Course Description

This interdisciplinary course examines historical and contemporary formations of Latin@ communities in the US. This class looks at the social, cultural, geographic, political, and symbolic developments and forces that shape Latin@ experiences, relationships, dislocations, conflicts, and cultural norms, particularly as they relate to the politics of race, ethnicity, nationality, class, gender, and sexuality. We also explore the connection between space, power, and Latin@ populations across the country, and the course highlights the ways in which Latin@ groups challenge social obstacles and re-shape their environments. In addition to engaging in community building praxis throughout the class, the course provides a space to expose the diverse forms of civic engagement and perspectives of social change currently take place locally, regionally, and beyond.

• Explore the contemporary, historical, social, political, cultural, geographic, and symbolic formations of Latin@ communities
• Compare and contrast the diverse experiences of different Latin@ populations group formations
• Critically assess the relationship between race, space, and power in various contexts
• Analyze different approaches and methods to civic engagement and social change
• Participate in creative and interpersonal forms of praxis and community building

Readings will be available on Sakai. The course materials may consist of journal articles, legal documents, creative essays, text selections, and book chapters, etc.

Attendance and participation 10
Activity 5
2 Response papers (10 points each) 20
3 exams 30
Community project outline 10
Final group project 20
Reflection paper 5

Total points 100