The Portrayal of African Americans in Film

Course Description

An examination of African American film roles as a reflector of America's perception of black character and behavior. Various film genres will be considered for insight into movie portrayals as social commentary.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Critically analyze claims, arguments, artifacts, or information.
  • Construct coherent, evidence-based arguments.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Writing responses to assigned readings and/or texts (including digital media and films) 500 points cumulative point total available

Grades will be calculated on a cumulative basis. In other words, how much of the total points available did you earn?

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
450-500 pointsA- to A
400-449 pointsB- to B
350-399 pointsC- to C
300-349 pointsD- to D
299 or belowF (failing)

Attendance/Participation:

This is a face-to-face in person course. Attendance is highly encouraged to engage in-class discussions and exploration of assigned materials. Failure to regularly attend class will undermine your ability to grasp the assigned readings and texts only shown in class.

Students can schedule meetings (i.e. zoom or phone calls) to review the reading and/or assigned media materials. You will be responsible for engaging all assigned materials and completing all assignments by the stated deadlines.

It is not a guarantee that I will grade late work, but you should submit work even if you missed the initial deadline to give yourself the best opportunity to earn credit. There is no need to ask me if you can submit late work; please just submit it.

Understand however, that it is not a guarantee that I will grade late work. Just because I graded some late assignments, does not guarantee that I will grade all late assignments so govern yourself accordingly.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

No course materials are required.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.