Topics in Latina and Latino History (391-0-1)
Topic
Curandera Histories
Instructors
Myrna Garcia
847/491-8916
1908 Sheridan
Office Hours: Mon / Wed 3:30 – 4:30 PM and by appointment
Gabriel Andres Guzman
Meeting Info
Annenberg Hall G32: Wed 3:00PM - 5:00PM
Overview of class
This is a companion course to the Latinx Mudlark Theatre Project. To guide pedagogical practice and curricular goals in Latinx Studies and performance studies, we will use the concept of "historian as curandera [healer]" The concept — coined by scholar Aurora Levins-Morales — challenges us to engage critical inquiries when exploring untold or unrepresented Latinx hi/stories. Students will grapple with questions and directives, such as, "How does positionality affect what one sees/understands? What constitutes evidence? How do historical narratives transform when we center the marginalized? Asking questions are as important as answering them." This concept is an important pedagogical tool to disrupt harmful narratives and stereotypes that pathologize Latinx communities. It will empower students to imagine and create rich, creative narratives and performances. Students create responses of witnessing the piloted work Mudlark conducts and create digital archives and curriculum informed by independent research in Latinx Studies and performance studies.
Registration Requirements
Restricted to Latina and Latino Studies majors and minors
Learning Objectives
Students will:
- Understand and analyze the heterogeneity and complexity of Latinx hi/stories, cultures, and experiences
- generate a digital archive of "curandera" hi/stories
-articulate the significance of transformative, healing hi/stories, and performance
- create transformative, healing hi/stories, and performance
- engage racial equity and community in critical and thoughtful ways
Class Materials (Required)
None. Materials will be specified during class.
Class Attributes
Historical Studies Distro Area
Enrollment Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for Latina and Latino Majors and Minors.
Add Consent: Instructor Consent Required