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IAH 221c Section 007: Riots in American History

Syllabus for Spring 2009

Jason Friedman, email: jason.friedman@matrix.msu.edu

class times:
1257 Anthony Hall
Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:20am-12:10pm

office hours:
Morill Hall 323
Mondays 1:00pm-3:00p or by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This particular section of IAH 221c focuses on some of the major riots in American history. The course will discuss what separates riots from other forms of riots and some of the main causes of riots, from war to labor to freedom.

Each unit presents addresses a different theme or time period in American history. What is the situation? Why was there a riot? What happened in the riot? Chronologically the subjects may overlap. Some days have readings available online; others will need to be purchased. You are expected to come to class having read and prepared to discuss the readings assigned for that day.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

This course approaches riots from a historical perspective first but the classes moves beyond traditional discussions, incorperating literature, poetry, music, film, and other integrative elements. The goal is to enhance student understanding of riots in American history as well as today by presenting a multidisciplinary view of culture and politics.

GOALS OF INTEGRATIVE STUDIES IN ARTS AND HUMANITIES

Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities at MSU seeks to assist students to become more familiar with ways of knowing in the arts and humanities and to be more knowledgeable and capable in a range of intellectual and expressive abilities. IAH courses encourage students to engage critically with their own society, history, and culture(s); they also encourage students to learn more about the history and culture of other societies. They focus on key ideas and issues in human experience; encourage appreciation of the roles of knowledge and values in shaping and understanding human behavior; emphasize the responsibilities and opportunities of democratic citizenship; highlight the value of the creative arts of literature, theater, music, and arts; and alert us to important issues that occur among peoples in an increasingly interconnected, interdependent world.

REQUIRED TEXTS (purchase from bookstore or online)

  • Khalifah, H. Khalif. ed. Rodney King and the L.A. Rebellion: A 1992 Black Rebellion in the United States - Analysis & Commentary by 13 Best Selling Black Writers. Hampton, Virginia: Charlotte, NC: Conquering Books, 1992. (ISBN: 1564110362)
  • Mailer, Norman. Miami and the Siege of Chicago. New York: NYRB Classics, 2008. (ISBN: 1590172965)
  • Sinclair, Upton. The Flivver King: A Story of Ford-America. Evanston, Illinois: Charles H. Kerr, 1937, 1984. (ISBN: 0882860542)
  • Tuttle, William. Race Riot: Chicago in the Red Summer of 1919. Urbana, Illinois: University of Illinois Press, 1970, 1996. (ISBN-13 978-0252065866)

Note:Some of the content in this class requires Real Player. You may view the real files from any MSU computer lab machine or from your own personal computer. If you use your own computer you will need the ability to play Real (.rm) files. If you do not have this abilty, you can download a free Real Player. Visit www.real.com to download a free player.

 Real Logo

ASSESSMENTS

Unit I - Exam, 20 points [link]

Unit II - Exam, 20 points [link]

Unit III - Exam, 20 points [link]

Unit IV - Exam, 20 points [link]

Final Project, 20 points [link]

GRADING

Each successfully completed assignment will receive a grade based on the total number of points available. Your overall grade for the course will be determined by the sum of all points received in the course. At any time you may check ANGEL to see all recorded scores and determine your current aggregate total.

  • 95 to 100 points translates to a 4.0
  • 90 to 94 points translates to a 3.5
  • 85 to 89 points translates to a 3.0
  • 80 to 84 points translates to a 2.5
  • 75 to 79 points translates to a 2.0
  • 70 to 74 points translates to a 1.5
  • 65 to 69 points translates to a 1.0
  • 0 to 64 points translates to a 0.0

Note: All work must be turned in to receive a grade above zero in this class. Additionally, all work is due at the time specified in the assignment. Lateness will be penalized at the rate of 5% per 24 hour period. This means that being late by 1 hour carries the same penalty as being late 23 hours. For example, if a 10 point assignment is turned in 40 hours late, the maximum grade possible for that assignment would then be 9 points.

Note: All work must be turned in to receive a grade above zero in this class. Additionally, all work is due at the time specified in the assignment. Lateness will be penalized at the rate of 1 point per 24 hour period. This means that being late by 1 hour carries the same penalty as being late 23 hours. For example, if a 10 point assignment is turned in 40 hours late, the maximum grade possible for that assignment would then be 8 points.

STYLE GUIDE

Proper formatting and style are important compentents of strong course work. Sloppy writing and poor presentaiton deminish the quality of student work. For further information click here to link to a guide to formatting and style.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

In accordance with Michigan State University’s policies on “Protection of Scholarship and Grades” and “Integrity of Scholarship and Grades,” students are expected to honor principles of truth and honesty in their academic work. Academic integrity means, amongst other things, not plagiarizing. Plagiarism includes submitting someone else’s work (words, ideas, etc.) as their own now will the knowingly permit another student to copy and submit their work. Additional discussion of academic integrity is available on the Ombudsman´s website.

PARTICIPATION

Participation includes assessments and lecture. All work must be turned in on time and demonstrate a cogent analysis of the assignment and mastery of course materials. In the classroom, participation is is mental attendance; simply showing up is not enough. You are expected to present your informed ideas as well as listen to and show respect for the others in the classroom. Any behavior that disrespects or hinders the learning process in the class will be penalized. Additional discussion of disruptive behavior is available on the Ombudsman’s website: http://www.msu.edu/unit/ombud/disruptquestions.html. Repeated tardiness or absence will negatively affect your grade. You cannot fully participate in the class if you are not present during class sessions. Repeated absences will not be tolerated. For each unexcused absence over four, one point will be decuded from the student's final grade. Excused absences or other university sanctioned reasons must be supported by written documentation.