Instructor Information For American Cultures Course Development

 

When instructors have questions about how to best develop a course and address the expectations of the Subcommittee, they should contact Victoria Robinson in the American Cultures Center. The Subcommittee strongly suggests that instructors consult with Dr. Robinson prior to submitting their final materials.

Specific instructions related to Community College American Cultures course submission

In order to make a decision, the Subcommittee needs instructors to submit the following:

• A cover letter answering, in detail, the three questions from the guidelines. Cover letters should also offer details regarding the actual materials used in the classroom.
  
• A completely developed syllabus.

 

Based on the AC Subcommittee Senate guidelines for the approval of courses meeting the American Cultures requirement, the following information is provided as guidance for preparing course syllabus submission:

• There is no "template" for an American Cultures Course.
  
  
• A 'completely developed syllabus' necessarily includes a complete list of assignments, details regarding weekly lecture/discussion topics, and a reading list.
  
  
• The Subcommittee’s expectations may be summed up by the three "questions" posed within the AC Course Approval Guidelines.
  
  
• "Does the course address theoretical and analytical issues relevant to understanding race, culture, and ethnicity?" How?
  
  
• "Is the course integrative and comparative within the larger context of American society, history, culture, economy, or environment?" How?
  
  
• "Does the course take substantial account of groups drawn from at least three of the following: African Americans, indigenous peoples of the United States, Asian Americans, Chicanos/Latinos, and European Americans?" How is each group incorporated into the course?