Jaqueline Sotomayor

April 14, 2015

Writing and Rhetoric
Outline for Research Paper
I.

The complexity of Western culture and societal norms is often

understood as established on a basis of power relations
functioning through oppressive structures. In the case of American
History, the practice of a specific group of people exerting
dominance over another is seen frequently.
A. For instance, border relations between the El Paso, TX, and
Juarez, MX border has been a both geographical and
metaphysical place where boundaries have separated people.
Those inside the border are perceived as the insiders, the visible
bodies, and the dominant. However, those on the other side are
the outsiders, the invisible bodies, and the powerless.
B. What then are the effects of this on the opportunities offered for
attaining a higher-level education. In the UT system, can UTEPs
significance be reconsidered? Perhaps raising awareness on the
social understandings can change the lives of the UTEP
community altogether.

II.

There are several theories that can be applied to gain a better

understanding on the politics behind these relationships.
A. One theory uses the role of neoliberalism, or globalization, to
comprehend this us vs. them power dynamic in borderlands
altogether.
B. It complicates the interrelatedness of a holistic view on culture,
as being affected by several institutional and structural

establishments. (This section will take a focus on applying the

theoretical)
III.

Keeping the theoretical in mind, what are some of the issues that
are in need of discussion for the UTEP community? How can the
UT system be a part of the change or revolutionizing of UTEPs
position as an educational institution?
A. What are some of the ramifications involving collegiate education
policies that affect the students attending UTEP? For instance, how
does being a citizen or not affect the aid that students receive.
B. Another important issue is how the institution as a whole providing
the necessary tools, such as those that should be offered when
language barriers are encountered. Also, how is it that UTEP
handles cultural tensions between students attending this
university.

IV.

Politics and economics reflect societys constructs that are

practiced through already established cultures that are cumulative.
Altogether I am formulating an argument for the reconsideration of
policies established on racial, neoliberal inequity, and ethnocentric
reasons, to be re-imagined, or thought of on the basis of how it
translates into the lives of individuals living in borderland cities
(such as El Paso, Juarez).
A. Conclusively I will bring together the applications of theory, and
how it can be put into practice to bring about a change.
B. I will elaborate on the solutions for the issues I am discussing,
and bringing about a fresh perspective on this unresolved issue.