20801222U.S. Latino Literature
Course Information
Description
Explores U.S. Latinx literature through reading and analysis of texts, including poetry, fiction, drama, and autobiography written by a variety of Latinx groups. Students analyze Latinx literature through the lens of genre, cultural identity, social and political experiences, as well as important historical events. Classes are conducted in English. All required texts were originally written in English or are offered in English translation.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Apply appropriate strategies when reading U.S. Latino literary works
    Assessment Strategies
    reading and studying assigned texts
    participating in small and large group discussions of assigned texts
    answering objective and essay questions appropriately, according to the instructor's criteria, on tests, quizzes, and other written assignments
    Criteria
    recognize explicit meanings within a literary text
    recognize implicit meanings within a literary text
    recognize complexity within a literary text
    recognize ambiguity within a literary text
    recognize the conventions of literary genres
    annotate key passages while reading
    formulate questions and opinions while reading
    synthesize opinions, questions, and responses to the text to develop an interpretation

  2. Analyze themes, issues, and cultural perspectives of different ethnic groups within the larger Latino community
    Assessment Strategies
    reading and studying assigned texts
    participating in small and large group discussions of assigned texts
    answering objective and essay questions appropriately, according to the instructor's criteria, on tests, quizzes, and other written assignments
    Criteria
    explain recurring themes in assigned texts
    identify the specific ethnic heritage of the Latino writers of assigned texts
    examine issues of ethnicity as portrayed in assigned texts
    examine issues of race as portrayed in assigned texts
    examine issues of language as portrayed in assigned texts
    examine issues of prejudice as portrayed in assigned texts
    compare cultural perspectives represented in texts produced writers from different ethnicities within the Latino community

  3. Interpret U.S. Latino literature
    Assessment Strategies
    reading and studying assigned texts
    participating in small and large group discussions of assigned texts
    answering objective and essay questions appropriately, according to the instructor's criteria, on tests, quizzes, and other written assignments
    Criteria
    explain the explicit message or content of a literary text
    explain how a given text is an example of a given literary genre and how the text reflects the formal conventions of the genre
    make use of historical information while studying a text
    make use of literary history and canons while studying a text
    explain how a literary text engages social issues

  4. Present the results of an independent investigation of a U.S. Latino writer
    Assessment Strategies
    completing an independent study of a US Latino writer
    organizing a presentation to report the results of your project to classmates
    attending classmates' presentations
    responding in writing to the presentations of your classmates
    Criteria
    complete initial and intermediate steps in the reading and study process, as designated your instructor
    rehearse your presentation individually with your instructor
    present the results of your project to small groups of classmates
    complete a self evaluation that assesses learning throughout the process of studying, organizing, and presenting

  5. Define U.S. Latino literature
    Assessment Strategies
    reading and studying assigned texts
    participating in small and large group discussions of assigned texts
    answering objective and essay questions appropriately, according to the instructor's criteria, on tests, quizzes, and other written assignments
    Criteria
    identify questions that must be explored in order to define the expansive category of US Latino literature
    relate insights derived from independent study of Latino writers to discoveries made while reading and discussing assigned texts
    analyze the cultural context of assigned texts
    analyze the historical context of assigned texts
    analyze the literary context of assigned texts
    create an individual, comprehensive definition of US Latino literature

  6. Volunteer your services with a local Latino organization (optional)
    Assessment Strategies
    working voluntarily with a local organization that serves the Latino community
    presenting a reflective journal to the instructor at designated intervals
    Criteria
    complete a minimum of twenty hours of service over the course of at least ten weeks
    report your volunteer experiences orally to your classmates, relating those experiences to assigned texts and class discussions
    reflective journal includes a time log
    reflective journal includes a personal essay that relates your experiences volunteering to the themes explored in the assigned texts
    reflective journal includes a personal essay that relates your experiences volunteering to the issues explored in the assigned texts
    reflective journal includes a personal essay that relates your experiences volunteering to the cultural perspectives explored in the assigned texts