FLK 280 Course Schedule – Spring 2012

*Please note that I reserve the right to make changes to the course, schedule, and/or readings at any time. Changes will be announced in advance in class.

1/24—Class 1

Review syllabus and readings schedule, introduce texts, review website, course assignments.

Introduction to cultural diversity.

• Colombo, et al, "Thinking Critically, Challenging Cultural Myths," pp. 1-15.

1/31—Class 2

Critical Thinking and Worldview

• Plato, “The Allegory of the Cave” [link]

• Jackson, “The Lottery” [link]

• Miner, "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema," [link]

2/7—Class 3

Multiculturalism vs Melting Pot

• Colombo, et al, "Created Equal: The Myth of the Melting Pot," pp. 373-378

• Fredrickson, “Models of American Ethnic Relations: A Historical Perspective” pp. 449-462

• Liu, “Notes of a Native Speaker,” [link]

BONUS: Malcolm X, “Learning to Read,” pp. 210-218

Discuss "identity markers" for next week.

2/14—Class 4

Understanding Prejudice

*In your own words, define “stereotype.” Write down 3 stereotypes about a folk group or folk groups you belong to. Be prepared to share/discuss.

**Bring in three examples of identity markers. Please be prepared to comment on what folk group they express.

• Parillo, “Causes of Prejudice,” pp. 384-398

• Jefferson, From “Notes on the State of Virginia,” pp. 378-384
• Terkel, “C.P. Ellis,” pp. 398-409

BONUS: Harris and Carbado, “Loot or Find: Fact or Frame?” pp. 422-437

2/21—Class 5

Race and Ethnicity

• Aguirre & Turner, “Ethnicity and Ethnic Relations” [packet]
• Hsu, “The End of White America?” pp. 497-511
• Poussaint & Harris-Lacewell, “Is America Moving Toward a Post-Racial Society?” [packet]

2/28—Class 6

Immigration

• Legrain, “The Case for Immigration: The Secret to Economic Vibrancy” [packet]
• Brimelow, “Immigration: Dissolving the People” [packet]
• Martínez, “The Crossing,” pp. 473-483

3/6—SPRING BREAK: NO CLASS!

3/13—Class 7

DUE: Short Writing Assignment: An Experience in Cultural Diversity

Review for midterm.

3/20—Class 8

Midterm Exam

3/27—Class 9

Social Class and the American Dream

• Colombo et al, "Money and Success: The Myth of Individual Opportunity," pp. 253-258
• Dalton, “Horatio Alger,” pp. 272-279
• Kozol, “Still Separate, Still Unequal,” pp. 219-237
• Mantsios, “Class in America—2006,” pp. 304-321

4/3—Class 10

Gender and Conformity

• Colombo, et al, "True Women and Real Men: Myths of Gender," pp. 515-520
• Devor, “Becoming Members of Society: Learning the Social Meanings of Gender,” pp. 527-537
• Kimmel, “Bros Before Hos: The Guy Code,” 608-618
• Vazquez, “Appearances,” [packet]

BONUS: Kilbourne, “Two Ways a Woman Can get Hurt: Advertising and Violence,” 575-601

4/10—Class 11

Marriage and Family

* In your own words, define “family.” Be prepared to share/discuss with class.

• Colombo, et al, "Harmony at Home: The Myth of the Model Family," pp. 17-21

Defining “marriage” - two views:

• D. Crittenden, "About Marriage," [link]
• Mehta, “The Myth of Marriage” [link]

**Prepare summary of main points for above two readings. Be prepared to discuss in groups.

BONUS: Graff, “What Makes a Family?” [packet]

4/17—Class 12

Sexual Orientation and Prejudice

• Wolfson, “What is Marriage?” pp. 89-102
• Santorum & Rauch, “Two Perspectives on Gay Marriage” [link]
• Sullivan, “My Big Fat Straight Wedding,” pp. 102-107

DOUBLE BONUS: Morse, “8 Is Not Hate” and MEU, “Prop 8 Hurt My Family,” pp. 81-89 (Both required for credit, points doubled.)

4/24—Class 13

Religious Diversity in the U.S.

• Covington, Salvation on Sand Mountain. Be prepared to discuss book. (Today’s quiz worth double.)

5/1—Class 14

Catch up, review for final.

5/8—Class 15

DUE: Term Paper: Worldview and Identity

Final Exam—same time, same place.