DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL CULTURAL ASSIGNMENT
SPN 1120
Students will choose a topic that relates to Hispanic culture and will write a 2 – 3 page paper in English based on a cultural/socio-political theme that focuses on target culture in order to challenge personal assumptions. Each student may choose a topic or movie from this list or a different movie or topic that the student would prefer, with the approval of the professor. This needs to be something new to you. As part of the assignment a student must create a PowerPoint ( 4 – 6 slides) of the topic. Due date TBA in class– you may email it early.
Discussion topics:
Your writing assignment should integrate your reflections on the topics of your movie/topic into a comprehensive essay that reads coherently and smoothly. You need to email me a copy of your assignment which also includes PowerPoint slides
A bibliography is not required but a student needs to be ready to discuss their findings.
Students may choose other movies with the professor’s approval.
Here are some sample of topics to discuss:
El Norte (movie)
Immigration
Illegal immigration / Crossing the Border
Mexico
Mayan Indians / Guatemala
Family relations
Ethnic and political persecution
Evita (documentary)
Evita Duarte / Evita Perón
Argentina 1940’s
Argentinian politics and government
Political influence
Peronismo
Descamisados
Hispanics in the US
Race, ethnicity and social issues
“Melting pot”
US immigration laws
Social, political and economic impact
The Cuban Americans
Culture: Music, TV, sports, food, religion, traditions, memories of Cuba …
Castro: Political and social issues
Cultural Shock
Struggles in the US
Cubans in the US
Other Movies that might be of interest, available in CH 141 (lab) (Must research topics that would relate to Hispanic cultural/socio-political themes.
The Milagro Beanfield War (movie – Hispanics)
The Buena Vista Social Club (documentary – Cuba)
Libertad (movie – Cuba)
Bodas de Sangre (movie – Spain)
Don Quijote (movie) (2 versions – one 48 min. another 120 min.)
Pan’s Labyrinth (movie – Spain)
Yo Soy Boricua (movie – Puerto Rico)
Latin American Women Artists
In order to exceed the standard for this paper and PowerPoint the following criteria must be met:
· The paper must be neatly typed, double-spaced, 12 points regular font, one-inch margins, and 2 – 3 pages in length.
· It should be well organized, well written, easy to read and understand.
· Show strong evidence of reasoned reflection and depth.
· Provide excellent support for claims
· Very creative and original
· The above criteria also applies for the PowerPoint presentation
Grading Rubric: The following rubric will be used to evaluate your reflection paper.
| Grading Rubric | Exceeds Standards
2 points |
Meets Standards
1 point |
Unsatisfactory
0 points |
Score |
| 1. Format | Paper is neatly typed, double-spaced, 12 point regular font, one-inch margins, and 1 – 2 pages in length. | Paper is neatly typed, double-spaced, 12 point regular font, one-inch margins and shorter than 1 page in length. | Formatting rules ignored, shorter than 1 page. | |
| 2. Organization | Well-organized, well written, easy to read and understand. | Well-organized but “flow” could be improved. | Organization lacking and arguments difficult or impossible to follow. | |
| 3. Reflection | Shows strong evidence of reasoned reflection and depth. | Shows evidence of reasoned reflection. | Lacks reflection and depth. | |
| 4. Arguments | Provides excellent support for claims. | Provides some support for claims, but not detailed. | Relies solely on opinions or inappropriate sources. | |
| 5. Creativity | Very creative and
original. |
Exhibited some
originality and creativity. |
Lacked creativity. Very
ordinary and mundane. |
|
| Total |
