SPAN259

[WesMaps 98/99 Home Page] [Course Search] [Course Search by CID]

SPAN259

Literature and Society in Contemporary Latin America SPAN259 FA

Crosslistings: LAST259

Not Currently Offered

Through the 1980s and 90s it has become 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 culture 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 history 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 twenty years and representing various regions of Latin America. 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. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's office.

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: HA RLIT

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999

Contact wesmaps@wesleyan.edu to submit comments or suggestions.