LIT 383 Latinx Literature of the U.S.
This course examines significant works of Latinx literature written in the U.S., focusing on the diversity of the Latinx literary expression. Students will
explore relevant sociopolitical contexts and how literature provides insight into the commonalities and differences of the experiences of Latin American
diasporas in the US. Topics that may be studied in relation to literary
production, include but are not limited to identity (e.g. mestizaje, Afro-Latino/a/x), race, indigeneity, gender, sexuality, as well as borderlands,
citizenship, migration, and multilingualism. Emphasis will be on U.S. based literature, but may include some comparative analysis with literary texts across the Americas and the Caribbean. Significant emphasis on race and racism.
Prerequisites
4 Undergraduate credits
Effective August 14, 2023 to present
Meets graduation requirements for
Learning outcomes
General
- Explain the cultural richness and complexity of Latinx literatures in the U.S. by identifying differences and similarities among the literary production of U.S. Latinx writers to challenge monolithic characterizations
- Articulate complex literary analysis of Latinx literatures, with particular emphasis on themes of identity (e.g.mestizaje, Afro-Latino/a/x), race, indigeneity, gender, sexuality, as well as borderlands, citizenship, migration, and/or multilingualism
- Identify how Latinx literature offers examples of social critique, cultural agency, and anti-racist and anti-oppressive resistance
- Distinguish appropriate use of terms and concepts such as Latino/a/x/e, latinidad, Hispanic, and Chicano/a/x.
- Characterize and identify major authors, themes, narratives strategies, and literary and artistic tropes in Latinx literatures.
- Apply relevant literary criticism and theory to support argumentative literary analysis and interpretations of the works studied.
- Apply research conventions in literary studies, including the building of skills related to summary, annotation, analysis, evaluation of primary and secondary sources and correct use of MLA bibliographic style to support developing academic writing practices.
- Engage respectfully and dynamically with peers in a way that encourages scholarly community, and individual academic development.
Minnesota Transfer Curriculum
Goal 6: The Humanities and Fine Arts
- Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
- Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
- Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
- Engage in the creative process or interpretive performance.
- Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Goal 7: Human Diversity
- Understand the development of and the changing meanings of group identities in the United States' history and culture.
- Demonstrate an awareness of the individual and institutional dynamics of unequal power relations between groups in contemporary society.
- Analyze their own attitudes, behaviors, concepts and beliefs regarding diversity, racism, and bigotry.
- Describe and discuss the experience and contributions (political, social, economic, etc.) of the many groups that shape American society and culture, in particular those groups that have suffered discrimination and exclusion.
- Demonstrate communication skills necessary for living and working effectively in a society with great population diversity.