Syllabus (PDF)

Course Description

This course offers an examination of the thought, structure, operation and results of imperialism in human history generally, and in the 19th/21st centuries in particular. European/American imperialism in the non-white areas of the world: the role of the Industrial Revolution; the imposition of Western European institutions on indigenous peoples of Africa, Asia, North/South America; colonialism; attempts by these people to reestablish autonomous sociological and cultural systems.

 

Course Objectives:

During the course, students will be taught to:

1. Define and utilize the concepts of imperialism, race, and diaspora while demonstrating an understanding of the vast application and complexity of these
2. Analyze contemporary connections to imperialism for African descendants in consideration of various points of view. For example, students will learn that contemporary continuities of imperialism may manifest in communities that are economically and politically marginalized, as well as privileged Likewise, students will understand the legacy of imperialism as not solely oppressive, but also resistive. As reflected in the course schedule, the range of readings assigned and discussed reflect multiple points of view.
3. Analyze how race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, migration, capitalism and labor, the state and militarism, and ideals of expansion and expulsion are related to the historical and contemporary development of various African diasporic societies and hence the heritage of imperialism within the African diaspora. Furthermore, students will analyze and discuss the central role that race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation and language have played and continue to play in imperial pursuits and also in resistance against imperialism. Towards this end, students will analyze cultural formations, and political and revolutionary movements emerging from the African diaspora. Students will engage in such analysis within larger conversations of geography and political
4. Analyze the relationships between specific historical events and contemporary trends, occurrences and
5. Critically engage with and respond to the heritage of imperialism, in a variety of spaces including By studying and engaging networks such as Decolonize this Space and Black Lives Matter, students will gain a greater understanding of the value and utility of social responsibility, civic engagement and scholarship for the public.
6. Map connections between regional and diasporic social movements and processes and understand the geography of central points of discussion concerning the heritage of imperialism as it relates to the African diaspora, on a global The course schedule, the range of readings assigned and discussed reflect global cultural diversity.
7. Identify and apply the fundamental concepts and methods from several disciplines. Students will analyze historiographical sources and understand the contributions of primary and secondary sources and archival research (and how these sources may work to eradicate or contribute to inequities). It is necessary for a course on the heritage of imperialism to be grounded in historical analysis. Students will also evaluate ethnographic texts from Anthropology and Sociology in order to understand ethnographic methodology and value the contributions of people whose perspectives may not be privileged in other Students will learn to use concepts in art, political economy and geography as analytical tools of the heritage of imperialism.
8. Identify and apply the fundamental concepts and methods of African and African American

Required Texts

An Open Educational Resource (OER) course, this course is free of textbook costs. All reading is available on OpenLab.

Classroom Management

Cell phone use and talking (unless a group activity) is prohibited in class. Although you may conduct the reading on an electronic devise, bring a print out of the assigned reading to all class meetings. Homework assignments are due at the beginning of class or when stated online. Complete all assignments on time for credit. No late assignments will be accepted.

New York City College of Technology Policy on Academic Integrity

Students and all others who work with information, ideas, texts, images, music, inventions, and other intellectual property owe their audience and sources accuracy and honesty in using, crediting, and citing sources. As a community of intellectual and professional workers, the College recognizes its responsibility for providing instruction in information literacy and academic integrity, offering models of good practice, and responding vigilantly and appropriately to infractions of academic integrity. Accordingly, academic dishonesty is prohibited in The City University of New York and at New York City College of Technology and is punishable by penalties, including failing grades, suspension, and expulsion. The complete text of the College policy on Academic Integrity may be found in the catalog.

Grading Scale and Assessment:

Course Grading Scale:

A	93.0 – 100
A-	90.0 – 92.9
B+	87.0 – 89.9
B	83.0 – 86.9
B-	80.0 – 82.9
C+	77.0 – 79.9
C	70.0 – 76.9
D	60.0 – 69.9
F	59.9 and Below

Final Course Grade:

Reading Quizzes	15%
Midterm	15%
Final Exam	25%
Writing Assignments (Noted with an * on the course schedule)	15%
Group Presentation	15%
Research Paper	15%
TOTAL	100%

Course Based Learning Outcomes with Assessment Methods

Outcomes	Assessment
Be able to evaluate evidence and arguments of historical and contemporary trends of imperialism within the African diaspora.	Class discussions; quizzes and exams; writing assignments and research paper.
Learn the skills to gather, evaluate and assess historical and contemporary sources that address trends of imperialism within the African diaspora from a range of disciplines and geographical locations. * Primary and secondary sources, including books, peer reviewed journals, documentaries, and exhibits will be used.	Class discussions; quizzes and exams; writing assignments and research paper.
Develop critical arguments about the heritage of imperialism in consideration of multiple outcomes, grounded in evidence from a range of perspectives/disciplines.	Class discussions; quizzes and exams; writing assignments, and research paper.

 Gen Ed Learning Outcomes with Assessment Methods

Outcomes	Assessment
Knowledge: Engage in critical inquiry, research, and analysis concerning imperialism as related to people of African descent on a global scale, by use of material and methods from African American Studies and other disciplines.	Class discussions; quizzes and exams; writing assignments and research paper.
Skills: Students will learn to analyze material from different disciplines, devise research strategies and methodology and develop critical arguments about contemporary issues with historical grounding.	Class discussions; quizzes and exams; writing assignments and research paper.
Integration: Students will integrate historical and contemporary perspectives. Students will also integrate the use of material and methods from African American Studies and other disciplines.	Class discussions; quizzes and exams; writing assignments and research paper.
Values, Ethics, and Relationships: Central components of the course, students will consider citizenship, human rights, civic engagement, social responsibility and scholarship for the public.	Class discussions; quizzes and exams; writing assignments and research paper.