Latin American and Caribbean Studies 195:
Special Topics
Spring, 2008: Hispanic Feminisms
Professor Ellen Mayock
TTh: CDE / Tucker 405
| SPAIN |  |
 |
 |
| LATIN AMERICA |  |
 |
 |
| U.S./LATINA |  |
 |
 |
Course description
LACS 195 Special topics in Latin American and Caribbean Studies — Prerequisites: none. A topical seminar that focuses on an interdisciplinary examination of a singular theme relevant to the overall understanding of Latin America and the Caribbean region, such as Hispanic Feminisms, the Indigenous Americas, or Shifting Borders, among others. As an introductory seminar, topics are selected with the purpose in mind to present the student with a broad, regional view within the scope of a restricted focus or medium.
Course Description for Spring, 2008: Hispanic Feminisms: This seminar is designed to explore the development of feminist movements and theories in Spain, Latin America, and the United States. In order to understand the intersections between and among gender, race, and class in the “ Hispanic” world, students will examine key concepts such as theories of feminism, borders, heteronormativity, and mestizaje and apply them to select fiction, non-fiction, and filmic texts.
Objectives
During this term, we will focus the question of feminisms in the Hispanic world through a primarily geographic approach that also establishes a chronological trajectory. The course of study will begin with a general introduction to the questions of identity through gender, race, and class and then proceed to Spain, Latin America (Mexico, Southern Cone, Caribbean), and Latinas in the United States. Our aim is to understand the history of feminist developments, core theories, and their application to primary texts.
Methodology
- This class requires active participation in class discussion and presentation of material by individuals and groups. Tuesday classes will focus on history and theory through discussions of assigned readings in history and theory and student presentations. Thursday classes will focus on an application of theory to primary texts through discussions of assigned readings and films and occasional presentations by guest speakers. For each guest speaker’s visit, students must consider material already covered in the course and how it might relate to the speaker’s topic in order to write 2-3 questions that can generate good discussion with the invited speaker.
- Students are expected to complete reading assignments outside of class, participate actively in class, do class presentations in pairs, and complete two analytical papers. There is a final exam.
- We will depend upon a sense of mutual respect in order to establish a collaborative learning environment
Reading List
- LACS 195 Coursepack: Available from Ms. Karen Lyle, Newcomb Hall, Room 6
Assignments
- Students complete two formal writing assignments, which are due in class on the assigned Thursday. Deadlines are firm.
- All written work should be typed, double-spaced, in a standard font (Times New Roman) with standard margins. Assignments should include a title at the top of the first page and should be pledged (in class we will discuss the parameters of the Honor System for each assignment).
- As assigned, pairs of students prepare and present reports and discussion questions on complementary materials for the course (on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays). Pairs must provide a one-page handout for students and the professor for all presentations. Pairs must organize carefully the format, content, handout, and discussion questions and must be prepared to answer questions from the class.
Pairs:
A:
B:
Final Grade
| Class preparation and participation | 25% |
| Writing Assignments (2) | 30% |
| Presentations in pairs | 20% |
| Final Exam | 25% |