Villanueva
Fall 2014
Essay #3: Comparative Analyses--Combining Fiction with Research-based Sources
Purpose:
Throughout the semester thus far, we have examined various narratives
that have focused on the multiple factors impacting identity formation. These factors
have included the intersections amongst race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class, culture,
language, academic background, ability, and resilience. The purpose of this third
assignment is to provide you with an opportunity to envision, plan, organize, and
compose an academic literary analysis that focuses on a novel as well as incorporates
several scholarly sources.
Required Readings/Sources:
-Skyhorse, B. Madonnas of Echo Park
-De la Loza, S. The Pocho Research Society Field Guide to L.A.: Monuments and Murals
of Erased and Invisible Histories
-Two Scholarly, Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles
-One photograph of a local monument or mural in your city of residence
Writing Task:
Your writing task for this in-class essay requires you to provide a
comparative analysis that examines the usefulness of literary theory, particularly New
Historicism and Cultural Studies. You will 1.) provide a basic overview of these theories
and 2.) apply them to elements of literature found in The Madonnas of Echo Park.
Furthermore, your comparative analysis will 3.) include discussion of researched material
provided by the Pocho Research Society as well as two additional academic works you
have located on your own from scholarly, peer-reviewed sources. Your writing task
centers around you creating your own question and answering it in the process of
preparing to write this essay.
Guidelines: The most important guideline is that you thoroughly follow the writing
task above and include all of the required readings/sources also listed above. I am asking
that you decide upon your own question for this essay because there is a vast array of
topics to choose from. Some topics that we have discussed and that you may choose
include:
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Mexican/Mexican American Identity in Los Angeles
Chavez Ravine
Zoot Suit Riots
La Virgen de Guadalupe
Black/Brown Relations in Los Angeles
Assimilation
Self-Hatred
Internalized Racism/Oppression
The American Dream as a Lie
Immigrant Lives in Los Angeles
Day Laborers
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Domestic Labor
Erased and Invisible Histories in Los Angeles
Interracial Relationships
Domestic Violence
Dysfunctional Families
Gangs
Imprisonment
Alcoholism/Drug Abuse
Identity as Connected to Geography—Space/Place
Contested Histories
Memory
Capitalism
Commodification
Gentrification
Cultural Appropriation
Pop Culture and Music
Majoritarian Stories and Counternarratives
Indigenous Peoples, Plants, and Places in Los Angeles
Guerilla Art
Grassroots Spaces
Other (must be presented to and discussed with professor in advance)
Format:
Because you will be writing this essay in class, it is imperative that you
adhere to all the due dates listed below. On the day of your in-class essay, please bring in
a large-size Blue Book. You may have your Works Cited completed in advance (typed).
Your essay should be between 7-9 paragraphs. Please skip lines, write legibly, include an
original title, and TRY YOUR BEST!!!!! Plan early and make a commitment to yourself
to do the best you can on this assignment. You have all you need to do this successfully;
however, you MUST honor the writing and research process and allow ample time for
preparation. You cannot wait until the last minute. Now is your time to shine! I know you
can do this!!!
Due Dates:
Essay Question
Essay Prep & Annotated Bibliography
In-class Essay
Thursday, 11/6
Thursday, 11/13
Tuesday, 11/18
*You may bring an outline and all your
sources, including your photograph.*
Please ask questions early!
stvillanueva@pasadena.edu