Victor M. Chavez, Professor of History www.oocities.org/vchavez75 Voicemail: (619) 421-6700 x5438
email: vchavez@swccd.edu Office: 450 B
OFFICE HOURS: MW 12:pm to 1:25pm and T 9:25am to 10:45am or by appointment
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1. This course will provide a comprehensive survey on the historical contributions of Mexican-Americans in the United States since the ninetienth century to the modern era. A review of relevant themes discussed in MAS 141 will occur during the first and second weeks of the course. In addition, this course will specifically focus on factors that impede the full participation of this group into American society (i.e. internal colonialism, the politics of race & class. ) This course is premised on the view that the experience of Mexicans in the United States may be classified as a history of "victimization."
2. Moreover, we will attempt to ask ourselves if it is appropriate to consider the past when developing current policy. To evaluate this complex issue we must search the past, digest its lessons, and continue to redefine its relationship to the present and future. In short, should the "past" be used to forge current policy?
3. A tertiary theme is to develop effective note-taking, writing, and oral communication skills through the study of history. Therefore, the course requirements are tailored to secure this goal.
REQUIRED READINGS
From Indians to Chicanos: The Dynamics of Mexican American Culture by James Diego Vigil (available in bookstore)
Cesar Chavez and la Causa by Dan La Botz (available in bookstore)
Hunger of Memory: The Education of Richard Rodriquez by Richard Rodriquez (available in bookstore)
Los Braceros by Rodolfo Jacobo (available in bookstore-All students will submit a three-page typewritten critique by the 16th 17th week of the semester as part of your final examination--worth 50 points. Please click here for further instructions on book critique.
Selected Websites (Internet access is required): www.digitalhistory.uh.edu
Media (newsprint) (Internet Accepted)
Library Reserves ( to be assigned)
OPTIONAL READINGS
General survey text on the history of the US (optional-- your choice)
General survey text on the history of Mexico (optional-- your choice)
Decline of the Californios, by Leonard Pitt (optional--two-page typewritten book critique))
Juan Cortina and the Struggle for Justice in Texas by Jacobo (available in bookstore)
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
To encourage participation and award independent effort the "Socratic" approach towards teaching will be used. With the aid of the attendance roster, I will call upon individuals to discuss or evaluate points made during class or found in the readings. You will be graded on your responses and participation in class. The art of oral communication is essential to human growth.
ATTENDANCE:
This is primarily a lecture/discussion course, consequently you are expected to attend class regularly, arrive on time, remain throughout the class period, and engage in aggressive note-taking. This will prove important when preparing for examinations/quizzes. If you are absent, you will be responsible for the materials missed in class. I will be more than happy to assist you, but in the final analysis, you are solely responsible for the subject matter. Please access the course website for updates. I will seriously consider dropping students who accumulate more than three hours of unexcused absences. Finally, habitual tardiness will impact your final grade.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS:
Students with disabilities who may need academic accommodations should discuss options with me as soon as possible and no later than the third week of the semester. Please feel free to contact Disability Support Services for further details (421-6700 x6512).
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Quizzes (10-15 points each):You will need a scantron sheet #882-E and #2 pencil. The quizzes will be based on lecture presentations and I will administer between 6-8 throughout the semester.
2.Midterm (20 points) An in-class objective test will be administered during the 9th or 10th week of the semester.
3. Participation (Socrates--10 points)
4. Final Examination (100 points):
a. In-class objective final examination (20 points)
b. Three-page typewritten book critique on Jacobo's Los Bracereos will be due by 17th week of the semester (80 points.)
Please click here for instructions on the book critique.
c. In lieu of the book critique, students may provide a three-page typewritten critique on any one lecture.
Please click here for instructions on the lecture critique.
5. Extra Credit (variable points): I reserve the right to assign extra credit work during the course of the semester.
Note: No "make-ups" will be allowed unless you have a verifiable emergency. You will not be allowed to take any in-class examination/quiz if you arrive late. Moreover, please keep a running tally of your points and keep copies of all assignments.
GRADES: The following percentages of the total points (approxiimately 200 points) will determine your final grade:
90% or above = A
80% -89% = B
70% -79% = C
60%-69% = D
59% or less = F
FINAL NOTES:
The bulk of the examination questions will be derived from class lectures & discussion. You must complete all required assignments and score a minimum of 70% of the points possible to successfully complete the course with a "C." Students must keep a running log of their accumulated points. Please save all of your work in the event of a grade dispute. Moreover, to provide for flexibility and creativity, I reserve the right to make adjustments on the grading scheme. Finally, plariagarism or academic dishonesty of any type may be grounds for disciplinary action by me or the college. .
Conduct:
It is imperative that everyone conduct themselves in a courteous and professional manner. Please arrive on time and turn off your beepers & cellphones. You may tape record the lectures and use a laptop computer. Please, observe appropriate classroom etiquette.
Academic Success Center
To ensure student success, I reserve the right to refer students to the ASC for tutorial services.