Course Description
A practicum in the teaching of African American Studies. It blends instructional techniques particular to African American Studies with useful general pedagogical information.
Athena Title
Teaching Practicum in AFAM
Non-Traditional Format
Required for any graduate student seeking a graduate certificate or a TA assignment in African American Studies.
Pre or Corequisite
AFAM 7500
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will learn how to: • examine and discuss theories and practices for effective teaching of African American Studies courses; • examine digital technologies that support teaching effectiveness; • provide potential African American Studies graduate teaching assistants and future instructors in African American Studies with a framework for the following: --optimum classroom interaction with students --class and discussion group preparation --building an effective syllabus --creating tests and other measurements of student evaluation • introduce graduate students to resources available at UGA related to the teaching of African American Studies • provide practicum opportunities to prepare students for classroom teaching.
Topical Outline
I. Instruction in the structure and teaching mission of the Institute for African American Studies. A. Teaching under the Institute’s areas of emphasis: history and culture; behavioral and social inquiry; and languages, literature and the arts. B. Defining goals and creating outcomes assessment. C. Teaching Introduction to African American Studies. II. Laying the groundwork for a successful classroom experience. A. Instruction in creating an environment of inclusion and healthy discourse. B. Learning how students learn. C. Instruction in sound course preparation. 1. Chronological (linear)and thematic (non-linear) approaches to course organization 2. setting course objectives 3. selecting texts and materials 4. preparing a syllabus 5. time-management 6. lectures 7. class participation activities 8. testing 9. productive use of technology 10. maximizing available campus resources D. Ethics and the instructor. III. Practice lessons and activities. A. Developing and delivering an engaging practice lesson. B. Developing an engaging style of delivery in the classroom. C. Thinking about potential problems and issues. D. Developing a teaching philosophy.