Humanities 361 (7928), Modern Languages 313-01 (7781) & 551-01 (9234)
Spring 2017
M & W 2:00 - 3:15 pm.
119 Humanities
Dr. Manuel F. Medina
Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or instructor's approval.
Office and contact information: Humanities Building, Third Floor, 329-B
Telephone: 852-0501 (Office)
Fax: 852-8885
E-mail: manuel.medina@louisville.edu
Class website: medina502.com/classes/mexico
Office Hours:
Mondays 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Wednesday: 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. and by appointment.
Credit Hours: 3
Course description, objectives & learning outcomes:
Course Description:
This course uses a cultural studies theoretical framework to study Jewish cultural production in Latin America since 1900. It provides an introduction to such topics as migration and exile, otherness, memory, and the Holocaust as they are represented in literature, film, music and the visual arts.
Course objectives:
The class will study the representation of Jewish Culture in Hispanic literature, film, music and art.
The class will study the presence of Jews throughout Latin America and the relationships forged through the centuries between Jews and non-Jews.
his course will introduce students to the rich history of Latin Americas diverse Jewish communities, namely Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and German-speaking immigrant groups.
The class will address the construction and representation of Jewish identity through literature, film, documentaries, biographies, photographs, and music.
They will read the representations of Jews as seen through the perspective of both Jews and non Jews who have for the beginning of the many Latin American nations have side by side established the foundations of many countries’ identities.
Learning outcomes:
Have a broaden knowledge of the Jewish presence in Latin America.
Discuss topics as migration and exile, otherness, memory, and the Holocaust by giving specific examples of how they are represented in literature, film, music and the visual arts.
Discuss the Latin American Jewish production using a cultural studies analytical framework.
Be able to discuss the Latin American Jewish cultural production with the context of the “other” as it relates to Latin American cultural production.
Have a deeper understanding of Latin American Jewish culture.
By the end of this course, students will know or be able to do the following:
Required Texts:
Agosín, Marjorie, and Celeste Kostopulos-Cooperman. Always from Somewhere Else : A Memoir of My Chilean Jewish Father. 1st ed. ed. New York :: Feminist Press at The City University of New York, 1998. Print. (Must order from Amazon)
Laub, Michel, and Margaret Jull Costa. Diary of the Fall. New York :: Other Press, 2014. Print. (Must order from Amazon)
Nissán, Rosa, Dick Gerdes, and Rosa Nissán. Like a Bride/Like a Mother. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 2002. Print. (Must order from Amazon)
Scliar, Moacyr, and David William Foster. The War in Bom Fim. Lubbock, Tex.: Texas Tech University Press, 2010. Print. (Must order from Amazon)
Shua, Ana MarÌa, and Dick Gerdes. The Book of Memories. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1998. Print. (Must order from Amazon)
Timerman, Jacobo. Prisoner without a Name, Cell without a Number. 1st Vintage Books ed. New York: Vintage Books, 1982. Print. (Must order from Amazon)
Films to be watched:
El Abrazo Partido (Last Embrace). Daniel Burman. Argentina. 2004.
El Rey Del Once (The Tenth Man). Daniel Burman. Argentina. 2016.
18-J. Dubcovsky, Diego. Argentina. 2004.
O Ano Em Que Meus Pais Saíram De Férias (The Year my Parents Went on Vacation). 2008. Cão Hamburguer. Brazil. 2008.
Supplementary readings: available from the class website.
Teaching Methods:
This class demands active student participation. I expect you to contribute to the class discussions. Be sure to complete the assigned reading and watch the film before each class. Otherwise, you will be unable to take effective notes and to take part in the discussions. While lectures will cover the general topics, the assigned readings will provide you with complimentary information.
Grading policies: Assignments & Percentages
1. Class Participation & attendance: . . . . . . 10%
Reading, analytical thinking, questioning, challenging old beliefs, expressing one's own opinions and writing represent the main components of this course. Please, make sure to complete all the assigned reading before class so you can participate in class discussions.
Attendance: I expect you to be present in all class sessions. If you don’t attend class, you’ll miss important information that will help you better understand the subject matter, the readings and to do well on the exams. You will also loose class participation points.
I will deduct points from your grade for every un-excused absence, after the first two, using the following scale:
___ Three to five: 5% deduction from the class grade
___ Six to eight: a one letter grade reduction
___ Nine or more: a failing grade (F) in the class
Note: Please, contact me regarding excused absences such as medical and family emergencies, jury duty, and other I could include in this category.
2. Quizzes, and other assignments . . . . . . 10%
These assignments must be submitted at the beginning of class.
3. Two Exams: . . . . . . 40%
The midterm (20%) and the final exam (20%) will each consist of answering short questions, locating items in a map and writing an essay. Your answers must incorporate ideas and issues addressed in class, along with your own points of view. The exams will measure your knowledge of the assigned readings, the videos, the class lectures, and the material introduced in the oral presentations.
4. Oral Presentation . . . . . . 10%
I have posted information in the class website.
5. Papers. . . . . . 30%:
I have posted information in the class website.
Submitting work: You must submit your paper and related assignments at the start of the class on the date stated in the assignment schedule. I will not accept late papers unless you and I have mutually agreed upon an extension before the paper's deadline. I very seldom grant extensions.
Grading scale:
95.5%-100% A+
92.5%-95.4% A
89.5%-92.4% A-
85.5%-89.4% B+
82.5%-85.4% B
79.5%-82.4% B-
75.5%-79.4% C+
72.5%-75.4% C
69.5%-72.4% C-
65.5%-69.4% D+
62.5%-65.4% D
59.5%-62.4% D-
0%-59.4% F
Letter Grade Definitions
100 to 90 = A+, A, -A-, Exceptional
Student strongly exceeds all requirements as provided by the instructor. The work product not only meets the requirements of the project but also goes above and beyond the scope of work.
89 to 80 = B+, B, -B-, Above Average
Student completes all requirements as provided by the instructor. Student is well prepared for every class, with daily assignments as requested by the instructor and participates in class discussions. Written work demonstrates good craft with acceptable attention to detail.
79 to 70 = C+, C, -C-, Average
Student completes all requirements as provided by the instructor. The work products reflect basic comprehension of class objectives and work is completed to meet requirements only. Student is prepared for most class sessions with assignments as requested by the instructor.
69 to 60 = D+, D, -D-, Poor
Student does not complete all requirements as provided by the instructor. The work products fail to reflect basic class principles and demonstrate lack of comprehension of course material. Student is often ill-prepared for class sessions. Written work and assignments are incomplete, poorly crafted and show a lack of attention to detail.
59 to 0 F, Failing
Student completes a small portion of requirements as provided by the instructor. The work products fail to reflect basic class principles and demonstrate lack of comprehension of course material. Student is generally ill-prepared for class sessions. Written work and assignments are incomplete, poorly crafted and show a lack of attention to detail.
Student Academic Rights and Responsibilities:
Every student is expected to be thoroughly familiar with the University's Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities and Student Conduct which can be found in the General Information section of the Undergraduate Catalog.
Along with preparing for and attending class, each student has the responsibility of promoting high academic standards. Students are expected to cooperate in all classes with the instructor to achieve an optimal learning environment. The College of Arts and Sciences does not tolerate cheating, fabrication, falsification, multiple submission, plagiarism, or complicity in academic dishonesty. The College of Arts and Sciences has a statement of academic discipline for action against students who cheat or plagiarize.
University Policy on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment:
The University of Louisville strives to maintain the campus free of all forms of illegal discrimination as a place of work and study for faculty, staff, and students.Sexual harassment is unacceptable and unlawful conduct and will not be tolerated in the workplace and the educational environment.
If an individual is shown to have violated the sexual harassment policy, the individual will be subject, depending upon the seriousness of the violation, to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment or expulsion from the University.
Policy on Instructional Modifications or accommodations:
I encourage students who have a disability or other educational, physical or mental limitations or conditions which may impair their ability to complete assignments or otherwise satisfy course criteria to meet with me to identify, discuss and document any feasible instructional modifications or accommodations. Please notify me no later than the end of the second week of the semester or no later that the end of the second week after you get diagnosed with a disability or condition, whichever occurs first. You may contact the Disabilities Resource Center for information and auxiliary aid.
The University of Louisville is committed to providing access to programs and services for qualified students with disabilities. If you are a student with a disability and require accommodation to participate in and complete requirements for this class, contact the Disability Resource Center (Tobbins A Hall 852-6938) for verification of eligibility and determination of specific accommodations.
Title IX Clery Act Notification
Sexual misconduct (including sexual harassment, sexual assault, and any other nonconsensual behavior of a sexual nature) and sex discrimination violate University policies. Students experiencing such behavior may obtain confidential support from the PEACC Program (852-2663), Counseling Center (852-6585), and Campus Health Services (852-6479). To report sexual misconduct or sex discrimination, contact the Dean of Students (852-5787) or University of Louisville Police (852-6111).
Disclosure to University faculty or instructors of sexual misconduct, domestic violence, dating violence, or sex discrimination occurring on campus, in a University-sponsored program, or involving a campus visitor or University student or employee (whether current or former) is not confidential under Title IX. Faculty and instructors must forward such reports, including names and circumstances, to the University’s Title IX officer.
For more information, see the Sexual Misconduct Resource Guide
(http:louisville.edu/hr/employee/relationssexual-misconduct-brochure).
Policy on Mobile devices:
You cannot text, e-mail, im, connect to a social network or browse the internet in class. On a first offense, you will receive a warning. Second incidents will merit further consequences that will include confiscating devices and conflict resolutions sessions with the Dept. chair. I will also deduct points (up to 80%) of your overall class participation grade.
Note: The instructor reserves the right to make changes in the syllabus when necessary to meet learning objectives, to compensate for missed classes, or for similar reasons.