Penn State University
Department of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese
SPRING 2009
Course:LTNST/CMPLIT 403
11 Ferguson/213 Buckout
Instructor:Prof. John Ochoa
Office:Burrowes 342
Office Hours:T/TH 9:30-11
Phone:Office 865-8786
Home (717) 520-1262
e-mail: (I do reply).
Required books (at PSU Bookstore)
Alvarez, JuliaHow the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents. Publisher: Plume; Reprint edition (June 1, 1992) Language: English ISBN-10: 0452268060 ISBN-13: 978-0452268067
Anzaldúa, Gloria. Borderlands/La Frontera, Third Edition (Paperback) Publisher: Aunt Lute Books (June 1, 2007) Language: English ISBN-10: 1879960745 ISBN-13: 978-1879960749
Cabeza de Vaca, Alvar Núñez. The Narrative of Cabeza De Vaca U of Nebraska Press ISBN (for the paperback) is either 978-0803264168 or 080326416X.
Diaz, Junot. Drown. Riverhead Trade (July 1, 1997)ISBN-10: 1573226068ISBN-13: 978-1573226066
Hinojosa, Rolando. Klail City. Publisher: Arte Publico Press. Pub. Date: December 1987 ISBN-13: 9780934770545
Rivera, Tomás...y no se lo tragó la tierra / ...And the Earth Did Not Devour Him (Paperback)Paperback: 208 pages Publisher: Arte Publico Press; Bilingual edition (August 1987 Language: English ISBN-10: 155885083X ISBN-13: 978-1558850835
Rodríguez, Richard Hunger for MemoryPublisher: Bantam; Reissue edition (January 1, 1983) Language: English ISBN-10: 0553272934 ISBN-13: 978-0553272932
Course Description
This course is a consideration of U.S. Latino literature, art, and thought. Although the emphasis will be on Chicano/Border art and literature, the course will also include texts from the Dominican, Cuban-American, Puerto Rican and other contexts. We will read fiction, essays and film, but also consider poetry, visual art and performances, and cultural practice and sociological issues (like “quinceañeras” and soccer leagues) in order to discuss some of the following themes: the imaginary homeland; families and assimilation; conflicted identity; language and a sense of place. We will emphasize two basic tools of literary analysis: "close reading," and library research. However, one of the classroom projects will have quite a bit of creative latitude.
Participation. The class will be conducted as a seminar; active participation of the students is expected. It is important for you to engage with the discussion: this is how I get an idea if you’re keeping up with the reading.
Attendance. You are allowed 3 absences, no questions asked. After that, unexcused absences will start affecting your final grade.
Missed Work. You are responsible for handing in assigned work at the pre-assigned dates (we will establish these at the beginning of the semester), and for taking tests on the days listed in the syllabus. I don’t accept late work without prior arrangement, and no make-up exams will be given. However, you may be able to take an exam in advance for an anticipated excused absence (university sponsored event, religious observance). If you miss an exam due to an unanticipated excused absence (documented severe illness, family emergency, etc.) then your total exam grade will be averaged with one less exam. You may be required to provide documentation.
Readings. You are responsible for preparing the assignment as specified in the syllabus (readings, watching a film, visiting a website) before coming to class. Readings are from the required books, or are available on Angel [A]. Films are on reserve at the media library (sencond floor of Pattee) and must be viewed there before the class discussion about that film.
Grade Breakdown:
Participation (including 2 class presentations, any graded homework)15%
3 scheduled exams 60%
class research/creative project25%
ANY ACT OF PLAGIARISM AS DEFINED IN THE STUDENT MANUAL WILL RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE FOR THE COURSE, AS WELL AS DISCIPLINARY ACTION.