Introduction to Latinx Literature (277-0-1)
Instructors
Mariajose Rodriguez Pliego
Meeting Info
University Hall 102: Mon, Wed 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
In the United States, we often talk about Latinx people using blurry labels. We discuss the Latino vote, the Hispanic population, and the Latinx community. This course explores the nuances of these labels through stories narrated by Latinx authors. As we follow characters through conflicts and inhabit their quotidian lives, we will navigate between the specificity of a story and the complexity of a Latinx identity. Class discussions will study emotional ties to language, feminist thought, Latinx Indigeneities, and queer storytelling. Our readings will alternate between short stories, poetry, non-fiction writing, and one novel. As we move between forms and genres, we will pay particular attention to what Latinx authors achieve by choosing to tell their story in a poem, a short story, an essay, or a novel, as well as what each of these forms asks of us as readers. A nine-week course cannot do justice to the rich genealogy of Latinx writing. This course follows an illustrative sample of Latinx authors from the 1980s to the present. It aims to provide students with a historical, political, and literary foundation for further exploration of Latinx literature. (Taught in English)
Evaluation Method
Midterm and final papers, personal essay, attendance and participation
Class Materials (Required)
We the Animals by Justin Torres (9780547844190). Short stories, poetry and excerpts from Carmen Maria Machado, Sandra Cisneros, Manuel Muñoz, Javier Zamora, Helena Maria Viramontes, and others.
Texts will be available at:
o We the Animals by Justin Torres will be available at the Northwestern bookstore
o All other materials will be available on Canvas
Class Attributes
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity
Associated Classes
DIS - 555 Clark 230: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Allison Residential Comm 1021: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Harris Hall L05: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM
DIS - Allison Residential Comm 1021: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM