Summer Reading Expectations
Please look over the following focus ideas and questions to help guide your analysis of the text, Coyotes: A Journey Through the Secret World of America’s Illegal Aliens, by Ted Conover.
Keep in mind that you will be required to complete extensive writing and discussion assignments related to the text and on the issue of US immigration policy (in addition to many other AWESOME and EXCITING topics- you know you can’t wait!!!) throughout the upcoming school year (in other words… take good notes in the margin, highlight, etc.).
Essential Questions:
What are the fundamental causes and effects of migration (immigrants and emigrants) on domestic and international affairs?
What founding beliefs, documents and policies shaped US immigration policy during its early years, and how have these shifted over time?
What are the most significant costs and benefits of current US policy vis-à-vis Canada and Mexico?
What is the future of US immigration policy in an era of globalization, terrorism and economic interdependence?
Assignment:
Read the book.
Take a picture of you and the book and send it to me along with a brief note telling me about yourself, your summer, and your reading (what you think so far, etc). E-mail the picture and note to me
NO LATER THAN (NLT) July 31st: cpark@norfolkcollegiate.org
Answer the following questions. Your responses must be typed, double-spaced, size 12
font using a standard (not fancy) font. Some answers may be only a paragraph (5-7
sentences) while others may be several paragraphs. The goal is to answer them as
completely as possible. Responses are due the first day of class. A letter grade (6 points) will be subtracted each day it is late- not that there will be any late assignments turned in, right?
Be prepared to discuss the book in roundtable discussion throughout the year as we study
the appropriate topics. This will mean that you will want to take notes while you are
reading the book. Use your book, right in the margins, highlight, etc!
1. What was the Ted Conover’s point in assuming the role of a migrant worker?
2. What is La Migra? What did Conover experience by crossing the border and working in migrant camps that helped him to understand how immigration policy works (or does not work)?
3. Describe three different characters with whom Conover interacts during his time as a migrant worker. What do each of their stories tell you about their lives and the lives of other Mexicans who survive by illegally crossing the border?
4. How does illegal immigration between the US and Mexico both help and hinder the economies of these two nations?
5. Discuss the various ways in which Conover traveled from place to place to find temporary employment with migrant workers. Which way seemed the most striking to you? Explain.
6. Explore the issue of trust and the role it plays in the lives of illegal migrant workers. How did Conover earn the trust of the migrant workers with whom he spent his time? What did he offer the workers that they needed?
7. Discuss the role of money and how money is used by those seeking employment in the US. What things were the most expensive for migrant workers?
8. Discuss how the US agricultural industry benefits directly from the use of illegal migrant workers. Why are so many migrants willing to work in such poor conditions for low pay in el Norte? Why are they willing to risk their lives in the desert and pay hefty fees to coyotes to get them across the border?
9. How did migrant workers in the text compare themselves to the average American? What does this tell you?
10. Discuss how the notion of “borders” is used in various ways throughout the text. How do people define “borders” differently? Give an example.