Political Science 329: Latino Politics: HonorsS. E. Clark, Instructor
Spring 2006, K103 DDH, MWF 8 a.m.Rm 250 BusinessDevlpCenter
Office Hours: M 9:30 a.m. – NoonPh. 661-654-2475 or 2141
T 6 -8 p.m., Th 9 a.m. – Noon, andFAX 661-654-6075
By Appointmentemail:
Course Objectives: This course is a revision and revival of Chicano Politics, which has not been taught in many years. The passage of time has not diminished the importance of this topic. Quite the opposite is true. For this area of the State and Nation, Chicano Politics (now called Latino Politics for reasons we shall discuss) and the role of Latinos in U.S. elections and government is always a factor and sometimes a decisive one. At the same time, it can be risky to assume that ethnic identity alone is a singular factor in creating certain political outcomes. Social class, campaign financing, issues, coalitions, and the “rules of the game” are among the other variables that we must incorporate into analysis of Latino politics. At the end of the course, you should be prepared indepen-dently from your instructor to analyze and make better predictions about Latinos’ impact in elections and policy processes in the Nation, the State, and Bakersfield-KernCounty.
Texts and Reading Materials: Please purchase the following two texts: Rodolfo de la Garza and Louis DeSipio, Muted Voices: Latinos and the 2000 Elections and Rodolfo Rosales, The Illusion of Inclusion: The Untold Political Story of San Antonio. In addition, there will be handouts and/or other materials posted online that you should read. Naturally, you must acquire information beyond that assigned in order to make your own judgments about Latino politics. Suggestions for additional reading will be provided, but each person in the class should become diligent in his or her own search for opinion, data, personal contacts, and other sources of insight and information on the topic.
Grading: There will be two regular exams and a final during this course. Students will also write a case study of a Latino political leader or organization. The exams during the Quarter will be worth twenty percent each and the final thirty percent. The case study will be graded on the basis of twenty percent of the course grade. Up to three points will be awarded in addition for substantial participation (three points), above average participation (two points), average participation (one point), and below average participation (zero points). Note also that unauthorized withdrawals and failure to complete the class result in the equivalent of an “F” in the course.
Other Policies: Please turn off all sound devices (cell phones, pagers, etc.) in the classroom. Also, do not send emails and expect responses. I will respond if possible, but cannot promise to do so. The most important emails are ones that communicate specific, reasonable requests and information, e.g. “Will you be in your office tomorrow at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m.?” or “The Library says that I can only obtain that source by inter-library loan, and it will take two weeks.” Please note also that Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) is a University office charged with assisting those who have any type of disability that might connect with ability to do work required in the course.
Readings and Assignments
March 27: Introduction to Course
Inductive Analysis and the Search for Theory
March 29: Rosales, Chapters One and Two
April 3: Rosales, Chapters Three
April 5: Rosales, Chapter Four
April 7: Rosales, Chapter Five
April 10: Rosales, Chapters Six and Seven
April 12: Rosales, Chapter Eight
April 14: Rosales: Chapter Nine
April 17:Review
April 19: First Examination
April 21Discussion of Case Study
Deductive Analysis and the Search for Evidence
April 24: De la Garza and DeSipio, Introduction and Chapter One
April 26: De la Garza and DeSipio, Chapter Two
April 28: De la Garza and DeSipio, Chapter Three
May 1: De la Garza and DeSipio, Discussion continued
May 3: De la Garza and DeSipio, Chapter Nine
May 5: De la Garza and DeSipio, Chapter Eleven
May 7: De la Garza and DeSipio, Chapter Ten
May 9: Clark, Latino Political Candidates….., February 2003
May 12: Case Study Abstract Due
May 15: De la Garza and DeSipio, Chapter Four
May 17: De la Garza and DeSipio, Critique of Abstracts
May 19: De la Garza and DeSipio, Chapter Five
May 22: De la Garza and DeSipio, Chapter Six
May 24: Review
May 26: Second Examination
May 29 Holiday
May 31: Case Studies Due
Summing Up and Implications for California and Bakersfield-KernCounty
June 2: De la Garza and DeSipio, Chapter Seven
June 5: De la Garza and DeSipio, Chapter Eight
June 7: Final Examination