Mexico in Its Arts & Literature

Catalog description

Despite Mexico's geographical proximity, political relevance and economic importance to the United States, few countries are as poorly understand as is Mexico among Americans. As a result, few Americans appreciate their neighbor's historical odyssey, in search of political stability, national unity, democracy and economic prosperity. This course offers an introduction to 20th and 21st century literture and cultural production about modern Mexico. Emphasis will be placed on the way intellectuals, writers and artists whose novels, short stories, films, paintings deal with Mexico City's changing social and political landscape, and how these representations question themes and trends in national identity, state control, globalization and immigration. the course will provide a historical outline of the interaction between artists, the state, and national identity in Mexico. It will also challenge dominant narratives within Mexican history, through an examination of the experience of subaltern groups, including women and indigenous peoples. This course includes a travel component. Students must request permission of instructor via an application in order to register.