Literature in Modern Latin America (261-0-20)

Instructors

Yasmin Silvia Portales Machado

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-425: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

This course provides an overview of some of the major trends in Latin American literatures since 1888, modernismo, the historical avant-garde, the "Boom," and end of the 20th century. The readings, class discussions and assignments will offer many opportunities to improve students' oral and written Spanish. The course will emphasize various literary styles and ideological constructions that, in different ways, reflect the complexity of Latin American writing. While introducing students to the social and historical context in which the works were written, the course will focus on the following issues: the cultural and political dimensions of literature; the representation of class, gender, and race; and the concern for finding autochthonous modes of expression. During the quarter, students will discuss primary texts and more recent research addressing the historical, political and social processes that shaped literary and cultural production at the end of the 19th and the 20th centuries in Latin America. Our goal is to generate the knowledge and develop the skills necessary to understand and discuss about the period literature and its debates about national identity, post-colonialism, race, and the body, among other issues. Prerequisite (may be taken concurrently): SPANISH 200-0 or 204-0.

Learning Objectives

-To survey major literary trends in Latin America since 1888, such as "Modernismo", "Magical Realism" and the "Latin American Boom".

- To understand major historical, social, and political contexts in Latin America since 1888.

- To analyze the intersections between culture, race, class, ethnicity, sexuality and other elements as they appear within literary and artistic practices.

- To develop speaking and writing skills in Spanish and sharpen powers of interpretation, critique, and aesthetic perception.

- To produce persuasive interpretation, analysis, and commentary on literature and art, both spoken and written.

Class Materials (Required)

Course materials will be available on Canvas.

Class Attributes

Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Global Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Pre/Co: SPANISH 200-0 or 204-0 (may be taken concurrently), OR have an AP score of 5 for heritage students, OR an AP of 5 in both the Spanish Language and Literature exams for non-heritage students, OR sufficient Spanish Language Placement Exam score.