Topics in Latina and Latino Social and Political Issues (392-0-1)
Topic
Latino Politics
Instructors
Jaime Dominguez
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-420: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM
Overview of class
The surge in the Latino/a population has brought about profound economic, educational, and political implications for states, cities and the U.S. polity. As their electoral clout continues to grow, as evidenced by recent elections, Latinos/as will have the opportunity to exert greater influence in the politics and policies of our country.
This course will explore these implications and the histories, including the more contemporary social and political developments of Latino communities, in the United States from a comparative framework. We will focus on the political experiences of America's three largest groups of Latino-origin: Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans.
The first part of the course will examine the social construction of Latino identities and trace the historical experiences of all three groups, comparing the elements behind each group's migration and how those processes affect their incorporation in mainstream society. We also examine demographic resources and the impact of immigration on the politics of the Latino collective. Next, we turn to the development of a Latino politics, placing special emphasis on public opinion, mobilization strategies, coalition politics and electoral participation. Lastly, we tackle public policy issues such as voting rights and immigration.
The question that we will return to throughout the course is the degree to which and under what circumstances it is appropriate to speak of a Latino voting block.
Registration Requirements
Minimum of sophomore standing to enroll Must have taken a 300-level class in the social sciences.
Learning Objectives
Students will learn to • Identify the Latino politics literature • Synthesize the arguments of Latino/a political power • Differentiate ethnic and regional differences in the Latino/a vote • Understand public policies and Latino/a political behavior
Teaching Method
Lecture, Seminar-Style
Evaluation Method
Midterm: 20%; Final: 40%; Book Analysis: 25%; Participation: 15%
Class Materials (Required)
David Gutierrez. 1995. Walls and Mirrors: Mexican Americans, Mexican Immigrants and the Politics of Ethnicity. Berkeley: University of California Press. ISBN: 9780520202191. Maria de los Angeles Torres. 1999. In the Land of Mirrors: Cuban Exile Politics in the United States. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press. ISBN: 978-0472087884. Gabriel R. Sanchez, Luis Ricardo Fraga and Ricardo Ramirez. 2020. Latinos and the 2016 Election. Michigan State University Press. ISBN: 9781611863611. Lisa Garcia-Bedolla. 2005. Fluid Borders. Berkeley University of California Press. ISBN: 9780520243699. Amalia Pallares and Nilda Flores-Gonzalez. 2010. Marcha: Latino Chicago and the Immigrant Rights Movement. ISBN: 978-0252077166
Class Attributes
Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Interdisciplinary Distro-rules apply
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
Ethics & Values Distro Area
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for Latina and Latino Majors and Minors during pre-registration. Regular registration will be open to all majors/minors after the pre-registration period.