This course will examine the socio-political, cultural and institutional structures which have direct bearing upon the Latino-a/Chicana-o population within the United States.
The course will provide an introduction to the historical and contemporary development of the Hispanic community, interdisciplinary in nature, and focusing on such topics as education, immigration, economic stratification as well as urbanization.
Special emphasis will be given to the evolution of the roles of the Chicana/Latina as well as the development of social protest and social change within the barrio setting.
No prerequisites are necessary to take the course.
Class Attendance/Discussion: 10%
Midterm: 25%
Reaction-Observation Papers: 20%
Oral Group Report: 20%
Group Term Paper: 25%
Central Theme: The historical formation of the Mexican-Hispano(a)-Chicano(a) identity.
Week 1
Introduction, objectives of the course, explanation of course syllabi, assigned reading, etc., Terms and Paradigms for the study of Hispano(a) populations.
Week 2
HISTORICAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE HISPANO (A)-AMERICAN
The Hispano/Hispana and their historical antecedents.
Mesoamerican society and the development of Mexican indigenous civilization.
Discussion of Orion Article--Video Segment: Pelota
Read: Vigil pp. 1-26
Mythology and Spiritualism within Mesoamerican Society: Roots to the Chicana (o) Identity-Class Discussion and exercise
Week 3
The rise of the Olmeca, Tolteca and Mexica-Azteca civilization. Lecture and video “Sentinels of Silence”.
Read: Vigil pp. 27-43
The Zenith and daily patterns of the Mexica-Azteca Empire
Brief Discussion of Reaction/Observation Papers
Viewing of class videos Class Discussion
1st Reaction/Perspective Paper due on 2 of the films, Mi Familia--Walk In the Clouds, Stand and Deliver--Milagro Beanfield War , Mi Vida Loca--Selena, American Me--Real Women Have Curves, La Boda
Week 4
The rise of Iberia and the formation of the Spanish psyche. Lecture and Discussion
La Conquista and the formation of the Mexican identity. Lecture and Discussion. Video:Conquest of the Aztecas Class Discussion
Read: Vigil pp. 45-67; Castillo pp. 105-119
Week 5
Colonial Mexico and the Caribbean. Lecture and Discussion.
Discussion of Term Project Papers and Oral Presentations
Read: Vigil pp. 69-106; Castillo pp. 63-84
Northern expansion and further Spanish exploration. Formation of the Spanish Southwest and Northwest. Lecture Class Discussion
Read: Vigil pp. 107-122
Week 6
Conditions of la mujer: A Feminist Perspective of Colonial Mexico: The Writings and Thoughts of Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz/La China Poblana. Lecture and class discussion of Castillo's wriitings
Read: Castillo pp. 1-17
Mexican independence 1810-1821 and Mexican-USA relations. Racism and Manifest Destiny. Lecture and discussion.
(#Handing in of Group TermProject topics/Outline of projects and Group Membership)
Read: Vigil pp. 123-148
Week 7
U.S. colonization of the Southwest. The pretext for the Mexican-American War, 1820-1848. Lecture and Discussion. Handing out of Midterm questions.
Read: Vigil pp. 149-176
Immigration of the Mexicano (a). The social stratification and economic dispossession of the Hispano (a). Lecture and discussion.
Video: On Immigration
Read: Vigil pp. 177-230; Chavez pp. 1-43
Week 8
MIDTERM
Contemporary Issues and Concepts Impacting The Hispano (A) American
Generational development of the Mexican-American and the Chicano (a): era of protest and resistance. Lecture and discussion. Video: "The Chicanos" Class Discussion
Read: Vigil pp. 231-283; Chacon pp. 1-75
Week 9
Chicano (a) era of protest continued. The fight to promote institutional, social and cultural change. Video--Chicano (a) era of protest
Guest speakers: Ms. Sonia Arevalo Hayes, Chair, Minority Employees Council, WWU
Panel Discussion of MEChA students
2nd Reaction/Perspective Paper due on 2 of the films, Mi Familia--Walk In the Clouds, Stand and Deliver--Milagro Beanfield War , Mi Vida Loca—Selena, American Me—Real Women Have Curves, La Boda
Read: Vigil pp. 285-305; Castillo pp. 18-62; Chacon pp. 75-134
Voices from La Frontera/The Impact of the U.S./Mexico Border on the Chicana-o psyche
The case of the "undocumented worker" Video--The Other Side Of the Border
Read:Anzaldua pp. 1-40
Week 10
Learning to live as an “illegal alien.” Expansion of “la migra” and the militarization of La Frontera
Read: Anzaluda pp. 77-91, 116-195
"Pavo Day--Thanks to the Mexica Aztecas!"
Week 11
Nov. 29, 2004
Oral Presentations --attendance is mandatory and required.
Week 12 Finals Week *
Dec. 7, 2004 3:30 p.m.--5:30 p.m.
Final oral presentations
Submittal of all Group Term Project Papers
*Attendance is mandatory for this session.
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