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Lecture 1: Lecture 1: IntroductionIntroduction

Professor Daniel Bernardi / Professor Michelle Martinez

Ramon Navarro, who was dubbed the “New Valentino,” in “Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ” (1926)

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In this lecture…In this lecture…

• What is this class about?

• Assignments

• Tour of the WebsiteDaniel Bernardi

You can pause the lecture at any point, click on one of the hyperlinks (text that is underlined) to visit a site or view a clip, and then return to the same point in the lecture when you’re ready.

Michelle Martinez

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What is this class about?What is this class about?

Lecture 1: Part 1

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Daniel Bernardi, PhDDaniel Bernardi, PhD(a.k.a. DrB)(a.k.a. DrB)

• Associate Professor, Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies

• Teach Courses in Cultural Studies, Film & Television Studies and New Media Theory

• Publish on Race in Popular Culture:– The Birth of Whiteness– Classic Hollywood/Classic Whiteness– Star Trek and History

• Worked in the Entertainment Industry

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Michelle Martinez, MFAMichelle Martinez, MFA

• Faculty Associate, Transborder Chicana/o and Latina/o Studies, ASU

• Teach Courses in Literature and Film

• Working on a book about Latina Filmmakers

• Working Toward Doctorate

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Visual Interactive CourseVisual Interactive Course

• It’s Not an Automated Course

• It’s Not a Self-Paced Course

• Emphasizes Interactivity– Asynchronous– Synchronous

• Participation is Fundamental to the Success of Our Course

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Advantages of this CourseAdvantages of this Course

• Flexibility / Not Limited by Space• Study Materials Available 24/7

– Lectures (streaming audio w/ PowerPoint)– Websites & Other Resources– Streaming Media Clips– Learning Modules & Montages

• Structured Like a Traditional Course• Complements Multiple Learning Styles• Lots of Interactivity

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DisadvantagesDisadvantages

• Students that learn best through face-to-face debate can struggle in this environment.

– Ways to Compensate

– Arrange for Real-Time Meetings

• Students that are not well organized tend to not do well in this environment.

– Meet all Deadlines– Study in Advance of Assignments

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And not just any kind of And not just any kind of interactivity!interactivity!

• To Study Latino/a Imagery We Must Debate

• Debating Latino/a Imagery Should Not Involve Disrespect or Insensitivity

I expect us to discuss Latino/a imagery with passion and perspective.

I expect us to challenge each other’s conceptions of Latino/a imagery with rigor and respect.

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Forms of Interactivity Forms of Interactivity

• Threaded Discussions onCourse eBoard

• Interactive Learning

Modules (iMods)

• Email & Attachments

• Real-Time Meetings

CTV Kiosk Pearson International Airport, Toronto

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Course DescriptionCourse Description

We’ll take a critical look at the representation of Latinos/as in Hollywood, focusing on stereotyping,

the politics of metaphor and allegory, self-representation and resistance, and independent film.  Toward the end of the class, we will focus on several

case studies of important Latino/a stars and filmmakers.  In addressing these topics, we will

employ historical, critical and theoretical models in order to both understand and challenge the

representation of Latinos/as in film. 

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What’s the big deal?What’s the big deal?

We also will analyze negative – at times disturbing – stereotypes of Latinos/as articulated

in Hollywood cinema. We also will analyze independent voices, filmmakers that have attempted to either address the ugliness of

stereotypes or speak to the Latino/a community without perpetuating value-laden stereotypes.  

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Critical CaveatCritical Caveat

We will engage this material as open-minded yet critical

scholars seeking to understand and challenge Latino/a imagery in film.  In other words, our task is to be scholars: to think about, study and discuss how complex

forms of representation and narration inform Latino/a

imagery in film. Rembrandt, Two Scholars Disputing (Peter And Paul), 1628

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Critical SensibilitiesCritical Sensibilities

Please keep an open but critical mind. Be tolerant of diverse

opinions. Do not be afraid to offer arguments based on morality, but

at the same time don’t assume your morality allows you to stand in judgment of others. Challenge each other, the material, and the

professor with…rigor and respect.

Aretha Franklin

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AssignmentsAssignments

Lecture 1: Part 2

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What about assignments?What about assignments?

Assignments are open-book, usually submitted via email attachment. Late assignments are not

accepted. Since assignments are open-book, the standards for success are high. You are going to have to work hard and do well to get an “A” in this class. I expect thoughtful, well-reasoned and well-written work. You are not going to do well in this

class if you turn in sloppy work.

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Participation Participation

• Worth 25% of Your Final Grade

• Your participation grade is based on:– Keeping Up with eBoard Posts

• 2 Per Lesson– Quality of Posts – Thoughtful & Developed– Consistency of Posts – Keep up!

You will do well in this class if you participate consistently with rigor and respect.

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Personal EssayPersonal Essay

• Worth 25% of Your Final Grade

• What “Hispanic” or “Latino” means to you?

• How has this meaning changed over time?

• Reference Film, TV and the Web

• Reference Readings from Lesson 1

• Must be Clear, Concise and Well-Written

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Critical Essay #1Critical Essay #1

• Worth 25% of Your Final Grade

• Start with a clear thesis statement that structures your analysis of the film.

• An analysis of a Latino/a stereotype in the film using Ramírez Berg’s definition.

• Reference at least two additional readings from the bibliography under Resources.

• In your analysis, make sure to discuss at least three scenes from the film that will drive your argument to a conclusion.

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Critical Essay #2Critical Essay #2

• Worth 25% of Your Final Grade

• Write a compare/Contrast 10 page paper that starts with a clear thesis statement.

• An analysis of a Latino/a stereotype in the film using Ramírez Berg’s definition.

• Reference at least two additional readings from the bibliography under Resources.

• In your analysis, make sure to discuss at least three scenes from each film that will drive your argument to a conclusion.

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Six Things to Remember Six Things to Remember

1. Go through the Website, or Virtual Classroom, with Care; Know it Well

2. Get to Know Your Classmates

3. Keep Up With Lesson Tasks

4. Submit Assignments On Time

5. Writing Must be Clear & Concise

6. Debate, Debate, Debate…

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And just as importantly… And just as importantly…

Don’t take yourself too seriously…

but do take this class seriously!

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Tour of the WebsiteTour of the Website

Lecture 1: Part 3

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Course Outline SectionCourse Outline Section

• Note Hyperlinks to Books and Films• Note Syllabus for Printing

– The Password Will be Emailed

• Review Instructions for Withdrawing– This is a Tough Class– Things Happen– Follow the Directions Carefully

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Faculty and Staff SectionFaculty and Staff Section

• Note Professor Bio• Note TA Bio (if we have a TA)• Remember and Save:

– Student Support Contact Info– Tech Support Contact Info

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Learning TasksLearning Tasks

• Password Protected• Includes Timeline at Bottom• Includes Due Dates• Includes Learning Tasks

– Readings, Screenings and Lectures– Learning Modules, Clips and Interactivity

• Pay Attention to How you Submit Work

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Graded Work SectionGraded Work Section

• Grading Scale – I Like to give “A+” grades!– I will give an “E” to a deserving student.

• Participation• Personal Essay• Critical Review #1 – Check Pop-ups• Critical Review #2 – Check Pop-ups• Note Sample Paper

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InteractivityInteractivity

• You Create Your USERID– Use Last Name– Don’t Forget It

• System Generates a Password• Don’t Forget it• Post Via Lesson Topics• Stay on Schedule / Post on Deadline• Posts Easy to Track

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Policies, Resources & FAQsPolicies, Resources & FAQs

• Writing Tools• Library Tools• Computer Labs• Bibliography• Dictionary• Frequently Asked Questions

Michelle Rodriguez from Lost

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End of Lecture 1End of Lecture 1

Next Lecture: What does a Latino look like?What does a Latino look like?