Questions for Reflection Paper #2: The Immigrant Amongst Us
For Reflection Paper #2, write a 3-4 page paper that includes self-disclosure and that makes a connection to outside experiences and to the readings/films/lectures. Furthermore, the paper should make some reference to class discussions and course objectives. Finally, make sure to proof read carefully and attend to all areas of grammar, punctuation, and word choice.

1. Explore the various ways Latino immigrants have contributed to the musical traditions in the United States. You may want to include your views of “corridos” and other musical genres such as salsa.

2. González asks: “Are Puerto Ricans as socially problematic and dependent as (Linda) Chavez asserts? Is it true that island residents have milked this country’s (the US) federal entitlement programs while giving little back as conservatives have claimed in recent years?” You may want to answer the questions as you assess the status of these immigrant populations. You may want to consider how such views may emerge and persist as a result of the notion of the “culture of poverty” identified by sociologists like Oscar Lewis.

3. Feminist philosopher Gloria Anzaldúa claims that language is identity. Juan González claims that “Spanish is not a foreign language in the United States.” Considering that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States and that it is the language of the majority of the inhabitants of the Western Hemisphere, argue for or against learning (or keeping) Spanish. You may want to argue that bilingually is an asset. Similarly, you may want to argue against these positions.

4. What does it mean for the United States that “Puerto Rico remains the biggest, the most lucrative, and the oldest colony of the United States in an age when colonies were supposed to have disappeared?” In your paper, you may want to consider the consequences of colonization as well as some of the solutions that González proposes.

5. Compare and contrast the experience of Puerto Rican, Cuban and Dominican origin populations in the United States. You may want to discuss the cultural production or the social realities of the communities as described in the lectures, films, and the textbook, Harvest of Empire.

Reflection Paper Guidelines
A Refection Paper assignment allows professors to assess whether students are meeting some of the Student Learning Outcomes. In allowing students to choose the question they want to answer, professor is offering flexibility and attending for different student needs and interests.

The Reflection Paper assignment requires you to answer ONE of the questions posted on Black Board for each of the four assignments (see syllabus schedule for due dates). You may want to draft the papers first as an answer to the question you choose. Then you should carefully evaluate whether you have met the criteria on the Rubric for Reflection papers (see Rubric for Reflection Papers).

The following guidelines will give you an idea of what this assignment entails. In the end, you decide what you want to do as you demonstrate competency at the level you desire.

In writing your paper, you will be expected to organize your paper as response to the question you have chosen. Write the paper following the regular MLA, APA, or Chicago Manual of Style (Turabian) documentation style. In responding to the question, analyze and reflect.

Reflection papers do not necessarily have to have an argument, but they must be coherent and well organized and engage the question you have selected. You may solicit other’s views and ask a classmate or a friend to proofread your paper before you turn it in; you are also encouraged to use the Writing Center or any other on-campus assistance as you prepare the final draft to be uploaded to Blackboard by the due date.

Format: Follow the standard APA, MLA, or Chicago Manual of Style (Turabian) format for papers (double spaced 12 font Times New Roman or Courier) and be sure to include your name, class, and professor’s name on the left hand corner of the first page.

Reflection papers are self-reflective and will ask that you consider your own opinion and thus you do not need secondary sources. However, if you refer to a reading from class, or find a quote or if want to cite a scholar you may do so; just be sure to follow the APA, MLA, Turabian guide for citations.

Finally, the Reflection Paper is the place to let loose and use your creative imagination and your informal writing voice. Have fun! Be creative.