Developed By: Carlos Torre, Stephen Armstrong, Nitza M. Diaz

NOTE: At the beginning of Semester 2, there should be a general review of the major themes of Semester 1.  Students should also be informed that during Semester 1 their instructor took a largely chronological approach to the subject matter, while Semester 2 will be more thematic and will spiral back to prior learning.  Review of expectations for dialogue, safe spaces, and community of learners should occur.  Students should be reminded that there will be many “difficult discussions” throughout the semester, and that it is important that all student voices be heard.  Before beginning with the actual subject matter of Semester 2, students will take part in a project in which they attempt to find what they can about their own personal and family identity. Memories, interviews with family members, family letters, photographs, etc. can all be used to inform and complete an I Am From Poem. Sensitivity and assistance for students who may not have access to this information given their family situation should be provided up front.  

Even before the United States became a republic, Latinos have contributed to the culture and history and life of the U.S. Yet, Latinos have been perceived as the “other.” Despite histories of migration, labor recruitment, wars, invasion, and occupations, millions of Latinos have persevered and demonstrated the beauty of their contributions. This unit will examine the early beginning and origins of what we know as Latin America. In this unit students will:

● Explore Puerto Rican and Latino identity and culture.

● Examine the individual and collective identities of Puerto Ricans and Latinos and demonstrate understanding of how this influences the perception and realities of Puerto Rican and Latino people.

● Explore Latinos’ understanding of race.

● Understand how Latinos show up in Black-White binary.

● Examine Puerto Rican Migration.

● Learn about the strengths and contributions of African diaspora in Latin America and in the Caribbean.

Compelling Questions: How has Puerto Rican and Latino identity evolved over time? Is there a single “Latino identity”? Is there a Latino race?