Introduction to Latina and Latino Studies (201-0-1)
Instructors
John David Marquez
847 491 5122
1860 Campus Dr Crowe 5-135
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
The term "Latinx" refers to category of human beings and a system of human categorization that arrived on this continent as a result of Eurocolonialism and the outset of western modernity. Regarding the former, the term is necessitated by a history of conflict and contradiction in the U.S. It is made relevant, moreover, within a pervasive legacy of racial and/or ethnic inequality. Latinos/as are then one amongst an assortment of racialized groups identified as historically disadvantaged, under-represented, or mis-represented; existing on the margins of U.S. civil society. These circumstances mandate Latinx Studies (along with related fields such as African American Studies, Asian American Studies, or Native American Studies) as a vital area of analysis within any university's curriculum in so much that universities are intended to facilitate debates and encourage an understanding about democracy and its discontents. In sum, one cannot fully understand how a society works without paying a critical attention to how it has failed or continues to fail in upholding its defining ethos or set of principles. As aforementioned, the term Latinx also refers to a way of being human. It refers to cultural adaptations and political strategies mandated by genealogies of exclusion, exploitation, and expendability and that have been manifested within the works of Latinx artists, activists, and intellectuals. This course is a survey of those works and the structural conditions from which they emerge.
Teaching Method
All students are required to attend class, to do the assigned readings, to master the material on quizzes and exams, and to conduct themselves in a mature and constructive manner. All of the course requirements must be completed in order to pass the course. Each student will take one mid-term exam, one final exam, and (at least) five quizzes. Final grades will be tallied as such.
Evaluation Method
Each student will take one mid-term exam, one final exam, and (at least) five quizzes. Final grades will be tallied as such.
Class Materials (Required)
No books will be required for purchase. Materials will be made available during class. Attendance and participation = 5% (to be tallied and assessed by our Teaching Assistant). Midterm Examination = 35% (a take home essay) Quiz Average = 15% (average of top 5 quiz grades out of a possible 8 total). Final Exam = 45% (format will either be "in class" or a "take home essay." This will be determined by student's performance on midterm).
Class Materials (Suggested)
No books will be required for purchase. Materials will be made available during class.
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Distro Area
Interdisciplinary Distro-rules apply
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - Harris Hall L06: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM