1 HIST 4382 001 Borderlands/Transnational History and Culture Fall 2010 Holden Hall, Rm. 126; MWF 9:00-9:50 Dr. Miguel A. Levario, PhD Office: Holden Hall, rm. 138 Office Hours: Tuesdays, 11-12; Thursdays, 9:00-11:00am or by appointment Email: miguel.levario@ttu.edu Class Website: Blackboard Course Description This course is a thematically based course designed to explore the questions stemming from historical process and analysis of the global borderlands that is, a kind of spaces characterized by particularly rich and conflictual human interaction. This course will venture into various realities of the border that include cultural, economic, and political circumstances and contexts. Borders are defined both politically and legally; however, they are also somewhat abstract as they are physical, etched into the landscape: a river, a freeway, a wall. Borders are permeable and transgressed despite vigilant monitoring and enforcement; people migrate past them; goods are exchanged (or smuggled) over them. This seminar will seek to provide a general understanding of the scholarship and theoretical foundation of borderlands history. The focus will be primarily the U.S.- Mexico borderlands; however, the concepts, themes, and topics discussed can and will be attributed to other parts of the globe. The objective of this course is to help you research and produce a written study of approximately 15-20 pages based on primary and secondary sources. Throughout the semester, you will learn the process of historical research and the process of writing, editing and organizing your research into a coherent thesis argument. The course will require your attendance and full participation in discussion and readings outlined in the reading schedule. The readings selected provide a brief but adequate overview of significant scholarship regarding borderlands history and its definition. Once you have acquired the basic idea of the concepts and arguments, you will proceed with your independent pursuit of researching, writing, and completing your research paper. You will be required to meet with the professor periodically (dates outlined in Reading Schedule) for an evaluation of your progress towards writing the research paper. Learning Outcomes and Assessments: 1. Have a general understanding of the theoretical and practical definition of borderlands. Method: assigned readings, in-class lectures, in-class discussion, essay exams, extensive research paper, conference-style presentations.
2 2. Understand the political, economic, and cultural contexts of borderland regions, especially the U.S.-Mexico region. Method: assigned readings, in-class lectures, in-class discussion, essay exams, extensive research paper, conference-style presentations. 3. Identify the social and cultural independence of the borderlands and how it is unique to centers of authority and power. Method: assigned readings, in-class lectures, in-class discussion, essay exams, extensive research paper, conference-style presentations. 4. Develop, state, and support a clear thesis/argument that is reflective of the course content. Method: assigned readings, in-class lectures, in-class discussion, essay exams, extensive research paper, conference-style presentations. 5. Familiarize themselves with the research process, standardized formatting, the Chicago Manual of Style for academic writing and research. Method: extensive research paper, scheduled meetings with professor discussing the individual research Required Texts 1. David D. Romo, Ringside Seat to a Revolution (El Paso: Cinco Puntos Press, 2005) ISBN: 978-0938317913 2. Oscar J. Martínez, Troublesome Border (Tucson: University of Arizona Press, 2006) ISBN: 978-0816525577 3. Hastings Donnan & Thomas M. Wilson, Border Identities: Nation and State at International Frontiers (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1998) 4. Andrés Reséndez, Changing National Identities at the Frontier: Texas and New Mexico, 1800-1850 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2004) ISBN: 9780521543194 5. Eithne Luibheid, Entry Denied: Controlling Sexuality at the Border (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2002) ISBN: 978-0816638048 6. Peter Andreas, Border Games: Policing the U.S.-Mexico Divide (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 2001) ISBN: 978-0801487569 7. Mary Lynn Rampolla, A Pocket Guide to Writing in History, 6 th ed., (New York: Bedford/St. Martin s Press, 2010) ISBN: 9780312535032
3 Articles and Chapters from other texts will be made available via e-reserve on the University Library website: http://library.ttu.edu/ul/ or provided by the professor Research Topics You may choose nearly any topic within the areas of immigration history, border militarization, vigilantism, global border structures, shared water rights, or any relevant topic under the great theme of transnationalism or borderlands. In choosing your topics you should consider both what interests you as well as what kind of primary sources are readily available. Course Grade Our seminar sessions will revolve around group discussion and (supportive) critique of the readings selected for the course. Each student will be expected to complete exams, attend each class session and appointment with professor, and, of course, submit the final research paper (15-20 pages). Your overall grade will be computed as follows: Exams (20%), Prospectus 2 pages (15%), mini draft 4-6 pages (20%), Thesis paper 15-20 pages (35%), and Attendance (10%). A. Examinations All timed exams will be essay-based examinations. Material will be drawn from lectures, films, texts, articles, and all other supplemental information provided in class and/or introduced throughout the course of the class. Exam Make-up Policy: Make-ups will only be permitted under excused circumstances (medical emergency, family emergency, etc.) You will need to present official documentation stating your circumstance. Make-up exams will be given by the instructor at the most immediate date available. (See explanation below) B. Attendance Attendance is required and necessary. Class attendance and individual appointments with the professor and writing partner will be counted in the overall grade. Minimum requirements for writing consultations with the professor and subsequent meetings will be set by the professor and outlined in the class schedule. - Absence and tardy policy if excessive or unexcused absences or tardiness exceeds the permitted 1 unexcused absence or more than 3 recorded acts of tardiness (more than 10 minutes late to class) a point will be deducted for each absence or tardiness that exceeds the limit (Attendance grade = 10 pts; each class day missed and tardy will result in a point deduction). The ONLY absences that are excused are as follows and extended absences (4 days or longer) need to be supported by a notification from the Center for Campus Life:
4 1) Absences for a University-approved field trip or activity. A letter must be provided. 2) Absences for a death or serious injury in the immediate family (provide obituary or documentation) 3) Absences resulting from personal illness which are documented (signed note) by a physician or accompanied by a hospital receipt. 4) Absences resulting from extenuating circumstances not covered above, but discussed with the professor PRIOR to the absence 5) Absences to observe religious holidays (Must notify professor within the first two days of class and provide a notification from the Center for Campus Life office http://www.depts.ttu.edu/centerforcampuslife/ or the Student Catalog (http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/2008-2009catalog.pdf) ****Note: Any excused absence should be verified by The Center for Campus Life - Illness and Death Notification: The Center for Campus Life is responsible for notifying the campus community of student illnesses, immediate family deaths and/or student death. Generally, in cases of student illness or immediate family deaths, the notification to the appropriate campus community members occur when a student is absent from class for four (4) consecutive days with appropriate verification. It is always the student s responsibility for missed class assignments and/or course work during their absence. The student is encouraged to contact the faculty member immediately regarding the absences and to provide verification afterwards. The notification from the Center for Campus Life does not excuse a student from class, assignments, and/or any other course requirements. The notification is provided as a courtesy. C. Research Paper The student is required to submit a final research paper during the final week of the term. Throughout the term you will be committed to the research and writing process by developing and submitting a prospectus and mini-draft prior to the submission of a final product. The prospectus is a preliminary statement for a paper. It has two purposes - first, to get you to think about your paper and develop a timeline and plan for development, and second, to let me see what you have in mind so I can help you develop the argument/thesis you want to pose, and direct you to some resources. A mini-draft is the initial process of presenting your material and organizing your argument and supporting details. The objective of the assignment is to familiarize the student with formatting, organization, clarification, and direction of his/her material and argument.
5 You will be required to adhere to the Chicago Manual of Style for formatting, bibliography, footnoting, etc. for the final submission of your paper. Incompletes will only be given in a medical emergency and doctor s notice verifying such an emergency. EXTRA CREDIT: There is no extra credit for this class. EXPECTATION OF STUDENTS: You are expected to come to class prepared by reading and doing relevant assignments prior to class. You are expected and encouraged to ask questions in class, be in class on time, and be prepared to discuss assigned topics. All assignments must be completed for a passing grade. Work turned in late will not be accepted unless excused (see approved University excuses below). Academic Integrity Academic Integrity. It is the aim of the faculty of Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt of students to present as their own any work that they have not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension. For more on the university s policy and a list of cheating examples please consult the Student Handbook/Catalog, p. 51 or O.P. 34.12 http://www.depts.ttu.edu/officialpublications/pdfs/2008-2009catalog.pdf Civility in the Classroom: Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment that is conducive to learning. In order to assure that all students have the opportunity to gain from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor; students are prohibited from engaging in any other form of distraction. Inappropriate behavior in the classroom shall result, minimally, in a request to leave class. Students are prohibited from using cellphones/smartphones/pdas during class. This includes text messaging, IM (instant messaging), internet browsing, gaming, etc. during class. If you are using a laptop in class you are also prohibited from IM, email, internet browsing that is not pertinent to classroom instruction. Any outburst or behavior deemed disruptive by the professor will be immediately addressed. For more information on Civility in the Classroom and a list of examples of disruptive behavior see: http://www.depts.ttu.edu/studentaffairs/vpsa/publications/civility2002.pdf Students with Disabilities: Any student who, because of a disability, may require special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make any necessary arrangements. Students should present appropriate verification from the Student Disability Services during the instructor s office hours. Please note instructors
6 are not allowed to provide classroom accommodations to a student until appropriate verification from Student Disability Services has been provided. For additional information, you may contact the Student Disability Services office at 335 West Hall, (806) 742-2405, or www.studentaffairs.ttu.edu/sds August Calendar of Assignments, Deadlines, and Student/Professor Meetings * Border Theory and Place 27: Introduction and film, 30: Born in East L.A. Email instructor discussion questions and thoughts September 1: Continue with film and address discussion questions and points from Blackboard 3: Discussion of David J. Weber, Foreword Continental Crossroads; Sameul Truett and Elliot Young, Introduction: Making Transnational History: Nations, Regions, and Borderlands, Continental Crossroads, 1-23; Bobby Byrd, Introduction Puro Border: Dispatches, Snapshots & Graffiti from La Frontera, pp. 9-15; María Jiménez, War in the Borderlands, North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA) Report on the Americas (July, 1992), pp. 29-33; Paredes With His Pistol in His Hand, Chapter I: The Country. 8: Richard Griswold del Castillo s The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo: A Legacy of Conflict. Chapters 1 and 3, and part of Chapter 4 Boundary Disputes. Industrial Frontiers and Social Divisions 10: Discuss Andrés Reséndez s Changing Identities, Chapters intro, 1, 2 13: Continue with Changing Identities, Chapters 5, 8, and 9 15: Begin discussion on David Montejano s Anglos and Mexicans in the Making of Texas, 1836-1986, Chapter 2 The Rivalship of Peace 17: Begin reading Oscar Martinez s Troublesome Border, introduction, Chapter 1 Whither the Boundary?, Chapter 2, Marked Frontier, and Chapter 5 Norteños and Fronterizos
7 17: Cont. Oscar Martínez s Troublesome Border; Prospectus is Due 20: Samuel Truett chapters: 3 Industrial Frontiers, 5 Transnational Passages, 22: Exam 1 24: Film, Border Bandits Border Conflict, Politics, and Race in the Early 20 th century 27: Julian Samora s Gunpowder Justice. Chapters 1, 4-5 29: Charles H. Harris and Louis R. Sadler s The Texas Rangers and the Mexican Revolution. Chapter 4 Enforcing Neutrality, and Chapter 8 Plan de San Diego October 1: The Mexican Revolution, Race, and Diplomatic Problems; 4: Border Conflict, cont. 6: Gerlad Horne, Black & Brown, Chapters 1& 2, and 7 8: David Romo, Ringside Seat to a Revolution, Chapters Prologue (pp. 1-14); Journalists, Radicals, and a Saint (pp. 15-44), The Revolution as Spectacle (pp. 77-112); A City Divided, (pp. 193-222) 11-12: University Holiday 13: Becoming American: Chinese American Experience 15: Gerald Horne, Introduction, Chapters 1 & 2 18: EXAM II 20: Prohibition and Smuggling; Law Enforcement, Policy and Citizenship 22: The Bath Riots: Revolt of the Mexican Amazons at the Santa Fe Bridge, (pp. 223-244), Public Health, Stigmatization. 25: Elaine Luibheid, Entry Denied, Chapters Introduction, 1, 2;
8 27: Luibheid, Chapters 3-5, Conclusion; mini-drafts Due for Research Papers Militarization of the Border 29: Peter Andreas, Border Games, Chapters, preface, 1 and 3 November 1: Border Games, Chapters 4, 6-7 3: View film, Crossing Arizona. 5: Guest Lecture by Dr. Rodolfo Rocha, University of Texas, Pan American 8: Class discussion of film and selected readings; Cont. selected readings on Operation Gatekeeper 10: EXAM III Global Borderlands and the Human Landscape 12: Thomas M. Wilson and Hastings Donnan, Border Identities (selected chapters) 15: continue with discussion on Wilson and Donnan; 17: Victor Konrad, The Subtle Invasion: Canadian Cultural Transfers to the United States, pp. 138-158; Niles Hansen, Border Region Development and Cooperation: Western Europe and the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands Comparative Perspective, Across Boundaries: Transborder Interaction in Comparative Perspective, pp. 31-44; 19: European Union, Pieter Judsen, Guardians of the Nation, Chapter 1 (handout); other selected readings. 22: NAFTA, NAFTA & Political Economy of Immigration, by Collin Harris and other selected readings. 24-28: Thanksgiving Holiday Border Culture
9 29: Alexander C. Diener and Joshua Hagen, Borderlines and Borderlands: Political Oddities at the Edge of the Nation-State, Introduction, Chapter 11, and Conclusion (handouts) December 1: Discuss film and Coco Fusco s English is Broken (selected chapters) 3: Culture Clash 6: Exam IV 8: Final Thoughts, Class discussion, or writing day 10: Final Research Project Due *This calendar is tentative and subject to change.