SOC 975 - Cesar Chavez: Historical Peacemaker

Credits: 3
The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the life of Cesar Chavez and his work with the United Farm Workers Movement. The course allows the students to explore Chavez's moral vision which lies rooted in Catholicism, the belief in human dignity, and the power of non-violent resistance. Chavez is often considered a controversial figure both among those who were enemies of the movement as well as supporters; the readings in this course challenge students to formulate their own opinions regarding Cesar Chavez and the impact of his legacy. It is designed for instructors to apply in their classrooms. It fits into the National ELA standards by giving students a wide range of strategies to comprehend, interpret, evaluate, and appreciate texts. Students will conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and posing problems. Students will use a variety of technological information resources to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge. Common Core Standards include describing a character in depth and comparing and contrasting various views of the person depending on the perspective of the observer. It also includes inviting students to analyze text and what is explicitly stated and what inferences can be drawn and to analyze multiple interpretations of who Chavez was and what his contributions were. The course encourages students to identify central ideas as they study the life, and thought of Cesar Chavez through his movement. Students will be able to integrate knowledge and an idea, deciding what reasoning is valid and what evidence is relevant and sufficient.