CCS 350B Schedule # 20594
Chicana and Chicano History
(1800-1940s)
Chicana and Chicano Studies Department
FALL 2015
12:30-1:45 TTH
Classroom: PSFA-300
Professor Pantoja M.A.
Office: Arts and Letters # 392
Office phone number: 619-594-6641
Office hours: T & TH 2:00- 2:30 p.m. or by appointment
Email: gregoriopantoja@hotmail.com
Course Description: This course addresses the history of the region that today constitutes Mexico and the
southwestern United States. Mexican independence from Spain, and the events leading up to the Mexican
American war of 1848: Chicana and Chicano contributions; the multilingual and multicultural Southwest.
Emphasis is placed on social stratification based on class, race, and gender
The class addresses not only “what happened” but how history itself is written. Through four class
discussions (the Alamo, Mexico & U.S. Relations, Nonexistence of Mexicans within U.S. law, and Mexican
Women historically & during Wartime Defense Work) where students will learn how the writing of history
often reflects the sources available as well as the political and social concerns of historians.
Student Learning Outcomes:
-Be able to differentiate between primary and secondary sources
-Become familiar with traditional qualitative historical research methods
-Be able to use the internet as a tool in historical research
-Become familiar with major controversies in the field of Mexico & U.S. history
-Be able to critically evaluate different perspectives on the U.S. expansion west and reach their own conclusion
-Describe at least three reasons for the loss of Mexican territory
-Assess the roles of Mexican & Chicana women in Mexico and U.S. history
-Understand the concept of gender and how it developed historically.
-Know basic information about U.S and Mexico cultural and political relations, and describe how Manifest
Destiny was a core aspect
-Understand what daily life was like for men and women of different class and racial backgrounds in Mexico,
California, and the U.S.
-Describe the Spot Resolutions
-Describe how U.S. laws were used against U.S citizens who were of Mexican Ancestry & how the implications
can be seen today
-Describe social, economic, and patriotic roles of Mexican & Chicana women during U.S. wartime era
-Understand origins of Cinco de Mayo, Mexican & American common history within this event
-Examine Cinco de Mayo in present day, and put forward ideas of how this celebration can assist in improving
cultural understanding.
-Describe at least three ways in which contemporary Chicana/o historians draw on nineteenth and twentieth
century Mexican and U.S. history
-Describe at least three ways in which contemporary Mexicans are affected by events that took place between
1800 and 1960’s.
Required Texts, will be read intensively: Prices range from $15 - $45 each
Texts and other materials can be located at Aztec Shops, or https://www.shopaztecs.com/
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1. Married To A Daughter Of The Land: Spanish-Mexican Women And Interethnic Marriage In California,
1820-80. Casas, Maria Raquel. · University of Nevada, Las Vegas · 2007
2. El Cinco de Mayo: An American Tradition. David E. Hayes-Bautista · University of California Press · 2012
3. From Coveralls to Zoot Suits: The Lives of Mexican American Women on the World War II Home Front.
Escobedo, Elizabeth. · The University of North Carolina Press · 2013
Assignments:
5 quizzes
(100 points each x 5 quizzes = 500 points)
1 in-class film notes
(100 points)
1 in-class Midterm exam
(200 points)
1 in-class Final exam
(200 points)
NOTE: Please keep hard copies of all your papers.
Quizzes
You will take five multiple choice/true-false quizzes. Together the quizzes will be worth 50% of your final
grade.
Film Notes
You will be shown films/documentaries in class during the semester. You are responsible for taking notes
during the film, and later writing a reflective/thought essay on the film. In total you will have written 4 pages.
At the end of the course I will select one of the films, and you will then turn in your work.
How to write the film notes: You are responsible for hand writing at least 2 pages of notes during each
film/documentary, and hand writing at least 2 pages summarizing your thoughts & perspectives as homework.
You should have a total of 4 pages of 8.5”x 11”paper. Please follow the length guidelines. I WILL TAKE
POINTS OFF IF THE ESSAY IS UNDER THE REQUIRED PAGE LENGTH (25 % off for every half
page under the pages required in an assignment). Typed or printed notes/essay will lose 50% of points.
Exams
Exams will consist of essay questions. Exams will not be cumulative. You will be given an exam guide the
week before the exam. Questions on the exam will be based on the lectures, the films, the readings, and the
discussions. Nothing on the exams will come as a surprise. Moreover, exam questions will focus on
important issues and themes, not on minor ones. PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING 1-2 BLUE BOOKS TO
CLASS ON THE DAY OF THE EXAM. You can write with a pen or pencil but make sure you write legibly.
Grade Calculations:
-5 quizzes
-Film Notes
-Midterm Exam
-Final Exam
50% of final grade
10% of final grade
20% of final grade
20% of final grade
GRADE CALCULATIONS FOR EACH ASSIGNMENT:
93-100= A
73-77 = C
90-92 = A70-72 = C88-89 = B+
68-69 = D+
83-87 = B
63-67= D
80-82 = B60-62= D78-79 = C+
59 and below= F
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FINAL GRADE CALCULATIONS:
930-1000= A
730-779 = C
900-929 = A780-799 = C+
880-899 = B+
700-729 = C830-879 = B
680-699 = D+
800-829 = B630-679= D
600-629= D599 and below= F
SDSU Grading Policy:
A is for outstanding achievement, available only for the highest accomplishments
B is for praiseworthy performance, definitely above average
C is average, awarded for satisfactory performance, the most common undergraduate grade
D is minimally passing, less than the typical undergraduate achievement
F is failing
Extra credit
There is NO opportunity for extra credit.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is unethical and against school policy. Always cite your sources and place the words of others in
quotes. Do not turn in the same paper for two different classes. Do not recycle a paper from a previous class
(do recycle the paper, just not the words). A plagiarized paper or essay can result in an F for the class. This is
the site for the plagiarism tutorial and certificate.https://www.indiana.edu/~istd/definition.html
Policy for missed assignments and exams
Make up exams and tardy assignments are allowed only in cases of documented emergencies. Please let me
know if you are unable to turn in an assignment on time or if you are unable to take an exam on the scheduled
date.
Americans with Disabilities act/ADA Policy
SDSU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities to permit them to carry out
their educational responsibilities. If you need assistance please contact me or call Disabled Student Services at
619 594-6473, TDD 619 594-2929.
Syllabus change policy
The schedule and procedures in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances.
Cell phone policy
Please turn off (or mute) all cell phones and other electronic equipment during class.
Texting policy
If you are in dire need of texting, please do so outside the classroom. If I see you texting during class I will ask
you to step outside to continue texting.
Laptop policy
You are more than welcome to use a laptop in class. However, if you do use one, you must sit in the front row
during the entire class period. Moreover, I do ask that you please refrain from checking email and surfing the
internet during class. If I see you on the internet during class I will ask you to give an impromptu presentation
to your classmates on the subject you are engaged in.
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Blackboard
The syllabus, PowerPoint presentations, and the exam study guides will all be available on blackboard, go to
http://blackboard.sdsu.edu
Email addresses and email messages
Please make an effort to choose an email address that portrays you in a positive, professional manner. The best
addresses are those that have your first and last name only (not your birth date, your nickname, a physical
characteristic, or a special hobby). It is difficult to take unusual email addresses seriously. They are often
perceived to be spam and end up in my spam folder.
I will make an effort to respond to all emails in a timely manner. If the email is only informational, I might not
respond at all (an example is: “I will be late for class on Tuesday”). Do not take that personally. I receive
hundreds of work-related emails every week. If I responded to every single email, I would do nothing else all
week. If, on the other hand, the information you sent me in the email is important, do make sure you get a
response. If you do not get a response, it might mean that I never got your email.
Phone messages
I do not check the voice messages on my office answering machine. Please do not leave messages on my
answering machine. The best way to contact me is through email at gregoriopantoja@hotmail.com
Proper office hours etiquette
It is commonly understood that students should knock on a professor’s door before entering, whether or not they
have an appointment at that specific time. Please also knock on my door (even if the door is open) if you are
waiting to see me and I am with another student. If you simply wait silently in the corridor I might never know
you are waiting to see me.
Graded papers and exams
Please make an effort to pick up your graded essays and exams. I will bring them to class twice. If you are not
able to pick them up then, do stop by my office hours to pick them up.
Attendance
I will take attendance every period in an effort to memorize students’ names. Since this class meets only twice
a week, missing more than one class in the semester will surely have a negative impact on your grade.
Class participation
Class participation is very important. Please do the readings and come prepared to participate in the
discussions.
Student Responsibility
Students are responsible for knowing, and being familiar with all of San Diego State Universities’ rules, laws,
rights, penalties, fees, & etc. Not having read through all available information does not exempt you from
culpability. You can find all of S.D.S.U.’s policies online at, http://www.sdsu.edu/ .
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CLASS SCHEDULE
Date
Topics/Assigned Reading
Class Activities/Assignments
Week One: Introduction
T
8/25
Introduction
Class Introduction
Syllabus and Assignments Review
TH
8/27
Introduction
Class Introduction
Syllabus and Assignments Review
Week Two: Mexican Independence
T
9/1
TH
9/3
Lecture: Mexican
Independence I
Topic: Miguel Hidalgo & Mexican Independence
Discuss: Theology, philosophy, heresy
Topic: Miguel Hidalgo & Mexican Independence
Lecture: Mexican
Independence II
Discuss: Liberal ideology, & revolutionary
Week Three: The Alamo
T
9/8
Discussion Groups: The Alamo Topic: The Alamo
TH
9/10
Lecture: 1835 The Alamo
QUIZ #1 Mexican Independence
Topic: The Alamo
Film : The Alamo
Week Four: Cultural Opposites
T
9/15
TH
9/17
Lecture: Mexico & U.S.
Relations
Discussion Groups: Mexico &
U.S. Relations
Discuss: The Alamo
QUIZ #2 The Alamo
Topic: Mexico & U.S. Relations
Discuss: Cultural divides
Week Five: Texas & Mexican American War
T
9/22
TH
9/24
Lecture: 1836 Texas
Topic: Texas & Transcontinental Treaty
Adams-Onis Treaty 1819
Discuss: Where is the Border
Topic: Mexican American War
Dueling Documents: Address to Congress versus the Spot
Resolutions
Lecture: Mex-AmWar
Polk & Lincoln
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Week Six: Spanish Women & Class
T
9/29
TH
10/1
Read: Married to a Daughter of
the Land Chp: 1
Read: Married to a Daughter of
the Land Chp: 2
Topic: Spanish Women as Cultural Agents
Discuss: Cultural Consciousness of California
QUIZ #3 Married to a Daughter Chp 1
Topic: Class & Marriage Choices
Discuss: Society & Class
Week Seven: Romantic California
T
10/6
Read: Married to a Daughter of
the Land Chp: 3
Topic: Myth of Romantic California
Discuss: Marriage
Topic: Reckless Breed of Men
TH
10/8
Read: Married to a Daughter of
the Land Chp: 4
Study Guide will be handed out Discuss: Mexican women & the Legal System
for midterm exam
Film: Ramona
Week Eight: Interethnic Marriages
T
10/13
Read: Married to a Daughter of
the Land Chp: 5
TH
10/15
Discussion Groups: FergCadima, Black, White & Brown
pgs. 6-27
Topic: Post Mexican-American War Era
Discuss: Interethnic Marriages
Topic: Racial Repression in Treaty of Guadalupe
Discuss: Readings; Racial segregation and education
Week Nine: MIDTERM
T
10/20
TH
10/22
Pre Midterm
T
10/27
Read: El Cinco de Mayo
Chp: 1
Midterm Exam Review: Office Hours Available by appointment
MIDTERM EXAM
You are responsible for
bringing a LARGE blue book
that has no writing in it for
your midterm
Week Ten: Cinco de Mayo
Topic: Before the American Civil War
Discuss: Pre Civil War
QUIZ #4 El Cinco de Mayo Chp 1
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TH
10/29
Post Midterm: Office Hours Available by appointment
Post Midterm
Week Eleven: SPRING BREAK
T
11/3
TH
11/5
Post Midterm
T
11/10
Read: El Cinco de Mayo
Chp: 3
Read: El Cinco de Mayo
Chp: 2
Post Midterm: Office Hours Available by appointment
Topic: First Battle of Puebla 1862
Discuss: Battle of Puebla
Week Twelve: Cinco de Mayo
Topic: American Civil War & 2nd Battle of Puebla
Discuss: Civil War & Puebla
Topic: The Juntas Patrioticas
Discuss: Fiestas Patrias
QUIZ #5 El Cinco de Mayo Chp 4
Week Thirteen: Cinco de Mayo
TH
11/12
Read: El Cinco de Mayo
Chp: 4
T
11/17
Read: El Cinco de Mayo
Chp: 5
Film: Cinco de Mayo
Discuss: Topic Discussion
TH
11/19
Read: El Cinco de Mayo
Chp: 6
Film: Cinco de Mayo continued
Topic: Shaping & Reshaping the Cinco de Mayo
Discuss: Reflections & Future Remembrance
Week Fourteen: War Time
T
11/24
Read: Coveralls to Zuit Suits
Chp: 2
Topic: Mexican Women the Wartime state & Media
Discuss: Images & Mass Media
Topic: Mexican Women & Wartime Defense Work
TH
11/26
NO CLASS
Read: Coveralls to Zuit Suits
Chp: 3
Discuss: Mexican Women as American Heroes
Week Fifteen: Identity & La Chicana
T
12/1
Read: From Coveralls to Zuit
Topic: Mexican Women & the World of Wartime Leisure
Suits Chp: 4
Study Guide will be handed out Discuss: What was this leisure & what was it like
for final exam
TH
12/3
Read: From Coveralls to Zuit
Suits Chp: 5
Topic: Civil Rights & Post War
Discuss: The Chicana Identity
DUE : Film Notes
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Week Sixteen: Discussion & Review
T
12/8
TH
12/10
No Lecture
Final Exam Review: Office Hours Available by appointment
No Lecture
Fianl Exam Review: Office Hours Available by appointment
Week Seventeen: FINALS WEEK
Dec
17th
You are responsible for
bringing a LARGE blue book
that has no writing in it for
your Final Exam
FINAL EXAM IS Thursday, Dec. 17th 10:30-12:30 am
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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION:
Rules of engagement:
In our pursuit of serious scholarly inquiry we will engage controversial topics, concepts, methodologies, and
insights. It will be our collective responsibility to maintain an intellectually rigorous and respectful
environment. Thus, it is imperative that our interaction in class be thoughtful, courteous, and supportive of the
views, experiences, and expertise of others at all times. In order to maintain a convivial learning environment
we must agree:
-to give each person a chance to speak
-to listen to the person who is speaking
-to speak for oneself and one’s own experiences without dismissing the experiences of those who cannot speak
for themselves
-not to diminish, ridicule, or attack other participants, even if we disagree with what they said
-not to treat others differently based on what was said or discussed in class
-not to repeat what someone shares in class discussions outside of class without permission from that person or
the group
-not to diminish, ridicule, or attack the opinions or experiences of those who are in the United States without
government-issued documentation (see below)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(Adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948)
Article 1.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------This course does not deal with contemporary issues in the United States. However, the past informs the
present, and the present informs our views of the past. At some point during the semester, there could
potentially be a discussion on the presence of people living in the U.S. without government-issued
documentation. In the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, I ask that you avoid referring to
people as “illegals” and that we maintain, as a class, the utmost respect for the human dignity of those who seek
a better life for their families by doing tasks many of us would rather avoid. Those who harvest our food, take
care of our children, our sick, and our elderly, landscape our yards, build our homes, cook the food in the
restaurants we eat at, and clean our toilets, usually for very little pay, deserve our respect, not our contempt.
We are all humans, born free and equal in dignity…
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