Time Schedule:
John C Hammerback
CHSTU 498
Seattle Campus
Interdisciplinary course concentrating on one or more aspects of the Chicano experience.
Class description
Focus on Cesar Chavez, his life, work, historical context, rhetorical career, and legacy, and on the farm worker movement with special emphasis on the Northwest. Analysis of how Chavez's incessant speaking and other forms of communication were central to his accomplishments--and those accomplishments seemed impossible when he began his campaigns--and on what we learn about communication that transforms audiences. Explanation of how Chavez's background and worldview contributed to his successes, and on his own view of what his rhetorical discourse must do to allow him to succeed (against what seemed like insurmountable odds!).
Student learning goals
Familiarity with the national context of Chavez’s work, esp. the early efforts to unionize farmworkers, and the Civil Rights and Chicano movements of the 1960s/early 1970s.
Knowledge of the founding and development of the United Farm Workers Union in the Southwest and Pacific Northwest.
Broad understanding of Chvez’s career and his methods to unionize farmworkers, the forces that shaped him (e. g., personal experiences, family, religion, Gandhi), and his place in the union civil rights movements.
Fundamental knowledge and skills in analyzing and evaluating Chávez’s rhetorical discourse; understanding of the communication dynamics of discourse that may change an audience's character or self-definition.
General method of instruction
Lecture, discussion, films, class activities including analyses of speeches and proclamations.
Recommended preparation
None.
Class assignments and grading
Analyses of films and texts; reading of textbook and reader plus articles as assigned.
Midterm and final exam, short papers, group project.
