Course Description

Learn about global cultures by studying their literature and film. The course is taught in English, but you will gain the fresh, subtle understanding that comes from engaging with different forms of human expression across the Globe. The course will delve into the literature and film of a region and/or cultures in different parts of the world. Some of the themes that we will examine through the lens of literature and film are the creation and challenge of national, regional and individual identities, family life and how it changes, pivotal moments in history, economic issues, social changes and diversity.

   

GenEd

This course fulfills the World Society (GG) requirement for students under GenEd and International Studies (IS) forstudents under Core. Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed any of the following: Arabic 0868/0968, Asian Studies 0868, Chinese 0868/0968, English 0868/0968, French 0868/0968, German0868/0968, Hebrew 0868, Italian 0868/0968, Japanese 0868/0968, Jewish Studies 0868, Korean 0868, LAS 0868/0968, Political Science 0868/0968, Russian 0868/0968, or Spanish 0968.   

Course Learning Goals & Related Assessments

	Course Learning Goals	Corresponding Assessments to Measure Goal Achievement
1.	Understand the influences (e.g. political, social, historical, cultural, artistic, literary, geographic, economic) on world societies or processes (e.g. globalization) linking world societies	Students can choose a topic that addresses a specific political, social, or cultural issue in Latin America (e.g., impact of colonialism, the role of political movements in the 20th century, or globalization's effect on indigenous cultures). They will need to conduct research on the influences in the chosen context, incorporating essays, short stories, films, and scholarly sources. The final product can be a paper or presentation that discusses these influences in depth, supported by evidence from course materials and research.
2.	Access and analyze materials related to world societies and cultures	After engaging with specific literary works or films, students will present analytical thoughts that examine how the text or film reflects particular aspects of Latin American societies (e.g., gender, class, race, or political movements). The presentation will require students to cite evidence from the texts and films, analyze cultural and historical contexts, and discuss how these materials contribute to understanding Latin American cultures and societies
3.	Develop observations and conclusions about selected themes in world societies and cultures	Students will participate in group discussions through our weekly discussion boards, where they will articulate their observations and conclusions about the themes explored in the readings and films. For example, they might discuss how themes such as social inequality or authoritarianism are presented in the works, linking their observations to larger societal or political themes.
4.	Construct interpretations using evidence and critical analysis	Students will maintain journals where they critically respond to readings and films, offering interpretations supported by evidence. These responses should demonstrate the student's ability to make connections between specific elements in the materials (characters, plot points, settings, etc.) and larger socio-political or cultural concepts.
5.	Communicate and defend	Students will be asked to present their interpretations of a selected work of literature or film.

    

 The General Education (Gen Ed) program is comprised of diverse areas of study and practice in which allundergraduate students must undertake coursework. These courses and the Areas they represent provide the place for students to develop academic and professional skills through the context of the course.

Gen Ed program goals include:

• Critical Thinking
• Contextualize Learning
• Interdisciplinary Thinking
• Communication Skills
• Scientific & Quantitative Reasoning
• Civic Engagement
• Information Literacy
• Lifelong Learning

    

Course Materials

While there is no mandatory textbook for the course, students are responsible for accessing the films and acquiring the novels that will be read and discussed throughout the course (check the course calendar at the end of this document for the list of novels and films). Most short stories, essays and other literary pieces will be provided in PDF format throughour Canvas website.

Required course materials are available from the Follett Bookstore at Temple University and are listed in this syllabus. For this course, the cost range, including all books, online access fees, film rents, and other materials, is approximately $30. Please keep in mind that you can buy used books or get them through a library.

Note: The Follett bookstore offers guaranteed price match for course materials.

MANDATORY NOVELS:

a) Paradaís, by Fernanda Melchor

b) Beauty Salon, by Mario Bellatin (a free Ebook version is available through TU library)

Instructional Methods

This is an asynchronous class, which mean that there are not required meetings.

The instructional methods are readings, film viewing, video-based lectures, individual activities, and discussion boards. The course is divided into units focusing on themes. Modules and materials are available every Monday at 8am. For each unit, we will have literary texts, mainly short stories, and presentations to provide background and context. Each unit also includes one film per week, which many times we will compare to the literarytexts. You will notice that all assignments (quizzes, analysis, discussion boards, etc.) are mostly due on Saturday by or before 11:59pm. At times, you will need to post an initial comment before Friday 11: 59 and follow up on one of your classmates’s posts. This is not so that we are all scrambling to finish all assignments in one day, but rather so that you can complete class readings and films at your own pace, have time to reflect on the questions/comments posed by your classmates and myself, and make connections between works and recurring themes.

IMPORTANT: Assignment schedule and workload: As a 3-credit course, the University requires that students spend 9-12 hours a week on course preparation and work. Readings, film and lecture viewings should be completed with enough time to thoughtfully respond to quizzes, analysis, complete activities on Sunday nights. Please be mindful of due dates on the course calendar and in your Canvas assignment feed

 

Course Communications

To facilitate communication, the university requires you to have and use an e-mail account ending in @temple.edu.

It is best to contact the instructor by email (guarin@temple.edu) or through the Canvas inbox. Please allow 24 hours for responds.

I don't mind getting emails after midnight, so if you are night owl, don't be shy and email me; I might not see the email until next day, but I will get back to you.   

Course Technology Requirements

You will need the following to participate fully in the course:

• A computer and/or tablet with high-speed Internet access. A smartphone alone will not be sufficient.

  Recommended Internet Speed: 8mbps download & 5mbps upload. You can test your connection at https://www.speedtest.net. Please note: Hard-wired connections are more consistent than Wi-Fi for Zoom sessions.

• A web-enabled video camera and microphone.

• Access to Temple University’s Canvas site and email server.

• Microsoft Office. A free copy is available to you at https://its.temple.edu/office-365

  

This course requires the use of Canvas, including access to materials and assignment submission. Some videos posted via Canvas will require the use of speakers. The instructor may utilize web-conferencing tools to deliver synchronous material. In order to participate in synchronous sessions (should they exist), you should have a computer, a webcam, headphones, and a microphone.

This course requires the use of Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint). To access these materials, please log in to TUportal and look for the Microsoft Download link under TUapplications within the My Portal tab.

Students should check their Temple email daily for course updates. 

All students are required to comply with  Temple University’s Computer and Network Security Policies.

 

Limited resources are available for students who do not have the technology they need for class. Students with educational technology needs, including no computer or camera or insufficient Wi-Fi access, should submit a Student Technology Assistance Application in TUPortal and linked from the Dean of Students Support and Resources webpage. The university will endeavor to meet needs, such as with a long-term loan of a laptop or Wifi device, a refurbished computer, or subsidized internet access. The Affordable Connectivity Program is available to purchase discounted internet services and devices for qualified individuals. 

 

On-campus computer labs are available for student use. Here is a list of all of these labs: https://its.temple.edu/computer-labs.

Note that technology resources are available for students, including laptop and battery share. Some software is available for free download on the ITS Academic Support page. Other specialty software may be available for remote access through ITS.

 

  Statement on the Use of Generative AI in This Course

The use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Dall-e, etc.) is permitted in this course for the following activities:

• Brainstorming and refining your ideas
• Fine tuning your research questions
• Finding information on your topic
• Drafting an outline to organize your thoughts
• Checking grammar and

The use of generative AI tools is not permitted in this course for the following activities:

• Writing a draft of a writing
• Writing entire sentences, paragraphs or papers to complete class

You are responsible for the information you submit based on an AI query (for instance, that it does not violateintellectual property laws, or contain misinformation or unethical content). Your use of AI tools must be properly documented and cited in order to stay within university policies on academic honesty.

 

Grading Scale

93.5% and higher=A	80%-82.49%=B-	67.5%-69.99%=D+
90%-93.49%=A-	77.5%-79.99%=C+	62.5%-67.49%=D
87.5%-89.99%=B+	72.5%-77.49%=C	60%-62.49%=D-
82.5%-87.49%=B	70%-72.49%=C-	59.99% and lower=F

C- or better is required to fulfill the GenEd area requirement. 

 

Weighting Details

Class Participation/Discussion Board	30 %
Weekly Research Assignments	30 %
Quizzes	15%
Final project	25%
TOTAL	100%

 

Assignment Descriptions

1.     Class Participation & Discussion Board – 30%

Students must complete the readings and watch the instructor’s lessons before submitting their Initial Post (IP) on the Discussion Board.

• Initial Post Due: Fridays by 11:59 PM (students cannot see others' posts until they submit their own).

• Response Posts: Students must respond to at least two classmates by Saturday 11:59 PM (one day after the IP deadline).

• Peer Presentation Comments: Students will comment on peer presentations by Sunday 11:59 PM (one main comment and three responses per week).

To ensure originality and engagement, students will submit their reflections through video or voice messages instead of written responses.

2.     Weekly Research Assignments – 30%

Starting in Module 2, students will conduct research on a topic relevant to the week’s module. These assignments aim to deepen students' understanding of Latin America’s sociopolitical realities and connect them with the films being studied.

• Format Options:

• A three-minute video or voice presentation

• An infographic, poster, or visual presentation

• A short written report (if preferred)

These assignments will replace a midterm exam and are weighted at 30% of the final grade.

3.     Quizzes – 15%

There will be three quizzes throughout the semester, focusing on the literature components of the course.

• Format: Reading comprehension, reflection-based questions, and thematic analysis.

• Platform: Quizzes will be posted on Canvas and will assess students' engagement with the readings.

4.     Final Project – 25% (Due Date: April 27)

Students will select one of four final project options. Please see the attached syllabus above for the options and description of each.

  

Course Minimum Grade

Although D- is a passing grade, a minimum grade of C- is required in General Education courses and, in many programs, courses required by the major.

For more information, please see Temple University's Academic Policies on Grades and Grading.

     

 

General Policies

All Temple University Academic Policies will be upheld.

The General Education Policies and Requirements details program expectations.

   

Attendance and Your Health

Students must attend and participate in classes according to their instructors’ requirements to achieve course learning goals. If you feel unwell or are under quarantine or in isolation because you have tested positive for the coronavirus, you should not come to campus or attend in-person classes or activities.

It is the student’s responsibility to contact their instructors to create a plan for participation and engagement in the course as soon as they can do so and to make a plan to complete all assignments in a timely fashion when illness delays their completion.

 

Incomplete

A student will be eligible for a grade of “Incomplete” only if the student: 1) has completed at least 51% of the work at a passing level, 2) is unable to complete the work for a serious reason beyond their control, and 3) files a signed agreement with the instructor outlining the work to be completed and the time frame in which that work will be completed. The student is responsible for initiating this process and all incomplete forms must be sent to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs prior to the start of study days in that semester.  

Please refer to the following for further details: Temple University’s Incomplete Policy. (Policy #02.10.13). 

  

Withdrawal from the Course

If a student wishes to withdraw from a course, it is the student’s responsibility to meet the deadline for the last day to withdraw from the current semester.

See Temple University's Academic Calendar for withdrawing deadlines and consult the University policy on Withdrawals (Policy # 02.10.14). 

  

Statement on Academic Rights & Responsibilities

Freedom to teach and freedom to learn are inseparable facets of academic freedom. The University has a policy on Student and Faculty Academic Rights and Responsibilities (Policy #03.70.02).

   

Academic Honesty

According to the University Student Code of Conduct, students must not commit, attempt to commit, aid, encourage, facilitate, or solicit the commission of academic dishonesty and impropriety including plagiarism, academic cheating, and selling lecture notes or other information provided by an instructor without the instructor’s authorization. Violations may result in failing the assignment and/or failing the course, and/or other sanctions as enumerated in the University Code of Conduct.

 

 

Netiquette and Class Conduct Expectations

It is important to foster a respectful and productive learning environment that includes all students in our diverse community of learners. Our differences, some of which are outlined in the University's nondiscrimination statement, will add richness to this learning experience. Therefore, all opinions and experiences, no matter how different or controversial they may be perceived, must be respected in the tolerant spirit of academic discourse.

For more information, please visit https://diversity.temple.edu/.

  

Disability Disclosure Statement

Any student who has a need for accommodation based on the impact of a documented disability should contact Disability Resources and Services (DRS), Ritter Annex 100, (215) 204-1280 or 215-204-1786 (TTY) or drs@temple.edu, to make arrangements.  If you have a DRS accommodation letter to share with me, or you would like to discuss your accommodations, please contact the instructor as soon as practical. I will work with you and with DRS to coordinate reasonable accommodations for all students with documented disabilities. Accommodations are not retroactive. All discussions related to your accommodations will be confidential.

 
Information regarding accessibility for additional technologies is provided below:  

• Canvas
• Zoom
• VoiceThread
• ProctorU
• Proctorio
• GoogleDrive
• Outlook
• Sharepoint

    

Technical Support 

For a listing of technical support services available to Temple University students, see the Tech Support page.

 

Live Chat or Request Help:  tuhelp.temple.edu.

Phone: 215-204-8000

Email:  help@temple.edu

Website: its.temple.edu

Location: The TECH Center, Room 106

 

 

Academic and Support Services

Temple University provides a variety of services to support you throughout your studies. Please take a moment to view these by visiting the Academic Support Services page.

The following academic support services are available to students:

• Student Success Center
• University Libraries
• Undergraduate Research Support
• Career Center
• Tuttleman Counseling Services
• Disability Resources and Services

  
If you are experiencing food insecurity or financial struggles, Temple provides resources and support. Notably, theTemple University Cherry Pantry and the Temple University Emergency Student Aid Program are in operation as well as a variety of resources from the Division of Student Affairs. 

      

Continuity of Instruction in the Event of Emergency

Students are to register for the TUAlert System to be made aware of University closures due to weather or other emergency situations and follow all additional university-wide emergency instructions. Students can register for this system on the Campus Safety Services website. Students registered for the class will be alerted to any alternate testing procedures and submission of assignment requirements from the instructor via email.

Please note that online classes are generally not affected by campus closures.  

  

Privacy Policy

Please see the links below to become familiar with the privacy policies for each of the following: 

• Temple University
• Canvas Instructure
• Zoom

    

Course Schedule

Key Dates:

 

Tuesday, March 11

7-week Courses (7B) begin

Monday, March 17

Last day to add or drop a 7-week (7B) course

Monday, April 21

Last day to withdraw from a 7-week (7B) course

 

Sample Class Schedule

Module	Literature Component (Mandatory Readings)	Film Component
1. Introduction: What is ‘America’? (March 11 - 16)	- We of No Name, Marie Arana (2024)  - Course Syllabus	- The Danger of a Single Story (TED Talk)  - This Is Not America (Music Video)
2. Colonization Reloaded: Indigenous Communities’ Struggles for Land and Identity (March 17 - 23) (March 17 is last day to drop course)	- Popol Vuh (Ch. 1)  - The Eclipse, Augusto Monterroso	- Even the Rain (Bolivia, 2010)
3. Voices Beyond Spanish: Indigenous Language and Culture (March 24 - 30)	- City of Kings, Rosario Castellanos (Selected Stories)	- Ixcanul(Guatemala, 2015)
4. Echoes of Power: Dictatorships and Resistance (March 31 – April 6)	- The Censors, Luisa Valenzuela (Argentina)	- No (Chile, 2012)
5. Beyond Machismo: Gender, Feminism, and LGBTQ+ Representation in Latin America and the U.S. (April 7 -13)	- Beauty Salon, Mario Bellatin (Mexico, 1994)*  - The Myth of the Latin Woman, Judith Ortiz Cofer	- Viva (Cuba, 2015)
6. Lost Innocence: Childhood in the Shadow of Violence (April 14 - 20) (Last week to withdraw from course)	- Paradaís, Fernanda Melchor (Mexico, 2022)**	- Prayers for the Stolen (Mexico, 2021)
7. Crossing Borders: The Journey of Immigration and Dreams (April 21 - 27)	- Somewhere We Are Human (Selected Essays)  - They Take Our Jobs!(Introduction), Aviva Chomsky	- The Golden Dream (Guatemala, Mexico, USA; 2013)

 

 

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