ValdostaStateUniversity
Course Outline
Spring Semester: January – May 2008
Course Number and Sections:PERS 2670 A and B
CRN:Section A - 21909 and Section B - 21910
Course Title:Latin American Studies
Credits:2 Credits
Prerequisite:Reading and writing skills and genuine interest in learning about Latin America
Day Time and Room:Section A: M/W 10:00 A.M.
Room: BC 2021
Section B: M/W: 11:00
Room: WH 144
Instructor:Mr. Israel Cano
Office:WH 127
Telephone Number:229-259-5108
E-mail:
Office Hours:Tues / Thur : 9:30 – 12:00
Fri 10:00 – 12:00
Or by appointment.
Class Webpage:
Texts:Global Studies:Latin America, Goodwin, 12th Ed. Duskin/Mcgraw-Hill
Savages, Kane
Course Description
An exploration of a variety of topics related to the study of Latin America and the Hispanic populations of the United States, including language, literature, geography, ethnicity, social structure, religion, music, and contemporary issues. United States and Latin American perspectives will be covered with specific attention given to the Hispanic community in the Southeastern United States.
Objectives of the course
This course will provide the learner with an overview of the Latin American region, focusing on such aspects as history, geography, language, culture, and religion. It will provide some perspective on the social, political, economic, and environmental issues affecting the people of the region. It will also develop an awareness of the situations faced by Hispanic communities in the United States, especially those in the southeastern region of this country.
Student Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Demonstrate general knowledge of the geography and the historical evolution of the Latin American region;
Demonstrate an appreciation for the wide variety of cultures present in Latin America;
Demonstrate understanding of various social, political, economic, and environmental issues in Latin America, their historical evolution and their present day ramifications;
Show appreciation for the situation faced by Hispanic communities in Latin America and in the United States.
Learning Components
PERS 2670 is a course intended to provide a global perspective on Latin America for the student who is genuinely interested in learning about this region. It requires willingness to critically and impartially investigate issues affecting the Latin American people, a desire to understand their situation, and the receptiveness to developing an appreciation for a different culture.
If the student is to reap the benefits of this course, he /she must demonstrate exceptional commitment, dedicate significant attention and time to preparation and study, and maintain a positive attitude at all times. THE STUDENT MUST ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS / HER LEARNING.
Learning components include the text on Global Studies: Latin America, the book Savages by Kane and a number of websites including those relevant websites hot-linked through the Global Studies home page: Additional thematic audio and video materials are incorporated in the course to provide cultural enrichment and greater understanding of the region. Guest speakers may be invited, if available. Students are also expected to take advantage of and participate in those related activities organized on campus.
Course Content and Scope
Background Reading from the Textbook
DatesSectionPages
January 7 - 11Latin America: Myth and Reality2 - 6
January 14 – 25Mexico: On the Verge of Change?7 -16
January 28 – February 15Central America; Lands in Turmoil17 -51
February 18 – March 21South America: An Imperfect Prism52 - 115
March 24 – April 18The Caribbean: Sea of Diversity116 -164
Assigned Articles from the Textbook
Date / Article / Date / ArticleJanuary 14 / 1 and 2 / March 3 / 13 and 14
January 21 / 3 and 4 / March 17 / 15 and 16
January 28 / 5 and 6 / March 24 / 17 and 18
February 4 / 7 and 8 / March 31 / 19 and 20
February 11 / April 7 / 21 and 22
February 18 / 9 and 10 / April 14 / 23 and 24
February 25 / 11 and 12 / April 21
Videos (Tentative Schedule)
Throughout the semester several videos will be shown in class. These will be drawn primarily from the Americas and Buried Mirror series. The list below is tentative; other selections may be added or substituted.
Week of / VideoJanuary 14 / Conflict of the Gods
January 21 / The Price of Freedom
January 28 / The Garden of Forking Paths
February 4 / Continent on the Move
February 11 / Capital Sins
February 18 / Get Up, Stand Up
February 25 / In Women’s Hands
March 3 / Miracles are not Enough
March 24 / Mirrors of the Heart
March 31 / The Latin American and Caribbean Presence in the U.S.
April 14 / Immigrant Nation
April 21 / Unfinished Business
Supplementary Material
Additional supplementary reading and reference material will be provided throughout the course. This material will be posted on the class web page. Students may download, save or print the supplementary materials. Relevant web sites will be provided for further exploration and review. Web activities will be assigned for study and reinforcement.
Important Dates
January 7First class day
January 21Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No classes)
January 28Deadline for selection of country for portfolio
February 11Book report deadline
February 21In-progress grades released
February 28Official midterm date
March 3Research Paper deadline
March 10 – 14Spring Break
April 14Country Portfolio deadline
April 28Last class day
Comprehensive test
Scheduled dates for Final Examination:
Section A: Friday, May 2, 2008, 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Section B: Friday, May 2, 2008, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Evaluation
The following grading scale will be used:
A:100 – 90%D:60 – 69 %
B:89 – 80 %F:Below 60%
C:79 – 70 %
Individual quizzes, tests, assignments etc. may have variable weightings and are not necessarily treated as stand-alone percentages, but rather as parts of the overall total possible in each category.
Full class attendance, maximum effort and active participation are expected in this class. These, though necessary to achieve the expected outcomes of the course, do not, however, form the basis for the student’s final grade. The final grade is based not on effort but on achievement and is a composite of the following:
Quizzes20%
Written announced or unannounced quizzes will be administered based on material presented or assigned. Students must study the assigned readings and do the necessary research before coming to class.Students must be present for all tests and quizzes.No make-up quizzes or tests are given except for the following: Official VSU events, medical emergencies, or death of a family member. Please notify the instructor prior to or immediately following an absence.Use the Request for Consideration Form for this. Failure to do so may result in your not gaining credit for the missed activity. A copy of absence verification is required. If your absence is approved, you must make up the quiz or test at the earliest possible time. Make an appointment to make up the work. All quizzes and tests must be returned to the instructor.
Note: Unless otherwise indicated, quizzes and tests are to be written using a blue or black pen. Do not use pencil.
Comprehensive Test 10 %
At the end of the semester a comprehensive test will be given. This test will cover material from the readings, videos, class presentations and discussions, assignments, research, and supplemental materials provided during the course.
Book Report10%
Read the book Savages by Kane and prepare a report of no more than twopages. Focus on the issues raised in the book rather than on the summary of the narrative. Include your own reflections and perceptions on these issues and the ways they are addressed. (Allow about 25% of the report for your personal reactions.)
Research Paper 20%
During the semester you will be required to undertake a research project. You will write a three-page research paper on a specific aspect of the Hispanic presence in the Southeastern United States. You may choose the focus of the paper, but it must be fully researched, thoroughly documented, and properly presented. You need to begin early. You may not find all the information you need by just going to the library or the internet. Incorporate original research in your report by interviewing relevant persons, visiting offices and agencies and consulting primary sources. Be sure to include in your report a section with your conclusions and recommendations.
Article and Video Reviews20%
Videos shown in class and articles assigned for reading will be discussed in small groups in class. Following these discussions the groups will give a brief oral presentation of their discussion and will submit at the following class a short written report / handout of no more than one page in length. The report will include a very brief summary of the ideas presented followed by the group’s evaluation, analysis and reactions and one question (with correct answer) for the class. For every group discussion, the members will identify a group leader who will moderate the discussion, report to the class the results of the discussion and prepare the written report / handout. Additional credit will be given for this leadership role. Clearly identify the article by number, title and author and the video by title. Be sure to include the full names of the group participants and identify the group leader. Use the form provided for this report.
Country Portfolio 20%
Throughout the semester you will compile a reference portfolio on one Latin American country. You must select the country to be studied by the beginning of the second week of classes and begin collecting relevant information on this country. The portfolio will have a front and back cover, a table of contents, a half-page introduction to or abstract of the work you have done, a body of information, a personal comment statement, a list of web sites for further study, and a list of references used in preparing the portfolio. The body of the portfolio will contain background information as well as current information and news on the country collected during the semester. It will be pictorial, including illustrations maps and diagrams, etc. but will also include some typed explanatory text. It must be colorful, attractive, interesting and easy to handle and read. Be creative and remember to start collecting your materials very early. (Tip: Do not use large ring binders.)
Final Examination0%
There will be no final examination. A country portfolio will be prepared in lieu of the final exam. Also, a comprehensive final test will be given during the last class meeting. If, however, for some unforeseen reason the test cannot be administered during the last class meeting, it will be done at the time scheduled for the final examination.
Extra Creditup to 5%
Extra marks may be given for active participation in additional activities which directly or indirectly relate to the course. These activities will be identified in class during the semester.Individuals may also earn additional marks by viewing, outside of class, any of all of the following movies and submitting a written reportfor each by the date indicated.
Movie / DateEvita / January 18
Frida / February 8
Motorcycle Diaries / March 7
In the Time of the Butterflies / March 28
A Day Without a Mexican / April 11
Note
Written assignments are to be prepared according to the following guidelines:
Use Microsoft Word to prepare assignments.
Except for the country portfolio, Papers should be typed double-spaced using a 12 font and with top and bottom margins of 1.25” and side margins of 1”.
Maps or other illustrations may be included, if relevant.
For assignments of more than one page, provide a cover page showing the course number and section, the title of your paper as well as your complete name, and the deadline date.
Staple the pages together. Do not fold or bend the corner.
Keep an electronic copy of your work.
All assignments may be submitted before but not after the deadline given. Only in extreme circumstances will extensions be considered. In such cases, seek the approval of the instructor before the deadline date and along with the assignment submit an explanation of the extenuating circumstances and provide the necessary supporting evidence. Use the Request for Consideration Form, which can be downloaded from the class web page. Failure to do so may result in your not gaining credit for the assignment.
Student Requirements
Keep a record of all your grades and attendance.
Keep copies of all documentation to support unavoidable absence.
Attend all classes and be on time. VSU attendance policy will apply.
Please do not bring drinks, food or gum to class. Kindly remove hats.
Be attentive in class and participate. This will show that you have genuine interest in the course.
Bring your books and other materials to class. Show that you are really interested.
If you fail a quiz or test, or if you need additional help, see your instructor outside of class. Please seek help early. Do not wait until it is too late.
Turn off all cell phones in class. Put away music players and ipods when in class.
Avoid disrupting the class by arriving late or leaving the classroom during class.
Practice restraint, consideration and good manners.
Contact your instructor if you need further assistance with your work. Do not wait until it is too late.
Assume responsibility for your learning
Other Considerations
Absence: All absences are treated the same way, whether for illness, funerals, weddings, sports, etc. A student who misses more than 20% of the scheduled classes will be subject to receiving a failing grade in the course.
Missed Work and Late Assignments: Verification must be provided for officially sanctioned VSU activities, as well as for personal or family emergencies for consideration to be given to work missed or assignments handed in after the due deadline. If approved, work missed during absence must be made up at the earliest possible time and assignments due must be submitted before the beginning of the next class meeting along with an explanation of the circumstances of the absence. Fill out the Request for Consideration Form that can be downloaded from the class web page and submit it at the earliest possible time along with the necessary documentation. (Attach the form and the supporting documentation to the front of the late assignment.)
Tardiness: Make every effort to be on time. It is a sign of a professional person. Students who arrive after a test or quiz has begun, may be allowed to do the exercise, but no additional consideration or time will be given. Be sure to sign the attendance sheet at every class. If you arrive late to class, it is your responsibility to ensure that your presence is correctly recorded.
Academic Dishonesty: Cheating, copying and plagiarism are forms of academic dishonesty and constitute a very serious offence. Participation in such violations may result in failure or even dismissal from VSU. No credit will be given for the work done. Even if you study or practice with a classmate, be sure to prepare your own individual work unless it is a group assignment.
Make up Tests and Quizzes: Only students who provide acceptable absence verification will be allowed to make up tests and quizzes missed.See note on Missed Work and Late Assignments, above.
Dropped Grades: None
Course Outline Change: This course outline is subject to revision due to unforeseen circumstances or needs requirements by the class or the instructor.
Students requiring classroom accommodations or modifications because of a documented disability should discuss this need with the instructor at the beginning of the semester and should contact the Access Office for Students with Disabilities located in Room 1115 Nevins Hall. The phone numbers are 245 – 2498 (voice) and 219 – 1348 (tty).
Let’s work together towards having a truly enriching semester.
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