SYLLABUS FOR HISTORY 4362 FORMERLY HISTORY 4353 THE HISTORY OF MEXICAN CULTURE FALL, 2015

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1 SYLLABUS FOR HISTORY 4362 FORMERLY HISTORY 4353 THE HISTORY OF MEXICAN CULTURE FALL, 2015 Professor: Office: Dr. Irving W. Levinson ARHU 344B Office hours: Monday and Wednesday: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone: via Blackboard or to Objective: In our course, we will study Mexican culture from its emergence in the societies of pre-conquest Mexico and Spain through the colonial, national, and modern periods. This effort will include aspects of Mexican architecture, cinema, dress, food, literature, painting, religion, film, and social structure. By the end of the course, you will have shown your ability to: Analyze a historical argument and identify the thesis in a historical work (examinations and classroom discussions). Demonstrate an understanding of how bias and points of view influence the historical record (examinations and classroom discussion) Use primary and secondary sources to develop an argument (examinations and classroom discussion) Demonstrate knowledge of proper periodization and the characteristics of multiple areas of Mexican culture and be able to make comparisons between periods, areas, and events (examinations and classroom discussions). Demonstrate the ability to present orally and in written form important historical concepts, debates, and differing historical interpretations (class discussions and examinations). 1

2 A Historiographic Note: Historiography is the study of how we study history. In teaching Mexican culture, I first need to offer a definition of culture. All too often, that word is identified only with art hung on a museum wall. Such art represents only one aspect of a culture. Instead, I suggest that culture is the integrated system of socially acquired values, beliefs, and rules of conduct which delimit the range of accepted behaviors in any given society. 1 Using this definition, the family structure and religious practices of a society are part of the culture, as are paintings on the side of Maya a pyramid or on the walls of a barrio building or in the National Museum of Art in Mexico City. Required Books The two books required for this course include: Carlos Fuentes The Buried Mirror: Reflections on Spain and the New World. This book presents the perspectives of one of the most gifted Mexican authors of modern times on broader themes of identity and character. His perceptive work remains essential for any study of Mexican culture and its relationship to the larger world. The many beautiful illustrations make this a book to keep long after the course has ended. Carlos Fuentes The Eagle s Throne is the last novel he finished before his death in I am assigning this novel for two reasons. First, this story provides a nuanced picture of modern Mexican political and social life in a very readable and pleasant form. Also, I want each student to read a first-rate Mexican novel before completing the class. Both books may be ordered on line or are available from the university bookstore. Online Readings: To cover a truly broad selection of topics for our class, I selected some additional materials. These are available to you through the class Blackboard web site. Methodology and Grading Given both the comparatively small enrollment of our class and the advanced academic standing of its members, your active participation is expected and welcome. To obtain the greatest benefit from the time that you spend in class, please complete the assigned readings in a timely manner. Your grade will be based on the following: First examination 20% Midterm examination 40% Final examination 40% 2

3 Examinations will consist of a single broad essay question that will be given to you one week prior to the date your answer is due. During that time, you are to work on your response at home and may do so using your notes and texts. I do this to ensure that your answer fully reflects your understanding of the material. Consequently, I expect you to write a very comprehensive response integrating all relevant readings and lectures. The minimum length is 1,500 words and the maximum length is 2,500 words. Your test answer must be submitted in double-spaced twelve point font. Written papers will not be accepted. All assignments are graded on the following 100-point scale: A B C D F 90 to 100 points 80 to 89 points 70 to 79 points 60 to 69 points 0 to 59 points While points are not deducted for poor writing, I nonetheless will note such errors. The ability to write clear and effective prose remains a hallmark of an educated person. Everyone benefits from doing more writing. Examinations submitted after the date listed in the syllabus will be penalized at a rate of five points per day except in case of extenuating circumstances such as medical emergencies. Attendance Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and may be dropped from the course for excessive absences. UTRGV s attendance policy excuses students from attending class if they are participating in officially sponsored university activities, such as athletics; for observance of religious holy days; or for military service. Students should contact the instructor in advance of the excused absence and arrange to make up missed work or examinations. Class Schedule and Assignments August 30st Introductions, geography, and a theoretical framework Readings: Buried Mirror: pages 1 to 32 September 7th September 7 th Labor Day Holiday September 9 th - The Indigenous Heritage Readings: Buried Mirror: pages 93 to 118 September 14 th September 14 th Class will not meet September 16 th - The Spanish Heritage Readings: Buried Mirror: pages 33 to 92 Birth of the Mestizaje 3

4 September 21st Readings: Buried Mirror: pages 119 to 150 The Problem of National Culture September 28th Colonial Culture and Literature Readings: Buried Mirror: pages 151 to 232 Selections from the writings of Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz October 5th The Lives of the People Independence, Continuity, and Political Political Culture Readings: Buried Mirror: pages 249 to 276 A Mexican Elite Family and Positively Disastrous First essay distributed on October 5th October 12th The Paintings on the Wall, the Food on the Table, and the Music in the Air First essay due on October 12th October 19th October 26th November 7 th Society and Social Changes during the National Period Readings: Buried Mirror: pages 277 to 298 Empire and Revolution The Culture of the Mexican Revolution Readings: The Constitution of 1917 Mary Kay Vaughan s, Sex in Revolution: Gender, Politics, and Power in Modern Mexico The Mexican Cinema Home Movie Viewing: El Compadre Mendoza (issued in 1934) - You tube: El Compadre Mendoza (1:21:29) Presunto Culpable You Tube: pelicula completa 1:28:18 November 9th Social Structure and Political Culture after the Mexican Revolution Readings: Rubén Jaramillo s Struggles 4

5 Second essay distributed on November 11 th of a Campesino Leader and selections from Elena Poniatowksa November 16th Religious and Political Cultures of Mexico Readings: Eagle s Throne: Start reading The Student Movement of 1968 and Mexico s Hidden Revolution Second essay due on November 16th November 23rd November 30th Modern Mexican Music Reading: Eagle s Throne: Continue Reading Border Culture and Mexican-American Culture Readings: Américo Paredes Folklore and Culture on the Texas-Mexican Border Movie: My Family December 7th Literature, Continuity, and Faith Readings: Buried Mirror: pages 300 to 340 Eagle s Throne: Continue reading Final essay distributed on December 9th Final essay due on December 17th from 1:15 to 3:00 p.m. Academic Integrity An essential feature of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley is a commitment to maintain an atmosphere of intellectual integrity and academic honesty. As a student of the University, you may not knowingly give nor receive any inappropriate assistance in academic work. To be specific Any member of this class who uses the intellectual property or product of someone else without giving proper credit will lose all points for the work in question and will be reported to the proper administrative authorities for disciplinary action that may include suspension or expulsion from the university. You have designated rights in such proceedings. 5

6 The term proper credit means that when you place in your paper a sentence or more of someone else s writing, you must place that prose in quotation marks and cite your source in a footnote, endnote, or parentheses. Students with Disabilities: If you have a documented disability (physical, psychological, learning, or other disability which affects your academic performance) and would like to receive academic accommodations, please inform your instructor and contact Student Accessibility Services to schedule an appointment to initiate services. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment with Student Accessibility Services before classes start. However, accommodations can be provided at any time. Brownsville Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in Cortez Hall Room 129 and can be contacted by phone at (956) (Voice) or via at accessibility@utrgv.edu. Edinburg Campus: Student Accessibility Services is located in 108 University Center and can be contacted by phone at (956) (Voice), (956) (Fax), or via at accessibility@utrgv.edu. Mandatory Course Evaluation Period: Students are required to complete an ONLINE evaluation of this course, accessed through your UTRGV account ( you will be contacted through with further instructions. Online evaluations will be available Nov. 18 Dec. 9, Students who complete their evaluations will have priority access to their grades. Sexual Harassment, Discrimination and Violence: In accordance with UT System regulations, your instructor is a responsible employee for reporting purposes under Title IX regulations and so must report any instance, occurring during a student s time in college, of sexual assault, stalking, dating violence, domestic violence, or sexual harassment about which she/he becomes aware during this course through writing, discussion, or personal disclosure. More information can be found at including confidential resources available on campus. The faculty and staff of UTRGV actively strive to provide a learning, working, and living environment that promotes personal integrity, civility, and mutual respect in an environment free from sexual misconduct and discrimination. Course Drops: According to UTRGV policy, students may drop any class without penalty earning a grade of DR until the official drop date. Following that date, students must be assigned a letter grade and can no longer drop the class. Students considering dropping the class should be aware of the 3- peat rule and the 6-drop rule so they can recognize how dropped classes may affect their academic success. The 6-drop rule refers to Texas law that dictates that undergraduate students may not drop more than six courses during their undergraduate career. Courses dropped at other Texas public higher education institutions will count toward the six-course drop limit. The 3-peat rule refers to additional fees charged to students who take the same class for the third time. 6

7 Other Student Responsibilities In the classroom, we tie together the various readings to gain an overall perspective and deepen our understanding of issues through discussion. By not attending, you deprive yourself of a learning experience and weaken you capacity to write an excellent exam. Both instructor and students require concentration in order to do their best work. Consequently, tardy arrivals and early departures represent a disservice to one and all. Do not engage in either practice. Similarly, the use of cell phones in class as well as the consumption of food detract from the decorum and efficiency of our efforts and are prohibited. Finally, remember that the great Socrates considered the exchange of questions and answers between student and instructor to be the best form of education. If you have questions, ask them. If you doubt the validity of an interpretation, then say so. To sit in a class for a semester and not once pose a question is to miss an opportunity. Changes Although I do not anticipate any changes in the schedule of reading assignments and lectures listed in this syllabus, the discussion of some subjects may require slightly more or slightly less time than originally planned. If I consequently decide to make any changes in our schedule, I will make all reasonable efforts to notify you in advance of the change. A Final Note University policy requires all electronic communication between the University and students be conducted through the official University supplied systems. 1 Chernow, Barbara A. and Vallasi, George A, editors, The Columbia Desk Encyclopedia, Fifth Edition, (New York City) Columbia University Press, 1975, page 696 7