Literature in Modern Latin America (261-0-21)

Instructors

Mauricio Oportus

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-440: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course provides an overview of some of the major trends in Latin American literatures since 1888, while at the same time offering opportunities to improve students' oral and written Spanish. Emphasis will be placed on 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; the formative impact of nationalism and internationalism; and the concern for finding autochthonous modes of expression. Through lectures and discusson groups, students will analyize the nature and complexity of these issues in relation to the broader historical, political, and social processes that shaped literary and cultural production in Latin America at the end of the 19th and throughout the 20th century. Prerequisite (may be taken concurrently): SPANISH 200-0 or 204-0

Learning Objectives

- Observe the forms, genres, and styles of literary expression in Latin America from the end of the 19th century to the present through practices of close reading and analysis.

- Gain awareness of the social, political, cultural, and historical factors influencing artistic expression, the relations between the artist and the public, and the potential of creative art to challenge or affirm social and cultural norms. This will include discussions of the leading Latin American literary movements of the period.  

- Appreciate how literature reveals the differences and diversity, as well as the continuity and unity, of human cultures. This course will introduce students to the social and historical context in which the works were written.

- Through class participation and writing assignments, produce persuasive interpretation, analysis, and commentary on literature and art, both spoken and written.

-  By emulating the subtleties of literature, students develop their speaking and writing skills in Spanish and sharpen their powers of interpretation, critique, and aesthetic perception. This will involve summarizing, close reading, contextualizing, and synthesizing analyses of course texts in short writing assignments and a final portfolio.

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.