Beyond Survival: Black Agency in Colonial Latin America

3 units

Through the analysis of primary sources, where available, this seminar will examine the varied ways through which men and women of African descent garnered and exerted agency in colonial Latin America. Topics to be discussed include: archival politics, race, slavery, resistance, legal consciousness, family, clothing, corporate organization, military service, and festive and ritual practices. The seminar focuses on a lesser-studied aspect of the colonial experience and is intended to engage graduate students with a growing area of study in the field of Latin American literary and cultural studies. Prereq: Graduate Standing.