The Department of African American Studies

The Department of African American Studies (African & African Diaspora Studies) is a multidisciplinary department engaged in critical analyses of current and historical socioeconomic, political and cultural issues of the African Diaspora and Africa. The course offerings and research interests of the Department of African American Studies help ensure that criminal justice and public service education and policy recommendations developed at John Jay College are broadly conceived and integrate the socioeconomic and cultural context of crime, law, and law enforcement. The broader mission of the Department of African American Studies is to engage in research, teaching and public policy contributions that serve the development needs of Africa and the African Diaspora. The Department offers an African American Studies Minor and an African American Studies Program. For a complete list of courses offered by the Department of African American Studies, go to: http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/academic/index.html. For registration a list of the Department’s spring course offerings can be found at: http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/academic/schedule/index.asp.

WHY AN AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES MINOR?

Students often ask how pursuing a minor in African American studies will help them to achieve their educational and career goals. The African American Studies faculty strongly encourages students to visit or call the Department of African American Studies for more information on how to become an African American Studies minor student. It is a simple process of filling out a Department form. The Department of African American Studies is located at Room 3226N and our office number is (212) 237-8764. Please do not hesitate to stop by our offices to speak with the Department’s staff or faculty members.

The African American Studies Department offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of African American, Caribbean, and African histories, cultures and experiences. Students who want to pursue a minor concentration in African American Studies must take eighteen (18) credits of courses offered by the Department. We encourage students to visit our offices to discuss how courses offered by the African American Studies Department complement a number of disciplines particularly economics, sociology, psychology, and law.

The Mission of the Department of African American Studies

The Department of African American Studies (African & African Diaspora Studies) is a multi-disciplinary department engaged in critical analyses of current and historical socioeconomic, political and cultural issues of the African Diaspora and Africa. The course offerings and research interests of the Department of African American Studies help ensure that criminal justice and public service education as well as policy recommendations developed at John Jay College are broadly conceived and integrate the socioeconomic and cultural context of crime, law and law enforcement. The broader mission of the Department of African American Studies is to engage in teaching, research and public policy contributions that serve the development needs of Africa and the African diaspora.

Multi-disciplinary Approach

The disciplines currently represented by the Department faculty include economics, law, political science, psychology, and sociology with adjunct faculty in the arts, anthropology, and computer information systems. Because of the varied research interests and training of the Department’s faculty, an African American Studies minor will complement virtually all of the majors offered by John Jay College especially Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology, Government, Legal Studies, Judicial Studies and Police Studies.

For students pursuing careers in government or law enforcement, particularly in urban areas with large African American populations, an understanding of issues and topics of concern to African American communities is essential. As government and law enforcement organizations place more emphasis on community relations and outreach, students entering such fields must be prepared to deal with diverse populations. Without an understanding of the history, politics and culture of the various people who make up the American mosaic, students who intend to pursue careers in government and law enforcement will not have the knowledge, empathy and skills to be effective and responsible public servants. Hence, for students pursuing careers in public service, government and/or law enforcement, taking gender studies courses and ethnic studies courses, particularly African American studies courses, is necessary to deepen your understanding of the various communities that you will serve as a public servant.

Opportunities for African American Studies minors

As law enforcement and government agencies must adapt to the increasing diversity of the nation, educational institutions have also become more aware that they must prepare their students to function in a multiracial, multiethnic society. Consequently, over the last decade there has been a proliferation of ethnic studies, particularly African American studies, graduate programs at major American universities. Because of this rapid growth in the number of ethnic studies graduate programs, particularly African American Studies programs, fellowship opportunities for students interested in pursuing M.A. or Ph.D. degrees in such fields have grown accordingly. Additionally, faculty and admissions officers of graduate programs in traditional disciplines such as sociology, psychology, political science and law are interested in admitting students who are prepared to conduct research or provide services to diverse populations. Therefore, in many cases, an African American Studies minor could make a student aspiring to pursue graduate study a more attractive candidate to graduate programs in African American studies, graduate school programs in traditional disciplines or law school.

As we approach the new millennium, many would argue that the major problem of America, as Professor W.E.B. Dubois asserted, remains the problem of the color line and nowhere is the problem of race more apparent than in law, law enforcement and administration of justice. Lawyers, legal educators and law enforcement officials must understand the important role that race has played and continues to play in the shaping of American institutions. A major concern in law, public service and government is ensuring that citizens perceive public institutions to be fair and democratic in the ways they relate to different types of people. Because there is a long history in the United States of the nation’s legal institutions treating people differently or unfairly due to race, an understanding and sensitivity to issues of race and racism is important for those students who want to pursue careers in public interest law, public service law or civil rights law. Because much of the African American experience involves a legal and social struggle for equality, students who have pursued an African American Studies minor will be exposed to issues of race and racism in virtually all of their African American Studies classes. Hence, due to the importance of race in law and legal history, an aspiring law student with a minor in African American studies will be an attractive candidate to law school admissions officers.

Finally, universities, foundations, think tanks and other institutions that conduct social science research are also interested in hiring individuals with the knowledge of specific ethnic or racial populations. Opportunities for persons who are dedicated to the study of African American life, culture, politics and history are rapidly expanding so students who have begun to explore the complexities of the African Diaspora as undergraduates will be well prepared to take advantage of the numerous opportunities in the field of African American Studies as well as in traditional fields that require specific knowledge of issues and topics of concern to people of African descent.

African American Studies Minor:

This program gives students majoring in other disciplines the opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary concentration in this area. Courses analyze the African, African American, and Caribbean experiences and can be used toward fulfilling various curriculum requirements, while acquiring an 18 credit minor in African American Studies. For a complete list of all courses offered in the Department of African American Studies go to: http://www.jjay.cuny.edu/academic/index.html. For further information contact Professor C. Jama Adams at 237-8761 or e-mail: ergavo@sprynet.com

African American Studies Program:

The African American Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary approach to African American, Caribbean, and African histories, cultures and experiences. The program is composed of a base of 18 credits and an additional three to nine credits. For further information about the program, contact Professor Jannette Domingo, Chairperson, The Department of African American Studies, Room 3226 North Hall 237-8764 or e-mail: diaspora@jjay.cuny.edu.

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program:

Student participants-known as McNair Scholars receive specialized academic and career counseling; tutoring and special graduate school preparation seminars; assistance in obtaining financial aid for graduate study; and assistance in applying and obtaining admission to graduate school. McNair Scholars also earn 3 credits for their participation in a spring semester research seminar, and receive a research stipend while they participate in Spring and Summer Research Apprenticeship with a Faculty Mentor.

Students who have an interest in pursuing a doctoral degree, a grade point average of 3.0 or better, junior or senior status, and who are either low income and first generation college students or members of a group under-represented in graduate education are eligible. For additional information and an application, contact Mr. S. Ernest Lee, Assistant Director, Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, The City University of New York, Room 3225N at (212) 237-8760 or e-mail: jjmcnair@jjay.cuny.edu

FALL 2001 Class Schedule:

				*AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES*
				*FALL 2001 CLASS SCHEDULE*


	Mondays & Wednesdays

		*ADAMS*	*DAWES*	*KADIR*	*HOULDER*

	1st	ETH 125
	2nd	AAP 190	ETH 123	ETH 125
	3rd		AAS 110	ETH 125
	4th	AAP 100
	5th	ETH 125	ETH 123
	6th
	7th			ETH 125
	8th				ETH 123



	Tuesdays & Thursdays

		*AFFINNIH*	*DOMINGO*	*KINSHASA*	*ODEDEFAA*

	1st			ETH 123
	2nd	AAJ 210
	3rd	ETH 125		AAH 270
	4th		AAS 121
	5th			ETH 123
	6th
	7th	ETH 125	ETH 123
	8th				ETH 123


Saturdays
		*BAIN*
9-11:45 am		ETH 125

Course Descriptions:

ETH 123 RACE & AMERICAN SOCIETY: THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

African Americans and the development of the United States from 1619 to the present. A survey course exploring the African origins of African Americans and examining slavery, the Abolitionist movement, the Civil War, Reconstruction, segregation, African American migration from the South, urbanization, the Civil Rights movement, contemporary issues and events, and African American cultural expressions all within the context of American social history. This course satisfies part of the general education requirement of the College. ETH 123 fulfills the ETHNIC STUDIES GENERAL EDUCATION DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENT.

Prof. Dawes: M&W 2^rd, & 5^th periods. Prof. Domingo: T & Th 7^th period. Prof. Kinshasa: T&Th 1^st & 5^th periods. Prof. Houlder: M & W 8^th period. Prof. Odedefaa T & Th 8^th period.

ETH 125 RACE & ETHNICITY IN AMERICA:

This course concentrates on the study of the many peoples who have contributed to the fashioning of American civilization from 1500 to the present. Survey of historical and contemporary issues related to racial, ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity in the United States through an examination of such concepts as assimilation, discrimination, integration, pluralism, racism, and segregation. This course satisfies part of the general education requirement of the College. ETH 125 fulfills the ETHNIC STUDIES GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENT.

Prof. Adams: M&W 1^st & 5^th periods. Prof. Kadir: M&W 2^nd, 3^rd & 7^th periods. Prof. Affinnih: T& Th 3^rd & 7^th periods. Prof. Kamara: T & Th 8^thperiod. Prof. Bain: Sat. 9-11:45 AM

AAH 270 ISSUES & IDEAS

a.k.a. The History of African American

Social & Intellectual Thought

Issues & Ideas will examine the relationship between social thought and action in African American and Caribbean American communities. Important principles and ideas about race and class, key individuals, and social movements will be debated. Issues & Ideas will explore ideas and actions from Fidel Castro to Jean Bertrand Aristede; from Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam to Huey P. Newton and Assata Shakur and the Black Panther Party; and from Rev. Al Sharpton and the Black Action Network to the New Black Panther Party

Prof. Kwando Kinshasa: T&Th. 3^rd period.

AAJ 210 DRUG WARS IN AFRICA

a.k.a Crime & Drugs in Africa(formerly AAJ 299)

Drug Wars examines crime and drugs from an African perspective. It focuses on international drug trafficking networks. Their routes, types of drugs and money laundering operations are examined in relation to Africa, the United States and Europe. This course traces the spread of hard drugs and use and misuse of drugs in Africa. Drug trafficking is examined in relation to the emergence of organized crime and new drug laws in the region. This course has no prerequisites. Can be used as part of the International Criminal Justice Major, towards an African American Studies Minor, or as an Elective.

Prof. Affinnih: T&Th 2^nd period.

AAP 100/PSY 129 PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

Survey and critique of the major theoretical perspectives on African American psychological development. Overview of the psychological experience of African Americans, particularly those responses that foster sound psychological functioning despite oppressive or distorting social feedback. Application of psychological concepts and principles to the African American experience. AAP 100/PSY 129 can be used in concentration A1 of the old Criminal Justice Major*

Prof. Adams: Mondays and Tuesdays 4^th period

AAP PSYCHOLOGY OF BLACK SUCCESS

In a postmodern society African-Americans, like other groupings must become more proficient at managing personal development. Using the principles of positive psychology Black Success will explore themes within both African-American space and the larger American space that speak to enhancing personal well being.

Prof. C. Jama Adams M&W 2^nd period.

AAS 110 RACE AND THE URBAN COMMUNITY

This course is an introduction to various social problems in major urban areas in the United States with particular emphasis on the impact of race and class in the development and underdevelopment of inner city communities. Several issues involving race and class will be examined including: (1) the formation of racially isolated, low income areas through law and practice; (2) inequities in public school funding and urban school reform; (3) race in the criminal justice system and policing in urban areas; (4) the impact of welfare reform as well as rollbacks in affirmative action, equal opportunity programs and other civil rights gains on access to opportunity for inner city residents of color. Can be used towards a major in Correctional Studies, Government, a Minor in African American Studies, or as an Elective.

Prof. Dawes M & W 3^rd period.

AAS 121 AFRICAN AMERICAN

COMMUNITY ISSUES

An introduction to the origins and development of urban African American communities. Exploration of the historical affects of residential isolation on community building. Examination of selected current socioeconomic issues with respect to such areas of concern as housing, education, welfare, the African American family, crime and the criminal justice system. AAS 121 can be used in Govt., Forensic Psychology Major, and in the old Criminal Justice Major* concentrations A1 and A3 Police Science major.

Prof. Domingo: Tuesdays and Thursdays 4^th period.

Unless you make every waking a learning process, you are wasting a major portion of your life. You can learn from people you do not like as well as from those you love. You can learn from the elders and the youth. You can learn more about the things you know about and fine-tune the things you are good at. You can learn by observing, listening and serving. You can learn by assisting, completing and forgiving. Never withdraw from the education process by picking and choosing from who you can learn. Keep your mind open, your ears attuned and your willingness to learn in the humble state of a student.

Iyanla Vazant, Acts of Faith

FACULTY

CHAIRPERSON

DR. JANNETTE O. DOMINGO is a graduate of Swarthmore College (B.A., International Relations). McGill University (M.A., Economics). Her research interests include the role of race and racism in the American economy, the economics of crime and economic development in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dr. Domingo is also Director of the McNair Post Baccalaureate Achievement Program. Room 3227N, (212) 237-8757. E-mail: diaspora@jjay.cuny.edu

Dr. C. Jama Adams earned a B.S. in Psychology from John Jay College. He received an M.A. and a Ph.D. in Psychology from the Graduate Center of CUNY. His research interests include organization issues in social service agencies, parenting, and Black thought in an era of cultural ambiguity.

Dr. Yahya Affinnih is a graduate of City College of New York (B.A., Sociology), Long Island University (M.S., Social Science), and New York University (Ph.D., Sociology). His interests include drug research in Africa, African labor studies, law and justice in Africa, sociology of work, and research methods.

Mr. Elliott Dawes is a graduate of Cornell University (B.A., Government and Africana Studies) and New York University School of Law (J.D.), and has also pursued graduate study in African Studies at Howard University. Formerly a Trial Attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, Mr. Dawes primary areas of interest include domestic application of international human rights standards, and advocacy for affirmative action as a means of promoting inclusion and strengthening participatory democracies. In addition to his clerkships with leading jurists and his litigation experience, Mr. Dawes interned with the Southern Africa Project of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and the Ford Foundation's Southern Africa Project working on projects related to Namibia and South Africa. Mr. Dawes is admitted to the New York State Bar.

Dr. Max Kadir is a graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice (B.S., Criminal Justice), Indiana State University (M.S., International Politics), and the University of Tennessee (Ph.D., Political Science). Dr. Kadir's areas of specialization include Global Conflict and Aggression, Regional Security and International Criminal Justice, with particular emphasis on Eastern Europe, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Dr. Kadir was the lead author of John Jay College's International Criminal Justice major.

Dr. Kwando M. Kinshasa is a graduate of Hunter College of the City University of New York (B.A., M.A., Communication) and New York University (M.Phil., Ph.D., Sociology). Dr. Kinshasa's research interests include 19^th century history with particular emphasis on African American migration and emigration and the role of the press, 20^th century political emigration from Surinam, and contemporary urban sociological issues. An exceptional teacher, Dr. Kinshasa received the John Jay College Outstanding Teacher Award in 1996.

Mr. David Lamb is a graduate of Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs (MPA), New York University Law School (JD) and Hunter College (B.A. Economics). He has spoken on Hip Hop culture at colleges and universities around the country. He is the author of Do Platanos Go Wit” Collard Greens and The Trumpet is Blown and founder of the independent publishing company, I Write What I Like. Mr. Lamb is a public finance attorney.

Telephone and E-Mail:

Dr. Janette Domingo: Chair and Director of the Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program 237-8757 e-mail: diaspora@jjay.cuny.edu

Dr. C. Jama Adams: Coordinator--African American Studies Minor 237-8761 e-mail: ergavo@sprynet.com

Dr. Yahya Affinnih: 237-8758 e-mail: yaffinni@jjay.cuny.edu

Mr. Elliott Dawes: Law School Advisor 237-8090 e-mail: edawes@jjay.cuny.edu

Dr. Max Kadir: 237-8752 e-mail: mkadir@jjay.cuny.edu

Dr. Kwando Kinshasa: 237-8759 e-mail: mbiassi@aol.com

Department Fax: 212-237-8099

Activities and Events:

Look for future updates

Adjunct Professors:

Professor Myrna Bain