Syllabus

Faith, Migration and Diasporas in Latin American Culture

HON 431-03, HON 441-03, HUM 400-01 & ML401-01
Spring 2018

Instructor: Dr. Manuel F. Medina
Office: 329B Bingham Humanities Building
E-mail: manuel.medina@louisville.edu
Phone number: 502-852-0501
Date/Time: T-R 11:00 - 12:15 pm.
Class room: Honors 204
Class website:
http://medina502.com/classes/faith_lac

Office Hours: T 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. and -R 1:00 - 1:50 p.m. and by appointment


Course Description:
The course analyzes the cultural production created by Diaspora and Migrant Latin American cultures within the context of faith and assimilation and adaptation regarding to faith. The students examine different cultural artifacts such as visual art (popular and high culture), literature, film, documentaries, websites, music, and mass media. The class concentrates on texts published since the mid-20th century but includes works published during colonial times. The introductory section will deal with pre-Columbian religions and it will trace their evolution and cultural adaptation through the centuries.


Pre-requisites:
Permission of the Director of the University Honors Program or instructor's consent.


Goals:

Objectives
Upon successful completion, the students will be able to accomplish the following tasks:

Required textbooks/films
Books:
(No available from the campus bookstores. Please order them from amazon.com or any other online or traditional bookstore)
Laub, Michel. Diary of the Fall. Translated by Margaret Jull Costa, London, Vintage Books, 2015.
García, Cristina. Dreaming in Cuban. New York: Knopf, 1992.


Films:
Available from the Ekstrom Library Access and User Services Desk (1st floor)
Camus, Marcel. Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro) (1959). New York: Criterion Collection, 1999.
Call number: DVD PN1997 .O64713 1999
Llosa, Claudia, director. Madeinusa. Film Movement, 2007.
Call number: DVD PN1997.2 .M337 2007
Film: Sayles, John. Men with Guns. 1997.Culver City, Calif. Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment, 2003. Call number: DVD PN1997 .M43445 2003
Trapero, Pablo. White Elephant.
Call number: DVD PN1997.2 .E392 2013


Additional materials:
And additional materials made available via the class website and Blackboard.


Grading Policy and Distribution

Grades are final and not negotiable
Submitting work: To get full credit, you must submit your homework or related assignments at the start of the class on the date stated in the assignment schedule.
If you turn it in late, (at any time after the beginning of class), I will deduct 50% of its original value.
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.
Exams and oral presentations are due on the previously assigned dates.


Grading policies: Assignments & Percentages

1. Class Participation & attendance: . . . . . . 15%
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 . . . . . . 15%
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. . . . . . 20%:
I have posted information in the class website.
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, 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, 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, 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, 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.

Deadlines:
1. Tuesday, February 6: Select a topic and notify Dr. Medina, via e-mail, of your selection.
2. Tuesday, March 6: Turn in your thesis statement, tentative title and bibliography
3. Tuesday, April 10: First draft due
4. Thursday, April 26: Final revised version due.


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.
Academic dishonesty is prohibited at the University of Louisville. It is a serious offense because it diminishes the quality of scholarship, makes accurate evaluation of student progress impossible, and defrauds those in society who must ultimately depend upon the knowledge and integrity of the institution and its students and faculty.


Student Sexual Misconduct Policy
The Student Sexual Misconduct Policy (http://louisville.edu/dos/students/studentpoliciesandprocedures/student-sexual-misconduct-policy/student-sexual-misconduct-policy-2017-2018) outlines options for a student who believes he/she may have been or currently is a victim of sexual misconduct by a student, university visitor or employee within the university community.
University Policy on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment:

Sexual Harassment
Statement provided by PEACC
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. Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment, even when carried out through computers or other electronic communications systems.
Students and Instructors are protected from Sexual Harassment according to the Affirmative Action policy, the Student Code of Conduct, and the UofL Computer Account Usage Agreement.
Anyone experiencing Sexual Harassment should refer to the links above and/or contact the PEACC Program at 852.2663 and an advocate will explain your choices. This is a free and confidential service.


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/employeerelations/sexual-misconduct-brochure).


Code of Student Conduct
The Dean of Students Office (DOS) meets with students to assess situations of possible non-academic misconduct as described in the Code of Student Conduct, (http://louisville.edu/dos/students/codeofconduct). The University's Code of Student Conduct is promulgated to give students general notice of non-academic prohibited conduct. The Code should be read broadly and is not designed to define non-academic misconduct in exhaustive terms. Students are responsible for adhering to the Code of Student Conduct and should familiarize themselves with the Code. In order to protect and preserve a quality educational environment for the campus community, the DOS offers education and support for students struggling with a crisis, concern or behavioral issues.

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 (852-6938) for verification of eligibility and determination of specific accommodations.
Religious Holy Days and Observances
Statement found on the Calendar and Policy on Religious Holy Days and Observance PDF
Federal law and university policy prohibit discrimination on the basis of religious belief. It is the policy of the University of Louisville to accommodate students, faculty, and staff who observe religious work-restricted holy days.
Students: Students who observe work-restricted religious holy days must be allowed to do so without jeopardizing their academic standing in any course. Faculty are obliged to accommodate students' request(s) for adjustments in course work on the grounds of religious observance, provided that the student(s) make such request(s) in writing during the first two (2) weeks of term.
Deans and department chairs must investigate and resolve student complaints arising from alleged faculty failure to make reasonable accommodations under these guidelines.
For more information, view the Calendar and Policy on Religious Holy Days and Observances.


Statement on Diversity
Statement provided by the Office of the Vice Provost for Diversity and Equal Opportunity
The University of Louisville strives to foster and sustain an environment of inclusiveness that empowers us all to achieve our highest potential without fear of prejudice or bias.
We commit ourselves to building an exemplary educational community that offers a nurturing and challenging intellectual climate, a respect for the spectrum of human diversity, and a genuine understanding of the many differences-including race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, national origin or military status-that enrich a vibrant metropolitan research university.
We expect every member of our academic family to embrace the underlying values of this vision and to demonstrate a strong commitment to attracting, retaining and supporting students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of our larger society.
For more information, visit the Office of Diversity.

Reading and Assignment Schedule

See Reading and Assignment Schedule page for a list of assignments and links to readings and additional materials.