Michael Cucher

In this course, we will examine the ways in which authors and filmmakers construct gender, class, and ethnicity in each of their texts. We will begin by considering the ways in which European American authors and filmmakers use archetypes, national mythology, and gender construction, for example, to produce dominative narratives that inform our views of gender, class, and ethnicity in the United States. Once we have established a context for these prevailing narrative, we will then discuss how Chicana/o, American Indian, African American, and European American authors and filmmakers resist, revise, and affirm the dominant beliefs about these issues.

Instructor:  Cucher, M            Areas:  V / U

Unique #:  35432            Flags:  n/a

Semester:  Fall 2012            Restrictions:  n/a

Cross-lists:  MAS 374            Computer Instruction:  No

Prerequisites: Comparative Literature 315, English 603B, 316K, or Tutorial Course 603B.

Description: In this course, we will examine the ways in which authors and filmmakers construct gender, class, and ethnicity in each of their texts. We will begin by considering the ways in which European American authors and filmmakers use archetypes, national mythology, and gender construction, for example, to produce dominative narratives that inform our views of gender, class, and ethnicity in the United States. Once we have established a context for these prevailing narrative, we will then discuss how Chicana/o, American Indian, African American, and European American authors and filmmakers resist, revise, and affirm the dominant beliefs about these issues.

Films/TV Shows – additional viewings as assigned:

1951-1957 – I Love Lucy

1998 – Freak

2001 – Dora the Explorer

2005 – Real Women have Curves

Requirements & Grading: Midterm Exam (20%); In-class essay quizzes (5%); Final Paper, first draft (15%); Presentation (10%); Final Paper, revised draft (20%); Peer Review (5%); Participation and Attendance (10%); Short Writing Assignments (15%).