Fall 2007

E 314V • Mexican American Literature and Culture

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to Mexican American literature and culture. We will read a variety of texts, including poetry, short stories, novels, and films, in order to consider how writers and filmmakers have represented Mexican American culture and identity in the United States. Our focus will be on how these texts negotiate issues of race, ethnicity, gender, and class, and how they engage in a dialogue with American mainstream culture.

Grading Policy

Journal assignments: 20%
Critical analysis: 20%
Research paper: 30%
Presentation: 10%
Participation: 10%
Peer Review: 10%

Texts

Ana Castillo, My Father Was a Toltec
Sandra Cisneros, Woman Hollering Creek
Arturo Islas, The Rain God
Tomas Rivera, &y no se lo trago la tierra
Michelle Serros, How to be a Chicana Role Model
Luis Urrea, In Search of Snow
Films: La Bamba, Selena, Real Women Have Curves

back