In this course, we will consider the unique literary, rhetorical, and aesthetic innovations of Latinx writers and artists—primarily in the United States, from 1960 to the present. How have Latinx writers, artists, and fictional characters navigated diverse experiences of labor, migration, and code-switching? In what ways have they joined, depicted, and critiqued major political movements? What might be the benefits (or limitations) of particular group identifications (“Latina/o/x” vs. “Hispanic” vs. “Chicana/o/x” vs. “Mexican American” vs. “Puerto Rican,” and so on)? How has Latinx literature portrayed the intersections of race, gender, sexuality, class, and religion in Latinx communities?

We will address these questions by reading novels, poems, plays, short stories, essays, and manifestoes by Elizabeth Acevedo, Gloria Anzaldúa, Nilo Cruz, Ariel Dorfman, Roberto “Corky” Gonzales, Achy Obejas, John Rechy, Tomás Rivera, Justin Torres, and Helena María Viramontes, among others. We also will watch a few films (West Side Story and Stand and Deliver) and episodes of TV shows (I Love Lucy, Jane the Virgin, and One Day at a Time). Major assignments will include a short essay (4–6 pages), a take-home midterm exam, and a final project (an essay of 8–10 pages, a video of 12–15 minutes, or some other project of equivalent length and substance). All readings will be in English, though students who are interested may elect to read Spanish-language versions of certain texts.

If all books are purchased new, the total cost for students should come to about $85.