Between Worlds: Central American Diasporas

3 Credits

Examines Central America as a locus of diasporas, from its geological formation as an isthmus to the current movement of peoples across El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, and beyond. It offers a broadscale view of Central American societies, histories, (geo)politics, social and revolutionary movements, and cultural and literary production, and situates diasporic literature in relation to migration, war, genocide, violence, transnationalism, globalization, among others. Because the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area is a significant site of the Central American diasporas, we will explore our particular location and engage with local diasporic communities. Course format consists of lectures, discussions, group work, short essays, presentations, and examinations. Students should expect to participate in a community engagement project. Taught in Spanish and discussions in Spanglish.