Q: What does "Borderlands" mean?

We define the Borderlands as the geographical, cultural, and psychological spaces of multiethnic history and identities (Cervantes-Soon and Carillo). 

Q: Why is the course called "Borderlands" writing?

The title of "Borderlands" comes from scholar and writer Gloria Anzaldúa who used it to describe the experience of living between two worlds — two languages, two cultures, two ways of being. Borderland experiences often mean navigating two or more sides of our identity. Though we might not always feel like we fully belong to either side, we can reflect on the incredible strength, creativity, and resilience that can grow from that in-between space. 

Q: Does Borderlands count towards my Foundations Writing GenEd requirements?

Yes, Borderlands courses fulfill your GenEd requirements for Foundations Writing just like a general Foundations Writing course. Borderlands courses share all of the main student learning outcomes of general courses too, but are taught by instructors who are trained in Borderlands writing pedagogies.

Q: Can I enroll in this class through UAccess?

No, Borderlands sections are generally not open to add to your cart or register through UAccess, but students can request enrollment (through the Foundations Writing Evaluation, by email invitations, or through contacting the Borderlands Writing Lead: melanimartinez@arizona.edu) to be enrolled with priority.

Q: What are the "special topics" in a Borderlands class?

Any writing class instructor can choose a focus topic for their course, but Borderlands writing courses offer learning opportunities that are most often grounded in place and identity, especially regarding Tucson, Sonora, and the greater US/Mexico Borderlands.

Q: Why do students want to be part of a Borderlands class?

Borderlands students are looking to build a sense of belonging on campus with others that may share their language, heritage, culture, and communities. They may be first-generation college students or the first person in the family to attend college in the U.S. and may have lived experiences or specific interests in exploring a sense of place in our local / regional communities.

Q: Do I need to be a Spanish speaker or multilingual to join this course?

Borderlands invites students of all languages. Though some course material might include Spanish, Indigenous, or other language text or audio (with English translations), students are not required to communicate in any particular language to join the class; this class is open to everyone--those who consider themselves monolingual, bilingual, multilingual, a heritage speaker, or embracing their identity as a "no sabo kid"!

Q: What have former Borderlands ENGL 109H students said about their Borderlands Writing experience?

"It allowed me to portray such an important part of my identity in a unique and meaningful way, as well as reminding me why I am proud to be a part of its community."

"By using my cultural knowledge as a writing resource, I discovered new confidence in how I see myself as a writer and in what I want to stand for."

"This class gave me the opportunity to think about the context in which I live, the places where I physically and emotionally reside, and what it means to a broader context which is important to me because it affects my family and my own life. It made me think about research differently."

"I think this class helped me have a voice and gave me a sense of belonging in the classroom as it felt good to help others and have my advice valued by my classmates as it not always easy for me to share my ideas."