SPAN 370 - The Chicano Community
Examines the cultural, social, economic, and political aspects of the Chicano community in an historical and contemporary context. Incorporates field observation and community studies. Taught in English.
This course meets: MLO 3 Literary and Cultural Knowledge
This course meets: MLO 3 Literary and Cultural Knowledge
Course Reflective Narratives
I took SPAN 370 my first semester here at CSU Monterey Bay during the spring semester of 2022.While this course focused on literary representations of the local Chicanx community, we obtained a practical view on the social issues affecting Monterey Bay and the Salinas Valley. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to read local authors because sometimes there is a geographical separation from where authors are from. Looking at topics such as environmental racism exposed the importance of better working conditions for farm workers who experience health issues at a disproportionately higher rate than others. Additionally, we looked at safe passageways in Salinas and how important community as a whole is when creating identity and unity. When I think of what community is, it is a local, cultural, and personal feeling of belonging. Due to the fact that I would like to become a professor and teach in Salinas for the next couple of years, I found it relevant to understand the community and how I can have a positive impact using my Chicano and queer identities. On a personal note, in regards to our final project, I wanted to express myself through a creative art project focused on my experiences as a Mexican field worker and the struggles and injustices that immigrant and Chicanx field workers face. In my final project, Working in the Fields: Behind the Curtain, I wrote and drew about the two sides of the field of agricultural work, the side that the big companies and lawmakers want to show, and the side that immigrant and Chicanx workers face. Moving forward, community is ever important, especially in my field of education.