Argues that historians of literacy have not taken into account America's Hispanic literacy legacy. Illustrates the depth and breadth of Hispanic contributions to American literacy. Contrasts images of "literacy deficient" Hispanic Americans with the rich legacy that their forebears brought to early America. (HB)

Examines Latina/o expressions and ethnic identities in reader letters to "Low Rider Magazine." Argues that articulations of Latina/o identity are complexly expressed as a means of establishing viable subject positions for these subaltern subjects. Concludes that communication scholarship should be cautious and careful in its explorations…

Discusses performance theory and notions of discursive space. Describes how aspects of Latino/a culture are revealed and performed at a weekly "Latino Night" at a bar in a university town. Examines how cultural discourse is made visible, how community is maintained through the performance of these practices, and how space is claimed…

This paper examines the kinds of visuals that Spanish language textbooks use to legitimize Latino/a culture, noting how different groups are presented and represented by the narratives; how ethnicity, class, gender, age, and sexual inclinations interplay with power relations, and what ideologies weave the textual fabric of foreign language books.…

Interviews with 47 Hispanic women, 35-50, from Southwestern United States focused on critical life events, conflict areas, future aspirations, work-related issues, and personal development issues. These women find their rich cultural heritage a strength, but feel free to reject repressive parts of it. In common with other women, a major conflict…

Describes the impact of a multi-ethnic, multicultural program, designed to immerse students in Mexican culture as a means of combating ignorance of and violence against members of ethnic groups at Fairfield University. Interviews, pretests and post-tests, and participant observations are used to determine whether the training program was…

Describes a college course on the written literature in Spanish of the Chicanos, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans of the United States, including the rationale, resources, and course structure. Such a course helps to shatter misconceptions regarding Hispanics and further expands the intellectual horizons of students. A bibliography of Hispanic literature…

Describes a feature writing course at the University of Texas which concentrates on Hispanic themes and issues by assigning students to cover the Latino community in Austin, Texas. Notes that the course not only teaches students to examine unfamiliar locations, but also introduces them to the newsworthiness of minority populations. (MM)

Reports on trigger scripting, a method of using performed literature to stimulate discussion and understanding of the values of other cultures. Used taped scenes dramatized by interpreters of John Nichols' novel, "The Milagro Beanfield War," followed by questions for discussion. (PD)

Examines the Latin Grammy Awards and the ALMA Awards as media texts that can be used as course content on Latino people and cultures in an intercultural communication course. Outlines a critical reformulation of epideictic rhetoric, provides background on the two programs, and interprets their import as epideictic discourse. (Contains 25…

Uses an international framework of work-related values to offer 13 practical suggestions for improving the effectiveness of training initiatives directed at Mexican Americans. Notes implications for universities as well. (SR)

Describes a course which addresses the minority media coverage issue through publication of a bilingual newspaper. Points out that the program provides experience in reporting, writing, photography, and other skills, while offering the mostly White students an opportunity to learn about minorities. Argues for more programs of this type. (SG)

Presents several examples of short Hispanic ballads for incorporation into advanced secondary school and undergraduate courses. The ballads' historical and cultural significance are explored as well as their linguistic value. (CB)

Departments of Spanish can play a significant role in the multicultural movement by teaching a course on United States Hispanic Cultures. An introductory course is described, including its organization, approaches, materials, and class activities. (Contains 15 references.) (Author/LB)

Focuses on the use of feature films as a tool in "Mexican American Experience through Film," a class in which sociological and cinematic representations contribute to understanding the Mexican American experience. Discusses three films related to the representations of Chicanos and how the films are used. (CMK)