Race, Indigeneity, and Testimonio (CHILATST 280)

3 credits · Graduate

This course focuses on testimonio, a personal narrative that emerges from social justice movements. We will explore its significance as a literary form and a means of political resistance in Latin American and Indigenous communities. Our discussions will center how race, indigeneity, power, and representation influence the stories of marginalized individuals and communities, shedding light on their experiences of state violence, colonialism, and resilience. Through close readings of key testimonios and engagement with Indigenous studies and racial theory, we will address questions about authenticity, authorship, and the balance between individual and collective narratives, as well as the ethical implications of discussing trauma and spirituality. In addition to our readings, you'll have the chance to gather oral histories from your family members and turn those stories into testimonio and visual art, like yarn paintings (or Nierika, as it's known in Wixaritari language, which is my ancestry). This hands-on work will deepen your understanding of the themes we explore and highlight the complexities of voice and ethics that arise in our discussions.