The Norma Alarcón papers document her contributions to Chicana feminist literature, scholarship, pedagogy, and publishing, as well as her interdisciplinary work in Ethnic and Women’s Studies. The collection includes biographical information and personalia; correspondence; materials related to the Third Woman Press; writings; course materials; administrative files; materials related to Alarcón's professional activities; artwork and posters; and audiovisual materials.

Celebrated Chicana feminist scholar and publisher Norma Alarcón was born in Villa Frontera, Coahuila Mexico on November 30, 1943. Her family immigrated to the United States in 1955, lived briefly in San Antonio, Texas, and then settled in Chicago. Alarcón received her B.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Indiana, specializing in Spanish literature. The topic of her 1983 dissertation was “Ninfomanía: El Discurso Feminista en la Obra de Rosario Castellanos.” Alarcón was the founder and publisher of the influential Third Woman Press, which began as the journal “Third Woman” in 1979. The Press published major texts and important writers in Chicana and Latina Studies, including Sandra Cisneros, Ana Castillo, Cherríe Moraga, and Gloria Anzaldúa. Its more than 30 books and anthologies between 1984 and 2004 include the third edition of “This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color.” Alarcón taught at Purdue University from 1983 to 1987 and at the University of California, Berkeley from 1987 until her retirement in 2004. Alarcón taught courses in the Chicano, Ethnic Studies, Spanish, and Women's Studies departments at Berkeley.

12.6 Linear Feet (9 cartons, 1 oversize box, 2 oversize folders)

Some materials in these collections may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). In addition, the reproduction of some materials may be restricted by terms of University of California gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user. For additional information about the University of California, Berkeley Library's permissions policy please see: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/about/permissions-policies

Collection is open for research.