Hispanic Studies 143: U.S. Latinx Literatures and Cultures: An Introduction

Is there such a thing as a U.S. “Latinx” literary tradition? If so, what are its core narrative characteristics, social and cultural concerns, and political interventions? In this introductory course, students will read major works by U.S. Latinx writers and cultural producers from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, particularly texts pertaining to the nationalist movements of the 1960s and 1970s, the feminist and queer turns of the 1980s and 1990s, as well as the formal innovations of twenty-first century Latinx writing. Students will examine the generic characteristics of Latinx narrative while considering the cultural, social, and political specificities of the various ethnic and national traditions that fall under the umbrella term “Latinx.” Texts studied may be drawn from the work of authors such as José Antonio Villarreal, Rudolfo Anaya, Lucha Corpi, Piri Thomas, Esmeralda Santiago, Junot Díaz, Cristina García, and Carmen María Machado, among others. Evaluation is based on class participation, oral and written assignments, and a mid-term and final exam. This course is open only to first- and second-year students; junior students by consent of instructor. This course counts as elective credits toward Hispanic Studies major or minor. Course taught in English.  May be taken for credit toward Indigeneity, Race, and Ethnicity Studies major or minor.