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Academic Year 2000/2001

Literature and Society in Contemporary Latin America
SPAN 259 FA
Crosslistings:
LAST 259

Through the 1980s and 90s it became increasingly obvious that Latin America is no longer a site for the realization of utopian projects such as those that emerged in Latin American modernity. The advent of late capitalism--of postmodernity--has transformed relations between state and civil society in Latin America perhaps forever, producing the integration of the Left into electoral politics, the uneven disarmament of guerilla movements, the signing of peace accords, etc. Contemporary public cu lture in Latin America--profoundly marked by the end of the Cold War and the advent of competing trade blocs--is characterized by rightist governments functioning under the banner of democracy, together with a generalized demand to erase a traumatic histo ry of repressive military governments and civil war during the 70s and 80s. This course will study the literary reflections of these issues as we read a variety of narratives written during the past 20 years and representing various regions of Latin Amer ica. In our analyses of these writings, we will focus especially on such themes as history, catastrophe, and futurity; dictatorship and postdictatorship; civil war and civil society; gender and ethnicity; state and culture; urbanization.

MAJOR READINGS

Manlio Argueta, UN DIA EN LA VIDA Rigoberta Menchu, ME LLAMO RIGOBERTA MENCHU Y ASI ME NACIO LA CONCIENCIA Angeles Mastretta, ARRANCAME LA VIDA Hector Aguilar-Camin, MORIR EN EL GOLFO Paco Ignacio Taibo II, REGRESO A LA MISMA CIUDAD Y BAJO LA LLUVIA Ricardo Piglia, LA CIUDAD AUSENTE Alberto Fuguets, MALA ONDA Diamela Eltit, EL PADRE MIO

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Three short papers (3-5 pp.); final paper.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

SPAN259 is intended for students who have completed SPAN226 with a B or better. Students who have not done so should consult with the professor before preregistering. Readings, class discussion, and written work in Spanish only. Preregistered students whose Spanish proficiency is insufficient will be asked to withdraw. Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. N OTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's office.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: 1    Gen Ed Area Dept: HA RLAN    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-26-2001

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