Syllabus

Instructor: Dr. Manuel F. Medina
LALS 311
Introduction to US Latino/a/x Studies
Time: M-W 2:00 - 3:15 pm. BAB 237
Spring 2020
E-mail: manuel.medina@louisville.edu
Office: 329B Bingham Humanities Building
Phone number: 502-852-0501
Office Hours: T 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. and W 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. and by appointment

Class website: http://www.medina502.com/classes/lals_311

Pre-requisites: None.

Goals:

This class will analyze how the U.S. Hispanic Culture evolved and end up as a foreign culture on a land that they have always occupied.

The students examine the social issues that U.S. Hispanics must face as members of an older society whose values and view of the world differ greatly from the Anglo American society, with which they share their living space.

The class will explore the issues of class, race and gender in U.S. Hispanic communities to examine assertions for relevance, bias, stereotyping, manipulation, and completeness.

The class will study Hispanic fiction and film within a global context.

The students will write analytical studies of U.S. Hispanic fiction and/or films.

The class will identify the multiple dimensions of reasoning, assumptions and perspectives generally excluded from these forms of cultural and ethnic expressions.

The course will emphasize student collaboration, in-class discussion and lectures.

Objectives

Upon successful completion, the students will be able to accomplish the following tasks:

Discuss key point associated with US Latino culture and ethnicity within a global context.

Discuss and identify ideologies and perspectives present in the US Latino cultural production.
Locate, evaluate, and creatively answer questions about US Latino culture and ethnicity within a global context.

Identify how race, ethnicity and gender are socially constructed within the context of the US Latino cultural production.

Communicate an understanding that Hispanic culture may hold different views of the same issues.

Social & Behavioral Sciences (SB) This course fulfills the Cardinal Core requirements of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SB) and US Diversity (D1).

Social and behavioral sciences are concerned with understanding human behavior, human interactions, human environment, and the related social structures and forms. Students who satisfy this requirement will demonstrate that they are able to do all of the following:

1. Apply knowledge and theories and analyze evidence via qualitative and/or quantitative research methods that are utilized in the field.

Class Content: The course incorporates different theoretical perspectives on Latino studies. Course readings may also cover many of the foundational qualitative studies and quantitative studies on Latino history, culture and politics.

Assessment: Exams, written assignments and class discussions will be used to assess students’ ability to draw from theoretical, qualitative, and quantitative research to make empirical claims about the status of Latino studies.

2. Identify how different fields of inquiry conceptualize diversity and the dynamics of social inequalities.

Required textbooks/films

Books:

(No available from the campus bookstores. Please order them from amazon.com or any other online or traditional bookstore)

García Cristina. Dreaming in Cuban. Any edition.

Rivera Tomás. And the Earth Did Not Devour Him/Y no se lo tragó la tierra. Any edition.

Films:

Nueba Yol (Ángel Muñíz, 1995. Venevision, 2006.)
Ekstrom Library Video Call Number: DVD PN1997 .N8322 2006

The City/La Ciudad, (David Riker, US, 1998 )
Ekstrom Library Video Call Number: DVD PN1997 .C518 2005

Sleep Dealer. (Alex Rivera, US, 2009).

Ekstrom Library Video Call Number: DVD PN1997.2 .S5766 2009

Additional materials:
All additional materials made available via the class website and Blackboard.

Grading Policy and Distribution

Grades are final and not negotiable

Submitting work: To get full credit, you must submit your homework or related assignments at the start of the class on the date stated in the assignment schedule.

If you turn it in late, (at any time after the beginning of class), I will deduct 50% of its original value.

I will not accept late papers unless you and I have mutually agreed upon an extension before the paper's deadline. I very seldom grant extensions.

Exams and oral presentations are due on the previously assigned dates.

Grading policies: Assignments & Percentages

1. Class Participation & attendance: . . . . . . 10%

Reading, analytical thinking, questioning, challenging old beliefs, expressing one's own opinions and writing represent the main components of this course. Please, make sure to complete all the assigned reading before class so you can participate in class discussions.

Attendance: I expect you to be present in all class sessions. If you don’t attend class, you will lose class participation and quiz points for that particular day. In addition, you’ll miss important information that will help you better understand the subject matter, the readings and to do well on the exams.

Students should not miss ANY class unless it is an emergency. An emergency situation would include hospitalization, natural disasters, and university cancellation of class. There are only one or two other excuses that qualify as emergency reasons to miss this class.

Students are responsible for all assigned readings, class lectures and discussion materials covered in this course.

Tardiness is not acceptable for this class as it disrupts both the instructor and other students, and it impedes the transfer of information, both scholastic and scheduling. In some instances (i.e., in-class activities and the CR Sessions) students will lose points based on their tardiness.

I will deduct points from your grade for every un-excused absence, after the first two, using the following scale:

___ Three: 5% deduction from the class grade

___ Four: a one letter grade reduction

___ Five or more: a failing grade (F) in the class

Cell phones and other electronic devices should be silenced and out of sight during class. Laptops are permitted for taking notes only and students may be asked to shut them off if they are used for other purposes during class.

2. Quizzes, and other assignments . . . . . . 15%

Homework assignments must be submitted at the beginning of class……15%

3. Two Exams: . . . . . . 40%

The midterm (20%) and the final exam (20%) will each consist of answering short questions, locating items in a map and writing an essay. Your answers must incorporate ideas and issues addressed in class, along with your own points of view. The exams will measure your knowledge of the assigned readings, the videos, the class lectures, and the material introduced in the oral presentations.

4. Group Oral Presentation . . . . . . 15%

I will post information in the class website.

5. Papers. . . . . . 20%:

I will post information in the class website.

Grading scale:

95.5%-100% A+
92.5%-95.4% A
89.5%-92.4% A-

85.5%-89.4% B+
82.5%-85.4% B
79.5%-82.4% B-

75.5%-79.4% C+
72.5%-75.4% C
69.5%-72.4% C-

65.5%-69.4% D+
62.5%-65.4% D
59.5%-62.4% D-

0%-59.4% F

Letter Grade Definitions

100 to 90 A, Exceptional

Student strongly exceeds all requirements as provided by the instructor. The work product not only meets the requirements of the project but also goes above and beyond the scope of work.

89 to 80 = B, Above Average

Student completes all requirements as provided by the instructor. Student is well prepared for every class, with daily assignments as requested by the instructor and participates in class discussions. Written work demonstrates good craft with acceptable attention to detail.

79 to 70 = C, Average

Student completes all requirements as provided by the instructor. The work products reflect basic comprehension of class objectives and work is completed to meet requirements only. Student is prepared for most class sessions with assignments as requested by the instructor.

69 to 60 = D, Poor

Student does not complete all requirements as provided by the instructor. The work products fail to reflect basic class principles and demonstrate lack of comprehension of course material. Student is often ill-prepared for class sessions. Written work and assignments are incomplete, poorly crafted and show a lack of attention to detail.

59 to 0 F, Failing

Student completes a small portion of requirements as provided by the instructor. The work products fail to reflect basic class principles and demonstrate lack of comprehension of course material. Student is generally ill-prepared for class sessions. Written work and assignments are incomplete, poorly crafted and show a lack of attention to detail.

Student Academic Rights and Responsibilities:

Every student is expected to be thoroughly familiar with the University's Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and Student Conduct which can be found in the General Information section of the Undergraduate Catalog.
Along with preparing for and attending class, each student has the responsibility of promoting high academic standards. Students are expected to cooperate in all classes with the instructor to achieve an optimal learning environment. The College of Arts and Sciences does not tolerate cheating, fabrication, falsification, multiple submission, plagiarism, or complicity in academic dishonesty. The College of Arts and Sciences has a statement of academic discipline for action against students who cheat or plagiarize.

Student Sexual Misconduct Policy

The Student Sexual Misconduct Policy (http://louisville.edu/dos/students/studentpoliciesandprocedures/student-sexual-misconduct-policy/student-sexual-misconduct-policy-2017-2018) outlines options for a student who believes he/she may have been or currently is a victim of sexual misconduct by a student, university visitor or employee within the university community.

University Policy on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment:

Sexual Harassment

Statement provided by PEACC

The University of Louisville strives to maintain the campus free of all forms of illegal discrimination as a place of work and study for faculty, staff, and students. Sexual harassment is unacceptable and unlawful conduct and will not be tolerated in the workplace and the educational environment. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment, even when carried out through computers or other electronic communications systems.

Students and Instructors are protected from Sexual Harassment according to the Affirmative Action policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and the UofL Computer Account Usage Agreement.

Anyone experiencing Sexual Harassment should refer to the links above and/or contact the PEACC Program at 852.2663 and an advocate will explain your choices. This is a free and confidential service.

Title IX/Clery Act Notification

Sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and any other nonconsensual behavior of a sexual nature) and sex discrimination violate University policies. Students experiencing such behavior may obtain confidential support from the PEACC Program (852-2663), Counseling Center (852-6585), and Campus Health Services (852-6479). To report sexual misconduct or sex discrimination, contact the Dean of Students (852-5787) or University of Louisville Police (852-6111).

Disclosure to University faculty or instructors of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, or sex discrimination occurring on campus, in a University-sponsored program, or involving a campus visitor or University student or employee (whether current or former) is not confidential under Title IX. Faculty and instructors must forward such reports, including names and circumstances, to the University's Title IX officer.

Code of Student Conduct

The Dean of Students Office (DOS) meets with students to assess situations of possible non-academic misconduct as described in the Code of Student Conduct, (http://louisville.edu/dos/students/codeofconduct). The University's Code of Student Conduct is promulgated to give students general notice of non-academic prohibited conduct. The Code should be read broadly and is not designed to define non-academic misconduct in exhaustive terms. Students are responsible for adhering to the Code of Student Conduct and should familiarize themselves with the Code. In order to protect and preserve a quality educational environment for the campus community, the DOS offers education and support for students struggling with a crisis, concern or behavioral issues.

Policy on Instructional Modifications or accommodations:

I encourage students who have a disability or other educational, physical or mental limitations or conditions which may impair their ability to complete assignments or otherwise satisfy course criteria to meet with me to identify, discuss and document any feasible instructional modifications or accommodations. Please notify me no later than the end of the second week of the semester or no later that the end of the second week after you get diagnosed with a disability or condition, whichever occurs first. You may contact the Disabilities Resource Center for information and auxiliary aid.

The University of Louisville is committed to providing access to programs and services for qualified students with disabilities. If you are a student with a disability and require accommodation to participate in and complete requirements for this class, contact the Disability Resource Center (852-6938) for verification of eligibility and determination of specific accommodations.

Tech requirements for success in class

Teaching method: hybrid: online/synchronous and face-to-face

Schedule of synchronous or face-to-face classes,

See calendar or readings.

Online access/alternatives for quarantined or ill students: All classes will be broadcasted, so you can access them if you cannot make it to face to face classes.

Contingency plan In the event of an emergency, we will switch entirely to online instruction

Online office hours instructions: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. and by appointment

Public Health Guidelines and Regulations:

As a Community of Care, all Cardinals are expected to abide by public health guidelines and regulations as published by the University. For Fall 2020, this includes:

1. wearing of cloth/paper masks (covering nose and mouth) when in shared indoor spaces like classrooms, or when appropriate physical distancing cannot be maintained. (Per the code of student conduct-- revised July 2020--a student who refuses to follow these guidelines may be asked to leave a classroom)
2. staying home when sick—any UofL community member experiencing fever, consistent dry cough, or other symptoms of contagious disease should remain at home until symptoms subside or advised that it is safe to return by a medical professional.
3. practicing good hygiene and responsibility for one’s own surrounding.
1. a. Cover sneezes and coughs
2. b. Wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible; use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available
3. c. Wipe down frequently touched surfaces
4. d. Maintain six feet physical distancing when possible

Note: The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus when necessary to meet learning objectives, to compensate for missed classes, or for similar reasons.

Reading and Assignment Schedule

See Reading and Assignment Schedule page for a list of assignments and links to readings and additional materials.