs W.E.B. DuBois
Crow and World War http://www.jstor.org/stable/3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X5X0eogmN0
1. 118219

7 10/5- Review for Mid-term Prepare for Mid-term Exam which will include
Re-Read Chapters 1-3,
Exam Chapters 1-3, 5-6 and 8-9
5-6 and 8-9

10/7
Mid-term Exam will be administered via Connect on
Thursday, 10/7 during class time
8 10/12 Voices of protest, Franklin & Higginbotham-e- Smart module: 15
equality, culture, book-Chapter 15, (skip Due: Monday12:00 Noon EST 10/11
strategies of Civil chapter14) pps.395-424
Rights organizations, Watch: Mary McLeod Bethune
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkM_YcJXF7g
10/14 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPoUAt7DKjE
READ: Towards African bio one of 17
Unity by Haile Selassie…
http://www.jstor.org/stable/1
58910
9 10/19 The Harlem Franklin & Higginbotham-e- Smart modules: 16 &17
Renaissance, the book-Chapters 16 and 17 Due: Monday12:00 Noon EST 10/18
Great Depression and pps.425-498
New Deal Watch: Virtual Conference on Garvey 2020-Marcus
Garvey, A Virtual Forum: 100th Anniversary of
Convention of the Negro Peoples of the World
10/21
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvBPLY9xJD0
Watch: Mary McLeod Bethune
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkM_YcJXF7g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPoUAt7DKjE
bio one of 17

10 10/26 America’s Dilemmas: Franklin & Higginbotham-e- Smart modules: 19 & 20

book-Chapters 19 and 20 Due: Monday12:00 Noon EST 10/25
pps.
You can start anytime from now until 12: Noon
WEEK DATE GOALS READINGS ACTIVITIES
Black education, 525-606 EST Monday
10/28 Black Power and
Politics

Watch: 1948 DNC: Truman's Democrats Tackle

Civil Rights http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANY-
oH3NkAs
11 11/2 Identify key factors Franklin & Higginbotham-e- Watch: Rare Video of Martin Luther King, Jr. on
related to African book-Chapters 19 and 20 Civil Rights and Peace
Americans’ struggles pps. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDNV8dxYe-g
for Civil Rights in the 525-606
courts,
11/4
12 11/9 Identify key factors Franklin & Higginbotham-e- Watch: Malcolm X on racism, politics, and
related to Non-violent book-Chapters 19 and 20 propaganda (1964 – 1965)
Direct Action pps. 525-606 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR6n63vI-Ck
11/11
No Class-VA DAY
13 11/16 Identify some of the Franklin & Higginbotham-e- Smart module: 21
key issues related to book-Chapter 21 pps. 607- Due: Monday12:00 Noon EST 11/15
poverty, African 643
Americans in pop
culture, Hip Hop;
11/18 Health, Education,
and Incarceration

14 11/23 Identify some of the Franklin & Higginbotham-e-

sentencing disparities book-Chapter 21 pps. 607-
and current day 643
politics
11/25 No Class
Happy Thanksgiving
15 11/30 Complete assigned Prepare for Final Exam which will be administered
Review-for Final Readings via Connect on chapters 11 through 17, 19 & 20
Exam (skip chapters 14 &18)

12/2 Last day of formal classes

DUE DATE: Thursday, 12/9/2021 (2:00 p.m.-4:00
p.m.)

ADDENDUM B

Thomasville, Georgia: Jack Hadley Black History Museum Tour

HTTPS://MOMMAWANDERLUST.COM/THOMASVILLE-GEORGIA-JACK-HADLEY-BLACK-
HISTORY-MUSEUM/

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (Washington, DC)

https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/national-museum-of-african-american-history-and-culture?
hl=en
 Archives of African American Music & Culture (Bloomington, Indiana):
HTTPS://ARTSANDCULTURE.GOOGLE.COM/PARTNER/ARCHIVES-OF-AFRICAN-AMERICAN-
MUSIC-AND-CULTURE?HL=EN

The Museum of African American Art (Los Angeles, California)

https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/the-museum-of-african-american-art?hl=en

The Gordon Parks Foundation (Pleasantville, New York)

https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/the-gordon-parks-foundation?hl=en

Dance Theater of Harlem (New York, New York)

https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/dance-theatre-of-harlem

Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (Kansas City, Missouri

https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/negro-leagues-baseball-museum?hl=enDuSable Museum of
African American History (Chicago, Illinois)
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/dusable-museum-of-african-american-history?hl=en

National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel (Memphis, Tennessee)

https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/