[Archive] New Chicano Literature class offered for Spring semester at GCC

By Violeta Lopez
The Voice
December 13th, 2002


Beginning in the spring of 2003, GCC will be offering a Chicano Literature class to students interested in learning the works of Mexican-American writers of the Southwest.

According to the course description, the class will sample poetry, fiction and essays viewed in their relationship to American cultural heritage and to contemporary culture.  

 The class, available for the first time, also has a section reserved for honor students.   Gabriel Cruz, a student at GCC, contacted the Department Chair for the English department, Betty Hufford, to ask why the college did not offer a Chicano Literature class. Cruz said, “Since GCC’s Hispanic population makes up 17% of the student body, it was about time the college offered a course that would help students familiarize themselves with their heritage and how it has affected American Literature.”

 Cruz was told that if enough students were interested in taking the course, the college would begin to offer it. So Cruz went around asking students if they were interested in taking the course and the common response was a “yes”. Cruz said, “I have worked hard with others to make this class available for spring and I hope students will register for the class.”  

 The class, ENH112, covers two general studies requirements, Humanities and Cultural Awareness. According to the official course outline, the class will cover Chicano poetry, fiction and theater. Students will learn about literary techniques and criticism, major literary movements in Chicano poetry, and major Chicano poets and playwrights. No prerequisites are required to register for the class.  

The only class available will be taught on Tuesday evenings from 7:10 to 9:50 p.m. beginning January 21, 2003. The instructor will be Dr. David Miller, English Department.

Miller says, “I am very glad that I will be teaching this class in the spring semester. I hope that GCC will expand the Chicano studies area and offer other classes relating to the Chicano movement. This is an excellent course for students that are learning Spanish and want to familiarize themselves with the culture.”