FRS 002O —
Sec. 001 —
(2 units) — CRN 45510 — T 10:00-11:50am — 2116 Hart
Latina Identities: Testimonio and Narrative
Instructor: Yvette Flores-Ortiz, Department of Chicana/o
Studies, College
of Letters and Science
Description: The formation of Latinidad, the complex
integration of Latina identities, will be examined through reading of the text
Latina Feminist Testimonios (co-edited by the instructor and 11 other
Latina scholars) and through viewing of films (Luminarias, Real Women
Have Curves,
Like Water for Chocolate, Frida) that address the cultural, social, and gender
influences on the formation of identity among U.S. Latinas. The students will
learn interviewing skills, the oral tradition of testimoniar, and the
place of oral histories in feminist and ethnic scholarship. The students will
be exposed to digital and print testimonios and choose a method for
their project
based on readings and discussions. Final Paper or project: Students may develop
a testimonio, in written form, of a Latina they have chosen to
interview (guidelines
will be provided), or create a digital story (utilizing multimedia: powerpoint,
music, segments of video) if they prefer (guidelines and assistance
in development
of the project will be provided by instructor) or do a video project,
which requires
knowledge of use of a camcorder to record the interview, the setting,
or location
the student chooses to highlight in the story (guidelines will be
provided). Student
use of technology is encouraged but not required. Minimal knowledge of computer
use will be sufficient.
Format: Class will meet for 2 hours and consist of student led
discussion of the readings and the films viewed during the quarter.
Students are
required to view 3 films (from a selection chosen by the instructor) outside of
class time; also students are required to work in groups outside of
class to complete
their course project. Grading: Oral testimony
(50 points)
25% of the grade; Class participation- leading a discussion (25 points) 20% of
the grade; Final paper or project- digital story, write-up of
testimonio
obtained, video project (100 points) 55% of the grade.
About the Instructor: Professor Flores is a clinical
psychologist,
Latino Studies scholar and creative writer. Her research focuses on
Latina/o health
issues (intimate partner violence, substance abuse, HIV prevention)
and the impact
of migration on families and children. Her writings highlight feminist issues
in health and mental health. This seminar centers on issues of
identity, diaspora,
and health as described in the co-edited anthology “Telling to
Live: Latina
Feminist Testimonios”. Through the narratives of Latina
academics and cultural
workers, seminar participants will explore broader issues of
education, diaspora,
anguish and joy.