Daniel Brown's SRJC INTDIS 4 Fall 2008

Assignment 5C

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:41:00 +0000

MoLAA stands for Museum of Latin American Art. The goal of the museum is not just to display art, but rather to educate the viewer about the history of the Latin culture and experience. The curriculum we studied this semester will ensure that when I make my annual summer trip to Southern California to visit my in laws and stop by MoLAA I will understand the rich tradition and history of Latin American arts.
This curriculum has helped me realize that the Latin American culture has contributed to our modern society in every facet of life including art.

Fernando de Szyszlo is an 83 year old Peruvian artist who has spent the better part of his life trailblazing as a one of Latin Americans most influential abstract artist.
Among his work is one piece I thought was especially appropriate given the lessons of this class:

Cajamarca 1959 is one of a series of paintings composed by Szyszlo. It is based on the Battle of (or Massacre at) Cajamarca when a surprise attack was brought upon the Incan Royal Entourage by Conquistador Francisco Pizzaro in 1532.

http://www.museum.oas.org/permanent/images/new%20images/szyszlolarge.jpg

Assignment 5B

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:50:00 +0000

Viva La Republica - Una Pagina de Gloria

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Miguel_Hidalgo_y_Costilla.jpg

I came across this piece while researching Miguel Hidalgo. It connects to our studies as it is how Hidalgo rallied his constituents to revolt against the Spaniards.
The first that sticks out to me in this piece are the bold words or proclamation of independence. Even more impressive is the fact that this piece of literature includes Hidalgo’s own face. I find that interesting because I would expect someone who had such revolutionary and potentially (and actually) deadly ideas to want some form of anonymity. But that wasn’t the case with Hidalgo. He had a set of beliefs and did not hide from them – again for better or for worse.

Assignment 5A

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:33:00 +0000

The Independence Period refers to an era in the early 19th century when much of Latin America – still dominated by European entities revolted in the name of independence and subsequently became a fractured group of nations throughout Latin America.

The reason I decided to research Miguel Hidalgo is because like most topics I’ve researched in this class – I’m familiar with the term or the name but not familiar with what that name represents. It was because of this that I looked forward to reading about this man.

First thing I thought was interesting about Hidalgo was the fact that he was a party loving priest. Aside from being a fornicator with multiple children, he was a guy who liked to have a good time and enjoyed playing practical jokes. Yes this was hypocritical behavior but some would argue that it is also consistent with church – both then and now.

The second item I found interesting is also hypocritical in that he found no shame in mixing church and state. He used his position within the church to rally his parishioners into revolting against the Spanish establishment. For better or for worse.

The final item worth noting is that Hidalgo was a great academic. Perhaps this enlightened state was what made him feel it was okay to behave outside of what was traditionally accepted behavior of a priest. At the same time it also could have contributed to his ability to ascertain the unjust going on in his community and subsequently rally his parishioners to revolt.

http://www.answers.com/topic/miguel-hidalgo

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_Hidalgo#Uprising

Assignment 4C

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 03:07:00 +0000

Research the word "culture" on the Internet

Culture is the socialization or imparting of values from a particular group into an individual. It defines who someone is based upon the cumulative values and behaviors of the group (which can be a family, religious group or political/racial group). I believe culture to have many layers but it is usually generalized (for better or worse) into simple groups.

http://www.carla.umn.edu/culture/definitions.html

For assignment 4A – I read Katherine Durate’s contribution. I am embarrassed because of two things. I did my research on Junipero Serra and evidently overlooked a couple items because she highlighted some new information for me. The second reason I was embarrassed is because as recently as September I was in Carmel and completely neglected to visit the mission established by Junipero Serra.
What I found interesting is that although he did well to establish nine missions during his life, the effect of his teachings propelled the establishment of an additional twelve missions AFTER his death. That was an amazing testament in my mind.

For assignment 3A – I read Nicole Godinez. She researched the Mayans. I knew that although the Mayans where an ancient culture, they were highly sophisticated – creating what we now know to be the 365 day calendar. But what I didn’t know prior to reading her contribution was about the class society that existed even back then. Kings, Priest – a middle class and a poor or slave class. Many of the stereotypes so prominent today where consistent back then as well. It’s amazing how we grow so much as a society and yet remain stuck in mud on some of the most fundamental issues. No wonder the same issues continue to plague us.

Assignment 4B

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:45:00 +0000

“Monument of Junípero Serra (with Juaneño Indian boy) on plaza”

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Mission_San_Juan_Capistrano_4-5-05_100_6535.JPG#filelinks

I came across this monument or sculpture of Junipero Serra while researching his life and travels throughout Mexico and California. It connects to our study of humanities by illustrating exactly what Junipero Serra represented in molding Latin America into what we know it to be today. He was a Father, a guide, a beacon of what was trying to be impressed upon the natives as “right and righteous” – for better or for worse.

In this monument/sculpture I see the figure of a trusted man, embracing a young man with his hand outreached to the heavens in what I think is the receiving and transmitting of some sort of blessing. In my research I found out that Junipero Serra used drama and sensationalization to drive home his point. Perhaps that was what was being used here.
What I find interesting about this piece of art is the amazing attention to detail, including the rosary beads, the creases in his robe and his hair. Excellent work by the sculptor.

What I’d like to know about this composition is exactly what was Junipero Serra was doing and how often did he perform this act? As I mentioned, he was known for his powerful speaking and dramatic demonstrations. Was this one of them caught in time?

Assignment 4A

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:28:00 +0000

The Colonial Period, from 1492 to 1810 is representative of the era that molded Latin America into what we know it to be today – and that does not necessarily mean that is a good thing.
Oppression, disease and exploitation were the primary methods of European invaders, especially the Spanish that were used to reduce the culture and history of the indigenous people next to extinction.

The topic I chose to explore was Junipero Serra of Mallorca. The reason I chose this topic was because I have often heard of Junipero Serra or Junipero Serra of Mallorca but never understood who or what this phrase was in reference too. So that made this choice easy.
Here are three facts I found interesting about this topic:

The Father Junipero Serra – a Spanish Franciscan Priest was the man who founded and established the first of what would become nine missions in California. During his travel along the west coast of America he became recognized as a prolific speaker and an effective teacher in teaching the catechism to the indigenous people.

While Father Junipero Serra is held in high esteem in many circles, there is a side to his history that could be considered shameful. As one of the first Spanish settlers on the West Coast, he and his comrades played a role in the above mentioned oppression of Native Americans – colonial zing them and suppressing their culture in the interest of inculcating the European religious ideologies.

The last item I think is worth mentioning and I find admirable is that regardless of whether or not you agree with the teachings of some individuals, I think it is worthy to note the sacrifice and obstacles endured to deliver what they thought to be worth sharing. As I mentioned he traveled throughout California and Mexico – often by mule or walking. He feel off a mule shortly after arriving in America and the subsequent injury was one that would follow him for years to come. Unfortunately, he died at the age of 71 by the bite of a serpent of all things.
Ironic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXdGy1WtQ_4

http://www.iknow-majorca.co.uk/tourist_information/mallorca_holidays/inca_mallorca/biography_junipero_serra.htm

http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Serra-Ju.html

Assignment 3C

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:11:00 +0000

Matthew MacDonald:
Although Paulo Freire’s teaching remain excluded by mainstream teaching models, some of the fundamentals of his ambitions remain a very strong component of what is a free society. For example, Paulo implemented his theories by teaching 300 sugarcane workers to read and write. The impact of this is that these workers who previously could not vote where thereby allowed to vote and impact society by electing officials that had their better interest at heart.

Paul Hopkins:
Paulo Freire` was an educated and influential theorist of the 20th century. Instead of pursuing riches, he instead sought to educate the oppressed and put them in a position of empowerment by means of knowledge. One of his most famous quotes (and my favorite) was: “I never accepted that educational practice should be limited just to the reading of text, the reading of words, but that it should include the reading of context, the reading of the world.” This quote is of interest to me because in this modern world, so much is put into what someone says, and very little is put into the context of those words. What they mean in the intended context is of more significance that what the definition is.

Class Relevance:
I believe that Paulo Friere’s theories and teachings have a substantial relevance to our class. In addition to being a prominent member of Latin American culture/history, his theories remains a cornerstone of what I believe is a truly free society. Knowledge, even in its most basic form such as reading and writing is truly power. The more we know, the more we learn, the less room we have for ignorant differences such as racism and the less inclined we should be to want to hurt one another.

Assignment 3B

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 18:51:00 +0000

I viewed the following videos during my research of Machu Picchu in assignment 3A. Although this is not a traditional piece of art, I view it as such because of the superior architecture and innovative design that was seemingly ahead of its time. These videos correlate to our examination of Humanities because this lost city of Machu Picchu is a prominent component of both modern and ancient Latin America.

Observation:
Whether your viewing a video set to traditional Peruvian music or listening to an expert offer their explanation on the history of this great city, one thing that I keep finding myself reflects upon is that how after all of this time, this great city remains a mystery for the most part. The other part that I observe when watching these videos is how the sophistication with which the city was designed. The stone in the walls cut so precise that mortar was not necessary. The seismic integrity of the structures was so superior that the walls withstood centuries of earthquakes. Despite that, there were portions that needed to be restored but overall the site has remained intact.

Interpretation
This piece of artwork is about many things. However in my opinion, at this date in history and in being able to reflect on all that the Inca empire was able to achieve as well as the events it has had to withstand, this piece of artwork prominently indicates to me the dominance of the culture in the region at the time as well as the sophistication and accomplishments of this empire. This city is grand and prominent that to me, it only starts to pay homage to what the Inca Empire was all about. The fact the much mystery remains furthers my view on that.

Judgment
The reason I chose this piece of work is because despite all that we’ve discovered and know about the city, much of it remains a mystery. I’ve read differing views on what the purpose of the city was, what happened to its residents and why/how was it never discovered by the Spanish. The fact that it has withstood the perils of time to reveal all that it has about this ancient culture is also impressive. It is a great testament to the ancient Peruvians and all that they accomplished.

Questioning
I would like to know how long it took to build this beautiful city. How were the stones moved up to this high altitude, and what was the process like? For example, was the process similar to what we see today when a building is built. Permits, suppliers, materials and workers. What did it take at put this together?

Assignment 3A

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 05:08:00 +0000

Pre-Colombian refers to the period of time prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus and the subsequent influx of European influence into Latin America and the Caribbean.

The topic I chose was the Incan Empire and the video I viewed was about Machu Picchu.
The reason I chose this topic is because my wife is Peruvian and was born there. In fact we just had some of her family visit us last week. We plan to go visit them within the next eighteen months. Here are some interesting facts I found out about this ancient culture:

The Incan Empire was the largest pre-Columbian America Empire. It dominated much of Western South America stretching from the Andean Mountain Range, east – to as far north as Southern Columbia and as far south as Northern Chile. Much of these conquest where completed by Pachacuti who was essentially a commander within the empire and after his death, his son Tupac continued the domination and expansion within the region.

The Lost City of the Incas, also known as Machu Picchu is not only one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but it is widely accepted that this site served as a retreat to the Inca emperor, Pachacuti. The city was abandoned less than 100 years after being built due to the invasion of the Spanish army. Surprisingly that although the site was relatively close the Cusco, the capital city of the empire, the Spanish never found the site and consequently it lay left alone for centuries.

The Incas were considered to be among the most accomplished stone masons. The architecture of Machu Picchu uses a technique called Ashlar. The technique is amazing in that large stones are cut so precisely that when they fit together, there is no need for mortar to seal any cracks.

References:
http://www.machupicchu.com/History.htm

http://www.sacredland.org/world_sites_pages/M_Picchu.html

http://opa.yale.edu/opa/mpi/History-of-Machu-Picchu-Collections.pdf

http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761560004/inca_empire.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca_Empire

The reason I consider these references to be reliable is because much of the information I read I cross referenced to out resources and found them to be consistent. The only questionable item that did come up was that there was some debate over whether archaeologist considered Machu Picchu to be a retreat or a defense fortress. Based on historical events, most historians and archaeologist agree that it was a retreat for the emperor.

Assignment 2C

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 23:49:00 +0000

Linda A Beavers
1. Is MoLAA able to adapt its program to the school aged children or primarily geared to adults?
Absolutely. In fact MoLAA encourages children to interact and become involved in art. It accommodates various field trips throughout the year, has child rates for entry and encourages art through various programs it sponsors throughout the year.

2. Who is the founder of MoLAA?
Robert Gumbiner is a philantrophist, and an 85 year old former doctor who decided to venture into the world of art and in 1996 he founded the Museum of Latin American Art.

Caylen L Cole-Hazel
3. Why was MoLAA founded?
As an avid art collector, Dr. Robert Gumbiner realized that there was substantial chasm in the world of art in the United States. That chasm being that while there were traveling exhibits, there were no dedicated museums to the prolific genre of Latin American Art. Looking to fill that void in a significant manner, he set out to establish what is now known as the Museum of Latin American Art.

Deanna L Dellapenna
4. Who is the museum Director?
Since 1999, Gregorio Luke has been the director of the Museum of Latin American Art.
However his duties are limited to the Directors role. He participates and leads regular lectures on various facets of Latin culture and artist.

5. What day of the week is the museum free?
Fridays are free admission to any and all interested in viewing the exhibits.

Assignment 2B

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:56:00 +0000

1. MoLAA stands for Museum of Latin American Art
2. The first video clip introduces the viewer to MoLAA, telling us about its history, vision for the future and the enlightening work it is now accomplishing.
The second video gives us a brief tour of the museum, highlighting some of the exhibits and the various works on display. Some of the photos are blurry and others are shown so quickly that you need to pause to get a good look at all of them.
The third video was un-viewable. It looks like the user who originally shared it had taken it down.
3. The first video introducing us to MoLAA taught us: 1. The Museum is 6 years old (as of 2007) and located in Long Beach, CA. It is not your typical uptight museum but rather one that invites the viewer to enjoy themselves and really dive into the various exhibits on display. 2. The founder, Robert Gumbiner decided now was the time to bestow America with a museum of contemporary Latin arts; especially America had never been introduced to such a concept. 3. The goal of the museum is not just to display art, but rather to educate the viewer about the history of the Latin culture and experience.
The second video was a slide show set to music that displayed various exhibits. The viewer got to see art in various forms and compositions including sculptures, paintings, drawings and photography. So of it was traditional, other compositions were quite modern in style. One item I did notice is that of the names that were displayed, they seemed to be male dominated. I know that there are many female artist who are worthy of display but for some reason, it seemed to be an unbalanced ratio.
The third clip again was not functioning.
4.
What is the least busy/best day to visit according to MoLAA?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcj6ld0gKck
Name two Artists whose art is at the Museum?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUaZHgJElTQ&feature=related
Who founded the Museum of Latin American Art?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lcj6ld0gKck
5. From reading the MoLAA website, I learned that there are Over 900 works of art from various compositions that represent 340 Latin American artists from 20 countries within the four Spanish-Portuguese speaking Latin America countries in the regions of Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean. We also learn that MoLAA is the only museum in the western United States that exclusively features contemporary Latin American art.

Assignment 2A

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 23:50:00 +0000

1. Interdisciplinary studies is a cross disciplinary form of study that allows a student to explore studies from various disciplines and combining them into one form of study.
http://www.tnstate.edu/interior.asp?mid=2613
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interdisciplinary

2. Latin America is the various regions throughout the america’s where the dominant language is Spanish and Portugese.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_America
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/latinout.htm

3. AnguillaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArubaBahamasBarbadosBelizeBermudaBoliviaBrazilBritish Virgin IslandsCayman IslandsChileColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorGrenadaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiHondurasJamaicaMexicoMontserratNetherlands AntillesNicaraguaPanamaParaguayPeruSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSurinameTrinidad and TobagoTurks and Caicos IslandsUruguayVenezuela
http://www.uis.unesco.org/profiles/EN/EDU/countries40314.html

4.
Anguilla
Antigua & Barbuda
Aruba
Bahamas
Barbados
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Cuba
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Haiti
Jamaica
Martinique
Montserrat
Netherlands Antilles
Puerto Rico
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia
St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Trinidad & Tobago
Turks & Caicos Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands

http://www.caribbeanchoice.com/islands/main.asp

5. I didn’t realize how racially diverse Latin America is. According to Wikipedia there is quite a extensive list of various racial groups that comprise the region.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_America#Racial_distribution

6.
http://www.tnstate.edu/interior.asp?mid=2613
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interdisciplinary
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_America
http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/latinout.htm
http://www.uis.unesco.org/profiles/EN/EDU/countries40314.html
http://www.caribbeanchoice.com/islands/main.asp
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_America#Racial_distribution
These are reputable sources listed above and this is proven by the fact that multiple other sites and reference validate the information found on the sources listed above, but also they are reputable sources for countless other topics.

g. Using last week's assignments (When you login to class to submit your work, it can be found at the very top of the page, Assignments link), review Project 1 work submitted by your classmates. Browse through your classmates web pages. What do you notice in general. Choose any two classmates and tell us what you have in common with that classmate, worth 1 percent of total semester grade.

In reviewing last weeks submissions a couple of the items I notice is that while there are some who have a working knowledge of Latin America, there still acknowledge that like me, there is much to learn. There are also quite a few folks who are past the traditional age of college but are still working towards a degree. For me, that is encouraging because I'm in a similar circumstance.

Assignment 1C

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 04:21:00 +0000

Tell us their name and something about them.
Who I have learned from:
I have learned from and something about was Jessica Martin.
She is taking this class for reasons similar to why I’m taking this class. I see she is 100% Mexican and 100% proud with is cool. Like her, one of the things I think about when I think about Latin America is the hospitality and warm family environment – even to “outsiders”.

The other person I learned something about was Kim Pritchett. She’s taking this class because her boyfriend is latin which is cool. I don’t have a boyfriend but my wife is latin (South American) and her family always talks about their country. This class will help me bring something to the conversations – I hope.
2. Tell us 2 things from each person you learned regarding Paulo Freire.

One thing I overlooked that I did learn from Jessica’s post is that in addition to all of his accomplishments, he was a family man – father of five. That makes me wonder what became of his children. Did he instill his belief system in them and what have they done to perpetuate his teachings?

One thing that I didn’t necessarily not know – but is worth echoing from Kim’s post is that education is much more than just passively memorizing and learning. For me, my goal is to just finish school so I’ll quit banging my head on the proverbial glass ceiling. So I do go about doing a lot of memorization. What I realize is that to really learn and grow as a person, you have to understand something beyond what a textbook or website says. It’s about not only what it means, but what it means to you based on your experiences. That is learning.

Assignment 1b

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 03:58:00 +0000

One of the first things I believe are important to understand about Paulo is what he wrote about in his book, “Pedagogy of the Oppressed.” In that writing he outlined how the oppressed had to fight or struggle to overcome the oppressors. And it wasn’t just a matter of defeating the oppressors, but also a matter of defeating the mindset that had been branded into their own psyche.

Another item I think it is important to know about Paulo – and this is building upon the previous point – is that there is no incentive for the Oppressor to change or even want to change the status quo. I can’t help but think about the current election going on here in the United States. Although now we’re hearing one party pickup the slogan of change, I can’t help but make the connection between what I’ve learned from Mr. Freire and what I see/read/hear in the news. The people in charge have no reason to want to change the current trends. The people in charge are fat and happy. And while I hesitate to call people in the United States “oppressed”, the fact that so many – especially those who lack even minimal levels of education continue to rally behind and buy into the same old rhetoric is disturbing. This lesson renewed my zeal in changing my mindset and emerging from what I consider a relatively oppressed state of being.

Finally, Paulo’s belief that a teacher cannot simply pontificate a lesson to be effective but must engage and learn from his student as much as he/she teaches is in fact the most effective method. This has in fact been the trend with some of the most profound and effective men and women in history.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedagogy_of_the_Oppressed

http://www.comminit.com/en/node/27123/36

Assignment 1A

noreply@blogger.com (Daniel Brown) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 05:07:00 +0000

1. What is your first name only?
Daniel

2. Why are you taking this class and what do you hope to learn?
I’m taking this class to complete the GE requirements for transfer. I also have an interest in latin culture and look forward to exploring its history.

3. How far do you live from SRJC main campus?
According to Google Maps, I live exactly 2 miles from the Santa Rosa SRJC campus.

4. What do you think of when you think "Latin America and the Caribbean"?
I think of a festive and warm culture. Great food/music. Beautiful women and I do wonder about its history. I think it is interesting how there are what appear to be black/African people who are latin or speak perfect Spanish.

5. Have you created a blog or webpage in the past?
Yes