ABSTRACT

The author begins teaching Ruiz de Burton within an American Studies context. He begin with a close analysis of Chicano History. Students read sections from Rodolfo Acuna's Occupied America: A History of Chicanos. Acuna's work provides them with the necessary historical context of Mexico and early Mexican American history. Castaneda's writings are also key for understanding gender and Californiana stereotypes. Castaneda's writings especially assist students in learning how, under Mexican law, upper class Californianas could inherit land and litigate in court. United States law did not recognize women within the context of law and litigation. In a survey class or a course on Chicano/a and/or Latino/a literature, he usually begin with Ruiz de Burton. Throughout the semester, invariably, students will be able to pick themes and characters in more contemporary works that directly connect with Ruiz de Burton.