Time Schedule:
Lauro H Flores
CHSTU 330
Seattle Campus
Explores the issue of Chicano, or Mexican-American, identity. Examines statements of selfhood by Chicanos, studied in order to understand the relationship between individual and society in creating identity.
Class description
Critical analysis of the diversity of experiences among people of Mexican descent in the U.S. Articulation of verbal and written arguments on the social meaning of texts.
Student learning goals
Acquaintance with autobiographical literature
Acquaintance with Chicana/o history and culture within the larger framework or western civilization
Critical analysis of texts
Oral articulation of arguments
Organization of written analysis of works
Collaboration in small groups, learn to organize panel discussions
General method of instruction
The instructor lectures to provide the general background, biographical and bibliographical information on each author, and guides students in the examination of key points in the texts. Students then ask questions or offer comments in a free exchange of ideas.
Recommended preparation
Read required books ahead of time, seek additional information (such as articles or book reviews) that shed light on the problems around each text/author. Start thinking as soon as possible about themes that can be explored on each book in order to develop coherent (oral and written) commentaries.
Class assignments and grading
Reading of texts ahead of time, writing of two interpretive essays (about 5 pp. and 9 pp. long, respectively), generally comparing two of the authors under study.
Attendance and active participation in the class discussions; quality of written essays.
