Department of Black Studies

Spring 2023

BLK 331:02: The American Civil Rights Movement

Credit Hours: 3
BLK 331- 02
Pre/Co-requisites: N/A

If Needed
WebEx Link: https://newpaltz.webex.com/newpaltz/j.php?MTID=m53635d6d39afd6300cb2bcce102daf95
Meeting ID: 2431 287 3318
Password: bGrJ3dwpp39

Instructor Details:
Instructor Name: Dr. Weldon McWilliams IV
Instructor Email: mcwilliw@newpaltz.edu
Office Location: Old Main Building, Department of Black Studies, Room B120a
Office Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 2:00-4:00pm; and/or by appt

Course Description
This course is an introduction to what has been termed "the Second Reconstruction," and more
popularly known as the Civil Rights Movement. The Civil Rights Movement was not a single
event or even a series of events. The Civil Rights Movement is nothing less than America's
history of race. It is a story that is rarely told or understood by most Americans because for the
most part it is shameful history of America's love affair with racial hierarchies and subordination.
This course is an introduction and covers most of the major mile posts between the late 1940s
and the early 1970s. The Civil Rights Movement may be examined from many perspectives:
historical (the most common), economic, political, social, health care, religious, or legal. This
semester we will look at the Civil Rights Movement from a historical and legal perspective.

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Student Learning Outcomes – US History and Civic Engagement
Students will:
 demonstrate understanding of United States’ society and/or history, including the
diversity of individuals and communities that make up the nation;

 understand the role of individual participation in US communities and government; and

 apply historical and contemporary evidence to draw, support, or verify conclusions

Grading and Exam Policy

Grades will be based on:
 Reaction Paper(s) 60%
 Home Assignments/Quizzes 20%
 Power Point Presentation 20%
Grade Scale (by percentage)
A 100.00 - 93.00 A- 92.9 - 90.00
B+ 89.9 – 87.10 B 87.00 – 83.00
B- 82.9 – 87.10 C+ 79.9 – 77.10
C 77.00 – 73.00 C- 72.9 – 70.00
D+ 69.9 – 67.10 D 67.00 – 60.00
F Below 60

There will be 3 Reaction Papers for this course. The Reaction Paper will focus on a particular
theme based on class discussions and videos that were required to be watched. The paper will
typically be due 10-14 days after it has been assigned.
Students are assumed to have copies of all papers turned in, should they be lost.
I typically do not accept late papers or assignments except in the case of a RARE and UNIQUE
circumstance. If granted permission to turn in an assignment late, it will be with penalty. After
that time, no credit is given except with a written physician’s documentation.
The instructor reserves the right to award extra credit to students who make extraordinary
contributions to the class.

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Last Day to Withdraw without Grade Penalty: April 2nd

Technical Support
1. Computer Services—Use of the computer resources and network facilities generally requires
that you have a valid user account. Should you experience technical issues or need support for
the computer resources of the University, please contact Academic Computing at 845-257-HELP
or servicedesk@newpaltz.edu 2 and open a job ticket, just as your instructor must do if he has a
technical issue. Your instructor is not responsible for computer or technical support issues. This
course requires a secure and stable internet connection, which is not the responsibility of your
instructor.
2. Web Ex—This course is conducted in person, but in the rare case where we may need to meet
online, we will meet via WebEx. The course is not conducted on Zoom or any other Platform.
You must have access to WebEx to take this course. Please contact Academic Computing at 845-
257-HELP or servicedesk@newpaltz.edu to learn how to use WebEx.

Campus Policies
Academic integrity policy statement
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty in their college work.
Cheating,
forgery, and plagiarism are serious violations of academic integrity. Students found guilty of any
violation of academic integrity are subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.
New Paltz’s Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Integrity policies are published in the
respective catalogs. Sojourner Truth Library’s website contains several excellent resources to
help with avoiding plagiarism.

Reasonable accommodation of individuals with disabilities Statement

Students needing classroom and/or testing accommodations related to a disability should contact
the Disability Resource Center (Haggerty Administration Building, Room 205, 845-257-3020) as
close as possible to the beginning of the semester. The DRC will then provide students’
instructors with Accommodation Notifications verifying the need for accommodations. Specific
questions about services and accommodations may be directed to Jean Vizvary, Director
(vizvaryj@newpaltz.edu).

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Veteran & Military Services Statement
New Paltz’s Office of Veteran & Military Services (OVMS) is committed to serving the needs of
veterans, service members and their dependents (spouse or child, regardless of age) during their
transition from military life to student life. Military-Affiliated students who need assistance
while attending SUNY New Paltz may refer to OVMS’s website; call 845-257-3120, -3124 or -
3074; e-mail npvms@newpaltz.edu; or stop by the Student Union, Room 100 South.

Disability access—Students with documented physical, learning, psychological and other

disabilities are entitled to receive reasonable accommodations. If you need classroom or testing
accommodations, please contact the Disability Resource Center (Student Union Building, Room
205, 257-3020). The DRC will provide forms verifying the need for accommodation. As soon as
the instructor receives the form, you will be provided with the appropriate accommodations.
Students are encouraged to request accommodations as close to the beginning of the semester as
possible.
Common Courtesy:
• Show respect for your instructor and fellow classmates. It is okay to disagree with an idea but
not okay to ridicule or make fun of another person and his/her ideas. Derogatory language,
name-calling, and intimidating communication will NOT be tolerated.
Academic integrity—Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty in their
college work. Cheating, forgery, and plagiarism are serious offenses, and students found guilty
of any form of academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary action. For definitions of these
offenses, as well as the process that a faculty member will follow if a student is found to be
engaging in any form of academic dishonesty, see the section on Academic Integrity in the
Advising Handbook, available at www.newpaltz.edu/acadadv.
Computer and network policies statement —Use of the computer resources and network
facilities generally requires that you have a valid user account. You are responsible for the
safeguarding of your computer account. Your account and network connection are for your
individual use. A computer account is to be used only by the person to whom it has been issued.
You are responsible for all actions originating through your account or network connection. You
must not impersonate others or misrepresent or conceal your identity in electronic messages and
actions.
Users of New Paltz’s computer resources and network facilities are required to comply with the
Acceptable Uses and Privacy Policy and other institutional policies related to computer and
internet access and usage.

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Identity verification policy statement for online courses
New Paltz’s Online Identity Verification Policy is designed to verify that students enrolled in our
online courses and/or programs are the ones who take the courses, complete the programs, and
receive the academic credit.

Title IX and related policy statement

Gender discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, sexual violence, stalking, and power
imbalanced sexual/romantic relationships between faculty and students are strictly prohibited
within the SUNY New Paltz community. We encourage students to report, confidentially
discuss, or raise questions and concerns regarding potential violations. Reports can be made to
the Title IX Office, the department chair and/or the dean of your school. The Office of Human
Resources, Diversity & Inclusion can provide more information on Title IX reporting and
support as well as the College’s Consensual Relationships Policy.
Student Evaluations of Instruction (SEI)—You are responsible for completing the Student
Evaluation of Instruction (SEI) for this course and for all your courses with an enrollment of
three or more students. I value your feedback and use it to improve my teaching and planning.
Please complete the form during the open period on-line (Nov. 29-Dec. 12).

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Required Research Materials:

Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Movement

Online through the Sojourner Truth Library (links to each episode are listed below and found in
Brightspace.)
American television series and 14-part documentary about the 20th-century civil rights
movement in the United States.[1] The documentary originally aired on the PBS network, and it
also aired in the United Kingdom on BBC2. Created and executive produced by Henry
Hampton at his film production company Blackside, and narrated by Julian Bond, the series
uses archival footage, stills, and interviews by participants and opponents of the movement. The
title of the series is derived from the title of the folk song "Keep Your Eyes on the Prize", which
is used as the opening theme music in each episode.

*Content Warning*
These episodes contain graphic images and scenes of violence that some viewers may find
disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
If you feel triggered, please inform your instructor and consult the Psychological Counseling
Center https://www.newpaltz.edu/counseling/

How the course works

1. Watch the assignment.
3. Complete and turn in the assignments on time.

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Course Schedule
BLK 331-02 – Spring 2023 Agenda

Week 1: Monday, January 23 & Thursday, January 26

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 1, Ep. 1. “Awakenings (1954-1956)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059952614604801

Week 2: Monday, January 30 & Thursday, February 2

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 1, Ep. 2. “The Fight Back (1957-1962)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059964904904801

Week 3: Monday, February 6 & Thursday, February 9

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 1, Ep. 3. “Ain’t Scared of Your Jails (1960-1961)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059965010904801

Week 4: Monday, February 13 & Thursday, February 16

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 1, Ep. 4. “No Easy Walk (1961-1963)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059964904404801
REACTION PAPER #1 ASSIGNED

Week 5: Monday, February 20 (No Class) & Thursday, February 23

 PBS Documentary: Freedom Summer *To be watched in Class*
o https://newpaltz.kanopy.com/node/159487

ASSIGNMENT/QUIZ: TBA

Week 6: Monday, February 27 & Thursday, March 2

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 1, Ep. 6 “Bridge to Freedom (1965)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059965011004801
REACTION PAPER #1 DUE

Week 7: Monday, March 6 & Thursday, March 9

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 2, Ep. 1 “The Time Has Come (1964-1966)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059952502304801

March 13-17 SPRING BREAK – No Classes

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Week 8: Monday, March 20 & Thursday, March 23
 Eyes on the Prize, Season 2, Ep. 2 “Two Societies (1965-1968)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059952614404801

REACTION PAPER #2 ASSIGNED

Week 9: Monday, March 27 & Thursday, March 30

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 2, Ep. 3 “Power! (1966-1968)”
https://suny-new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/
alma991059952614504801

Week 10: Monday, April 3 & Thursday April 6 (No Classes)

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 2, Ep. 4 “The Promised Land (1967-68)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059952503604801
 I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO (ON RESERVED IN LIBRARY)
o https://newpaltz.kanopy.com/video/i-am-not-your-negro

REACTION PAPER #2 DUE

Week 11: Monday April 10 & Thursday, April 13

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 2, Ep. 5 “Ain’t Gonna Shuffle No More (1964-72)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059952503704801

Week 12: Monday, April 17th & Thursday, April 20

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 2, Ep. 6 “A Nation of Law? (1968-71)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059952503504801
 UNBOUGHT AND UNBOSSED (ON RESERVED IN THE LIBRARY)
o https://newpaltz.kanopy.com/node/5568399
ASSIGNMENT/QUIZ: TBA

Week 13: Monday, April 24 & Thursday, April 27

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 2, Ep 7 “The Keys to the Kingdom (1974-80)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059952326004801
REACTION PAPER #3 ASSIGNED
Week 14: Monday, May 1 & Thursday May 4
 MENTAL HEALTH BREAK

Week 15: Monday, May 8 (Last Day of Classes)

 Eyes on the Prize, Season 2, Ep. 8 “Back to the Movement (1979-80s)” https://suny-
new.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01SUNY_NEW/18p88rr/alma991059952325804801
Final Exam Week May 15th

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REACTION PAPER #3 DUE

Addendum:
Students will accomplish the Student Learning Outcomes by completing the assigned readings
and class discussions.
 This course will explore the diversity of the Civil Rights Movement and all the different
groups of peoples and communities that participated within it (i.e. Black,Brown and
White People, Different Sexual Orientations, and Poor and Working classes)
 This course will also discuss the varying levels of influence that came from individuals as
well as mass communities. We will examine how did different levels of government dealt
with various individual and mass community participation.
 This course will examine the various policies and laws that came to fruition as a result of
the Civil Rights Movement.

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