Romero, Channette
TR 11:10 AM
Park Hall 139
This course provides an introduction to the literary works of Latinx peoples in the United States. By exploring various texts, we will focus on how Latinx writers engage and attempt to disrupt the legacy of colonialism through writing. We will begin by examining how select writers scrutinize the tensions and possibilities within the concept of “America,” and the ways it relates to immigration, border crossings, language, community, and belonging. We will then explore how narratives, poetry, and graphic novels written by Latinx writers address history and its effects on Latinx peoples, with attention to such issues as internal colonialism, historic traumas, exilic nostalgia, machismo, and intergenerational violence. Finally, we will examine Latinx futurisms, where Latinx writers use conventions from science fiction and fantasy to imagine more empowering futures for Latinx peoples. Throughout the class, we’ll explore the ways Latinx writers encourage more inclusive social change. Possible authors include José Martí, Gloria Anzaldúa, Cristina García, Gilbert Hernandez, Elizabeth Acevedo, Javier Zamora, Carmen María Machado, and others.