Mexican Voices and Letters

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the vast national tradition of Mexican Literature as seen through fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and film. We will study the historical eras and political climates that have shaped Mexican cultural production -- from Mesoamerica and colonialism, revolution and postcolonialism, to the present day. We will consider how each of these historical stages has influenced Mexican literature, and will analyze the methods with which contemporary Mexican authors continue to grapple with questions of national identity in an era marked by immigration, globalization, and political crisis. Readings and film viewings may include works such as those by Luis Buñuel, Rosario Castellanos, Alejandro González Iñárritu, Juan Rulfo, Octavio Paz, Carlos Fuentes, Laura Esquivel, Valeria Luiselli, and Yuri Herrera.