Literature in Colonial Latin America (260-0-3)

Instructors

Yasmin Silvia Portales Machado

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-329: Mon, Wed 3:30PM - 4:50PM

Overview of class

This course surveys major Latin American literary works from pre-Columbian traditions to the period preceding the rise of modernism in the late 19th century. We will take a critical approach to the idea of "literature" by examining poetic and dramatic texts alongside historical, legal, ethnographic, and religious documents, as well as Indigenous narratives and artistic practices. Through this broad conception of textuality, we will explore the articulation, transformation, and preservation of identity across the colonial and early republican eras. Key themes will include indigeneity, colonialism, race, gender, language, and the uneven formation of national communities. While the primary language of the class will be Spanish, we will also consider the linguistic diversity of Latin America through translations of works originally written in Indigenous and European languages. Prerequisite: SPAN 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 Spanish Language and Literature exams for non-heritage students, or sufficient score on the Spanish Language Placement Exam.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: SPAN 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 Spanish Language and Literature exams for non-heritage students, or sufficient score on the Spanish Language Placement Exam.

Learning Objectives

This class will introduce students to the history and culture of Latin America through the analysis of literary works. Students will be asked to summarize, analyze, and respond to primary texts; to relate primary works to contextual information and critical readings; and to synthesize their knowledge in a final project. Throughout the quarter, students will develop their rhetorical skills by writing, speaking, and presenting their work in Spanish.

Class Materials (Required)

Course materials will be available on Canvas or free online.

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: Registration for Majors and Minors in either Spanish or Portuguese until the end of preregistration, after which time enrollment will be open to everyone who has taken the prerequisite. 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.