Eric McDaniel

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to examine the political role of the Black church in the African American experience. Through the examination of the historical and contemporary scholarship on the Black church, this course will critically analyze how the church, its leaders, and members have used it to achieve the political goals of African Americans.

Prerequisite

The prerequisites for this course are upper division standing and six hours of lower division coursework in Government.

 Required Texts

1. McDaniel, Eric L. 2008. Politics in the Pews: The Political Mobilization of Black Churches. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press.

2. Schmidt, Diane E. 2010. Writing in Political Science: A Practical Guide. Fourth ed. Boston: Longman.

3. Sernett, Milton C., ed. 1999. African American Religious History: A Documentary Witness. Durham: Duke University Press.

4. Thurman, Howard. 1976. Jesus and the Disinherited. Boston: Beacon Press.

5. Course Pack available at Paradigm Copies 407 West 24th Street

 Recommended Books

1. Leedy, Paul D., and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod. 2004. Practical Research: Planning and Design. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc.   

Video References

1. Cross, June. 2003. God is a Negro. In This Far by Faith. USA: PBS Video.

2. Markowitz, Alice. 2003. Freedom Faith. In This Far by Faith. USA: PBS Video.

3.Bagwell, Orlando, and Susan Bellows. 1998. Africans in America : America's Journey Through Slavery. USA: PBS Video.

 Coursework  

Discussion Papers 60%

The discussion papers are 4-5 page typed papers that provide points for class conversation. The purpose of the discussion papers is to establish issues and concerns in response to the class readings. This is an opportunity for students to voice questions and concerns related to the readings. Students are required to discuss the readings and course materials of the week to address a question raised. You are required to provide proper citation and a bibliography in the preparation of the discussion papers. These papers are due at the beginning of class. There will be five discussion papers. The discussion papers are worth 60% of the final grade.

Research Paper 40%

A major aspect of the course will be the development of a research paper. The topic of the research paper will be the choosing of the student and must relate to religion and politics in regards to a racial and/or ethnic minority group in the United States. The paper is to be 12-15 pages in length and will be completed in three stages (prospectus, outline, and final draft). 

Description: The purpose of this course is to examine the political role of the Black
church in the African American experience. Through the examination of
the historical and contemporary scholarship on the Black church, this
course will critically analyze how the church, its leaders, and members
have used it to achieve the political goals of African Americans. This
class will be reading and writing intensive.

Grading Policy:

TBD

Required Texts:

   1. Pinn, Anne H., and Anthony B. Pinn. 2002. /Fortress Introduction
      to Black Church History/. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press.
   2. Sernett, Milton C., ed. 1999. /African American Religious History:
      A Documentary Witness/. Durham: Duke University Press.
   3. Course Pack available at Paradigm Copies 407 West 24^th Street
   4. Other texts may be added

*Recommended Books*

   1. Faigley, Lester. 2006. /The Brief Penguin Handbook/. Second ed.
      New York: Pearson Longman.//
   2. Leedy, Paul D., and Jeanne Ellis Ormrod. 2004. /Practical
      Research: Planning and Design/. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ:
      Prentice-Hall, Inc.