With a specific focus on the "politics of helping" and the Northern Berkshires'
Latin American immigrant population, this tutorial will examine the multiple
facets of a Latina/o identity rooted in the region's rural, as opposed to urban,
spaces. Beginning with an historic, political, and cultural overview of Berkshire
County and the Latina/o populations who comprise the majority of its newest
immigrants, students will then be trained in formal interviewing techniques. Following a brief period of information-gathering and establishing contact with local Latina/o immigrant residents and service organizations, student teams will
next identify and design a Spanish-language service project that they feel best
addresses a particular need within the community. Community partnerships
may include, though are not limited to, the following organizations: The ESL
Program at Brayton Elementary School (North Adams), the Berkshire Immigrant Center (Pittsfield), the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition (North
Adams), and local Americorps VISTA representatives (Williamstown and
North Adams). At semester's end, student teams will be required to present their
completed service projects to their partner organizations and fellow classmates.
Please note that this course is intended for Spanish heritage speakers, or those
whose primary exposure to the language has occurred in a domestic/informal
context.
Format: tutorial. Evaluation to be based on student participation, several short
papers (3-5 pages) throughout the semester, and a final project conducted with a
community partner.
Prerequisites: Latina/o Studies 105 and Latina/o Studies 209 (formerly Latina/o
Studies 207). Enrollment limit: 10 (expected: 8). Preference given to juniors, seniors, Latina/o Studies concentrators, and Spanish majors.
Tutorial meetings to be arranged. CEPEDA