Early Latino Writers and the Borderlands

3 credits

The Hispanic borderlands of what is now the US have been a source of inspiration since the earliest contacts with Europeans. From conquerors to recent Latinos writing in Spanish, these writers explore themes of language and identity--belonging and difference--and examine cultural and spatial borderlands as they grapple with perennial questions. How does the afterlife of colonialism affect present notions of community and of the common good? What kinds of challenges, insights and opportunities come from transculturation? Readings include selections from travel accounts, fiction, essay, poetry, music, and film from Southern border and the Caribbean diaspora. Conducted in Spanish.Fulfills the Pre-1900 requirement in Latin American Literature for Hispanic Studies Majors. Please note that this course was previously titled Borderlands: the literature of Hispanic Migration in the U.S. Satisfies Core requirement for: Cultural Diversity