The Novela Project
The Novela Project is an oral history study that explores the rich historical and cultural legacy that has shaped life in the San Luis Valley. The outcome of this study is the creation and production of a full-length stage production reflecting the life and experiences of the people of El Valle.
The Novela Project is both an academic and a creative endeavor. the Novela Project curriculum is based on instruction of traditional and field research methods; archival methods; playwriting and theatre production. Students will gain knowledge and practice of traditional and field research methods for the purpose of gathering research data. Students will engage research data in a creative writing process to produce a play script which includes the stories, customs, traditions, music, and other cultural expressions in preparation of a full-length stage production.
The Novela Project curriculum enables students to achieve the following Student Learning Objectives:
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to gain an understanding of the internal and external forces that have influenced life in the San Luis Valley;
to learn traditional research methods utilizing llibrary, museum, books, letters, diaries, memoirs, photographs, film/video, music, newspaper archives, online, etc.
to learn field research methods (group and individual interview techniques) in order to conduct field research among the various San luis Valley communities;
to learn archival preparation including transcription, reporting, cross reference, loggin, and indexing to facilitate data retrieval;
to utilize the data in a creative writing process to develop a play script reflecting the history, life and experiences of the people of the San Luis Valley; and
to engage in various aspects of theatre production to produce a full-length stage production.
