Course Description
Focuses on the reading and analysis of selected Chicano writers whose literary works have left a distinctive mark on Chicano Literature. Emphasizes the understanding of Chicano cosmology (society, culture, behavior and values) through the literary texts. No prior knowledge of Spanish required. (Prereq: Junior or Senior Standing)
Course Summary
Under the instruction of Dr. Donaldo Urioste, we read, analyzed, and discussed various pieces of Chicano literature written by prominent authors.
Text read in class:
House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Pocho by Jose Antonio Villareal
Memories of Ana Calderon by Graciela Limon
Across a Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande
Dessert Blood by Alicia Gaspar de Alba
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anay
And the Earth did not Devour Him by Tomas Rivera
With each passing book we identified various themes that were in close relation to the Chicano strife. Many of these novels revolved around tragedies and adversities that Mexican's, Mexican Immigrants, and Mexican-American's face in trying to achieve a better standard of living. Recurring themes included immigration, violence, poverty, extortion, and much more. Although it was not discussed as much in class, I found it interesting that religion was often a recurring theme among these novels. I would have like to explore the subject of how Catholicism shapes Mexican identity and why its often common among Chicano's to distance themselves from the belief in God. In class we mainly held discussions where students were free to vocalize their opinions about the book and why they believe the themes are significant to the plot. Along with the readings profesor Urioste would always provide the class with background information about the author, the book, historical context relating to the stories and go over significant themes or symbolism that can be found within the novels. With every passing novel we had the choice to write a reflection on three as the semester went by. For my final assignment I reflected on the House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. This novel stood out the most to me because it game many different portrayals of women through the eyes of the protagonist. With each woman, the audience could see how they would often be abused, dominated by male counterparts or subjected to machismo. This class overall highlighted many of the different adversities that the Chicano faced between Mexico and the United States. The novels consist of stories that not many people take the time to read or listen to. Although there are many tragedies in these novels, something that also prevails is a protagonists ability to grow from these experiences, develop as a character or simply live with the pain they endured.
Text read in class:
House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
Pocho by Jose Antonio Villareal
Memories of Ana Calderon by Graciela Limon
Across a Hundred Mountains by Reyna Grande
Dessert Blood by Alicia Gaspar de Alba
Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anay
And the Earth did not Devour Him by Tomas Rivera
With each passing book we identified various themes that were in close relation to the Chicano strife. Many of these novels revolved around tragedies and adversities that Mexican's, Mexican Immigrants, and Mexican-American's face in trying to achieve a better standard of living. Recurring themes included immigration, violence, poverty, extortion, and much more. Although it was not discussed as much in class, I found it interesting that religion was often a recurring theme among these novels. I would have like to explore the subject of how Catholicism shapes Mexican identity and why its often common among Chicano's to distance themselves from the belief in God. In class we mainly held discussions where students were free to vocalize their opinions about the book and why they believe the themes are significant to the plot. Along with the readings profesor Urioste would always provide the class with background information about the author, the book, historical context relating to the stories and go over significant themes or symbolism that can be found within the novels. With every passing novel we had the choice to write a reflection on three as the semester went by. For my final assignment I reflected on the House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros. This novel stood out the most to me because it game many different portrayals of women through the eyes of the protagonist. With each woman, the audience could see how they would often be abused, dominated by male counterparts or subjected to machismo. This class overall highlighted many of the different adversities that the Chicano faced between Mexico and the United States. The novels consist of stories that not many people take the time to read or listen to. Although there are many tragedies in these novels, something that also prevails is a protagonists ability to grow from these experiences, develop as a character or simply live with the pain they endured.
MLO's Satisfied
MLO 3
Work Samples
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