Introduction to  Latino Studies  LATS L101 Spring Semester 2007  Room: Sycamore 001  Hours: 11:15-12:30 AM Mon. Wed. Dr. Antonio de la Cova Office: Sycamore Hall 039 Hours: 4:00-5:00 PM Mon. Wed. Phone: 855-4745

COURSE OBJECTIVES: An introduction and overview of Latino issues. Through readings and discussions of text books, this course provides an overview of the historical heritages of major Latino groups in the United States:  Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and other Latin American peoples. Through readings, presentations, class discussion, videos, and other activities, we will examine contemporary issues affecting Latinos, including immigration, language, education, politics, employment, and economic mobility.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS: There will be Power Point lectures, video analysis, and readings that require taking notes. Students are expected to use logical arguments sustained with evidence in class discussions and to improve their reading, writing, analytical, and speaking skills. The IU Writing Tutorial Services can provide Discipline- and Course-Specific Tutoring if needed, which includes appropriate citation styles.

READINGS: You are expected to read the assigned texts and other articles assigned weekly through Oncourse. After using Oncourse, don't forget to Log Out, as it will record your session. Questions regarding the texts and articles will appear on the exams and essay quizzes. The required texts are:

Himilce Novas. Everything You Need to Know About Latino History. (2003). ISBN: 0-452-28432-5.
Victor Andres Triay. Fleeing Castro. (1999) ISBN: 0-8130-1724-6
Manuel G. Gonzales. Mexicanos: A History of Mexicans in the United States. (1999). ISBN: 0-253-21400-9

LATINO STUDIES RESOURCES WEBSITE:  http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/  Contains topics and data related to this course.

GRADING: Your grade will consist of a Mid-Term Exam (30%), a Final Exam (30%), two Oncourse essay quizzes (15% each), and participation and attendance (10%). Missing eight or more classes will further drop you another letter grade. The exams will cover material from the readings, lectures and presentations. There is no handout study guide. You are responsible for your own class lecture notes. Oncourse essay quizzes online will be held Sunday nights, 10 PM to Midnight.

(100-92=A), (91.9-90=A-), (89.9-88=B+), (87.9-82=B), (81.9-80= B-), (79.9-78=C+), (77.9-72=C), (71.9-70=C-), (69.9-68=D+), (67.9-62=D), (61.9-60=D-), (Below 59.9= F).

MAKE-UP EXAMS: It will only be given if you have a valid physician's excuse or a verified family emergency. Makeups are different and considerably more difficult than the regularly scheduled test.

MISCONDUCT: Plagiarism and cheating will be dealt with according to the IU Code of Student Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct.

Please contact me the first week of classes if you have special learning needs. The IU Adaptive Technology Center can also assist you.
 

CLASSES        LECTURE TOPICS                           ASSIGNED READINGS
Jan. 8-10      Overview of the course                   Exam and study guides
               Latino Identity                          Novas, Latino History, xi-17

Jan. 15-17     Racial and cultural syncretism           Novas, Latino History, 18-44                      
               Mexican Americans                        Novas, Latino History, 45-85

Jan. 22-24     Chicano Movement                         Novas, Latino History, 86-123                 
               Puerto Ricans                            Novas, Latino History, 124-160

Jan. 29-31     Cuban Americans 1823-1958                Novas, Latino History, 161-183                     
               Cuban Americans 1958-Present             Novas, Latino History, 184-212

Feb. 5-7       Operation Pedro Pan                      Triay, Fleeing Castro, ix-31                  
               The Cuban Children's Program             Triay, Fleeing Castro, 32-68

Feb. 12-14     Reunification                            Triay, Fleeing Castro, 69-106
               Dominican Americans                      Novas, Latino History, 213-229

Feb. 19-21     Central Americans                        Novas, Latino History, 230-270

Feb. 26        Latino Politics                          Novas, Latino History, 271-294
Feb. 28        Mid-term Exam

March 5-7      Music and Sports                         Novas, Latino History, 295-316
               Writers and Artists                      Novas, Latino History, 316-338

March 10-18    Spring Recess

March 19-21    Spaniards and Native Americans           Gonzales, Mexicanos, 1-27    
               The Spanish Frontier                     Gonzales, Mexicanos, 28-57

March 26-28    The Mexican Norte                        Gonzales, Mexicanos, 58-81     
               The American South West                  Gonzales, Mexicanos, 82-112

April 2-4      The Mexican Revolution                   Gonzales, Mexicanos, 113-124
               The Great Migration                      Gonzales, Mexicanos, 125-138

April 9-11     Labor Strife and Repatriation            Gonzales, Mexicanos, 139-160             
               The Braceros                             Gonzales, Mexicanos, 161-175

April 16-18    Operation Wetback                        Gonzales, Mexicanos, 175-190
               Chavez and the United Farmworkers        Gonzales, Mexicanos, 191-211            

April 23-25    The Student Movement                     Gonzales, Mexicanos, 211-232
               The Unfulfilled Promise                  Gonzales, Mexicanos, 232-261

The preceeding schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.