	101 Gowen Hall, Box 353530 University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195-3530
	Ph: 206-616-3584

POL S 334: U.S. Latino Politics

Tuesday & Thursday, 10:30 am - 12:20 pm, Smith Hall 313

Professor: Matt A. Barreto
Email: mbarreto@washington.edu
Office: Gowen 139
Office Hours: Tues. 12:30 – 2:30pm

Course Description:

This class will examine the history and contemporary role of Latinos as a minority group in the U.S. political system. We begin with a historical analysis of Latino immigration and migration, followed by the struggles during the civil rights movement, then increases in citizenship, registration and voting in the 1980s and 1990s, and finally we address the new wave of anti-immigrant attitudes, and the response by Latinos. The class will also focus on political relationships between Latinos and non-Latinos as they relate to political institutions, political parties, voting coalitions, representation and public policy – including a focus on Latinos role in the 2008 Presidential election. We will also read the UW Common Book, The Devil’s Highway, which tells the story of immigrants crossing the Arizona desert. A research project is required and final paper in lieu of an in-class final exam.

Books:

Each week there will be required readings from one or more of these books. Readings should be done for the day they are assigned. For many weeks, the required readings are posted online, or distributed as a handout. The complete, week-by-week reading list is also posted on the course website.

Garcia, F. Chris and Gabriel Sanchez. 2008. Hispanics and the U.S. Political System. Pearson/Prentice Hall.

Jones-Correa, Michael. 1998. Between Two Nations. Cornell University Press.

Urrea, Luis Alberto. 2004. The Devil’s Highway. Back Bay Books.

Grading:

Short paper 15 points Midterm Exam 25 points Research Project / Presentation 30 points Final Exam (15 pages) 30 points ---------------------------------------------------- TOTAL 100 points

GPA Point Scale

Extra Credit:

Throughout the quarter, there will be opportunities to attend various events, talks, and symposiums on campus that are related to American government which will count for small, but important, extra credit points.

Important Dates: (subject to change)

Jan 6, 2009 (TODAY)				First Day of Class

Feb 5, 2009					Short paper due by 10:30 a.m.

Feb 26, 2009					Midterm Exam (10:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.)

Mar 10, 2009					Research Presentations

Mar 12, 2009					Research Presentations
(Last Day of Class)

Mar 17, 2009					Final paper due by 5:00 p.m.