Fall 2003

SPN 350 • Essay in Mexican Thought and Culture

Course Description

Analysis and readings from selected Mexican writers ranging from the pre-Hispanic period to Roger Bartra at the end of the XX Century. The objective of the course is to provide a survey of the development of Mexican thought in an attempt to understand the formulation of the Mexican mind. This course concentrates on the literary essay and its themes relative to the formation of the Mestizo and his identity. Background discussion and analysis includes medieval European society as well as pre-Columbian Civilization, Colonialism, Independence and Contemporary reformist intellectual thought. Fall semester will concentrate on pre-Columbian and Colonial literature; Spring semester on Independence and Contemporary reformist thought. Students will be required to submit one page each of an outline and abstract of a paper to be written in Spanish consisting of 14 pages. Reading assignments, class participation and regular attendance are essential.

Grading Policy

Exams = 40% (no make-ups) Paper = 50% (50% lang.; 50% content) Attendance: =10% (Absences—1(A-), 2(B+), 3(B), 4(B-), 5(C+) Paper requirements: One page each of outline and abstract plus 14 pages of text. (12 font, Times New Roman, double spaced) Must be original on themes and material read in class.(no internet or library input) Spanish registrants write in Span; LAS,MAS, write 1/3 in Span, 2/3 in English. Late papers: 5 pts off (1-3 days),10 pts off(4-7 days)

Texts

Arnoldo Carlos Vento, Antologia del pensamiento mexicano (autóctono, colonial y moderno) (Abels) RESERVES: BACKGROUND READING: PCL/ Benson Arnoldo Carlos Vento, Tres civilizaciones del mundo medieval Arnoldo Carlos Vento La generación Hijo Pródigo:Renovación y Modernidad Arnoldo Carlos Vento La Cueva de Natlzatlan Arnoldo Carlos Vento En el nombre del Padre y del Hijo Arnoldo Carlos Vento Mestizo: The History, Culture and Politics of the Mexican and Chicano Teoamoxtl(Tradición autóctona Toltekah)

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