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Academic Year 2003/2004

Visions of the Hispanic
FIST 226 SP
Crosslistings:
LAST 228

The images we construct of the "Hispanic" are derived not only from personal experience but also in part from film, fiction, and the news media. Critical reading of movies made in the United States and in Latin America, of fiction and autobiographical writings by Latino and Latin American writers, and of ethnographic and journalistic accounts can be combined to bring us to a deeper understanding of the diversity of Hispanic cultures and of their representation. Narratives of immigration, of political struggle, of the exploration of the interior life and of the negotiation of individual identity will offer vantage points from which to explore themes we will identify and elaborate together.

MAJOR READINGS

Assignments will include such films as: EL NORTE, MI FAMILIA, MEMORIES OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT, LIKE WATER FOR CHOCOLATE, MI VIDA LOCA, and THE MAMBO KINGS; fiction and essays by such writers as Rudolfo Anaya, Julia Alvarez, Oscar Hijuelos, Francisco Goldman, Carlos Fuentes, Isabel Allende and Achy Obejas, as well as detective fiction by Soledad Santiago and Michael Nava; and autobiographical writings and essays including Alfred Arteaga's HOUSE WITH THE BLUE BED, Luis Rodriguez' ALWAYS RUNNING and BRE AKING BOUNDARIES: LATINA WRITINGS AND CRITICAL READINGS

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

This course places emphasis on oral presentation, and each student will be required to lead class discussion. Three short papers will be required on topics negotiated within the class, and students will be expected to develop their skills in the use of research resources.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA RLAN    Grading Mode: Graded   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2004

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