Topics in Ethnic Studies. May be repeated for credit with permission of advisor. Puerto Rico is a nation divided by history, since almost half of its population resides in the continental United States. This course will examine the literary works of contemporary Puerto Rican writers from the island and from the mainland in order to understand the dynamics behind these two cultural sectors. While issues of national identity, colonialism, and class and race conflicts characterize the narratives of insular authors such as Luis Rafael Sanchez, Rosario Ferre and Ana Lydia Vega, mainland writers like Tato Laviera, Victor Hernandez Cruz, and Nicholasa Mohr deal with life in El Barrio, biculturalism, bilingualism, and ethnicity.
Students have the option of reading Spanish texts either in the original or in English.
Evaluation will be based on written essays. Class format will be mostly discussion. This course will trace the history of major American technological developments during the period from the Revolutionary War to pre-World War II and examine the relationship between these technologies and their effects on American society and culture. The course will also explore the contrasting views and changing attitudes within this country regarding the role of technology in American society. No specific academic background is required and the participation of students from diverse academic disciplines is welcome.