Introduction to Latinx Literature (277-0-01)

Instructors

Mariajose Rodriguez Pliego

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-415: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

In the United States, we often talk about Latinx people using blurry labels. We discuss the Latino vote and the Hispanic population, we move from Latino/a to Latinx to Latine and finally reject the very possibility of a category that can encompass a continuously expanding number of national identities, ethnicities, and languages. Our course readings and discussions will interrogate terms like Latinx, Chicano, and Nuyorican by tracing their emergence in the 1960s and following their evolution since then.

This class will provide an overview of literature written by Latinx authors in the last six decades. Our readings will alternate between short stories, poetry, essays, and one novel.

A nine-week course cannot do justice to the rich genealogy of Latinx writing. This course aims to provide students with a historical, political, and literary foundation for further exploration of Latinx literature.

Teaching Method

Lecture and discussion-based course, with discussion sections.

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:

We the Animals by Justin Torres will be available at the Northwestern bookstore.
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 - TBA: TBA