Spanish 2540 'Latino' Literatures & Cultures

Spring 2008

(Prepared October 21, 2007; Last Update: Jan 19, 2008)

Syllabus

Basic Information

Background:

This course is a Liberal Education course, Category 8. As such, we will "analyze contemporary issues and their relationship to individuals and/or social institutions in economic, political, educational, or religious systems." We also will "encourage critical...thinking...develop...oral and written expression...provide...awareness of...diverse cultural values." I hope to engage you in the learning process as you study about a topic which is and which will, over time, play an ever-increasing part in your lives.

In this course we will consider the following questions: Who are the 'Latinos'? What are the implications of this term, and what other terminology is used to refer to this group of people? How do 'Latinos' define themselves? When did they "arrive" in what is today the U.S., and why have they come? What are the socio-economic, political and educational issues which they have faced and which have affected them over time? What are the characteristics of their literature and other cultural manifestations, and how do the literature, art and music reflect the 'Latino' identity and their socio-political reality? How does 'Latino' culture interface with U.S. culture? What will be the future of 'Latinos'?

Goals:

• to answer with students these questions and others which arise
• to help students become aware of and understand this group of people who are soon to be, if not already, the largest minority in the U.S.
• to create cultural awareness and sensitivity among students
• to help students think critically about issues
• to practice and further develop oral and written expression

Texts:

• Ramos, The Other Face of America: Chronicles of the Immigrants Shaping Our Future
• Acosta-Belen and Santiago, Puerto Ricans in the United States: A Contemporary Portrait
• Christie and González, Latino Boom: An Anthology of U.S. Latino Literature

Other "Readings":

• PBS, Héctor Galán, "Visiones: Latino Art and Culture"
• PBS, Héctor Galán, "Chicano! History of the Mexican-American Civil Rights Movement"
• Assorted readings/videos/cd's on Latino music, art
• Other readings on selected issues, such as census data, language, education (higher education enrollment; dropout rate; achievement gap)

Activities:

• Readings, Discussion
• Notes
• Quizzes as needed
• Term Paper
• Oral Presentation
• Web X, based on News programs and Cultural Events, and on topic readings
• Exams

Grades:

• 35% Class Participation
• 05% Oral Presentation
• 15% Web X Discussions (10% + 5%)
• 05% Notes
• 15% Term Paper
• 25% Exams (10% and 15%)

Notes:

• You must do all assignments to be eligible to pass this course. (This does not mean you will fail if you miss a quiz if you are absent.)
• Class participation is important; I expect all to participate, and for that, you need to keep any absences to a minimum, and to come prepared, which means having read and processed the information.
• Since 1922, the university's expectations have been that undergradutate students will study an average of 3 hours per week per credit (1 hour in class; 2 hours at home). I have tried to not assign more than 2 hours of work per class. Some students will take two hours; some will need less time to complete the assignments. If you are having difficult with the assignments, please see me sooner rather than later.
• If any student needs an accomodation to complete this course, please speak with me immediately.