For this course, we will analyze, in depth, authors such as Pedro Lemebel, Mario Bellatin, Manuel Puig, Ana Mendieta, José Donoso, and Alejandra Pizarnik, who are representative voices of the counter cultural 20th and 21st Century Latin American literary and artistic scenery. We will discuss how different authors from diverse periods and regions develop queer textual and performative strategies to represent a world that, in the words of José Esteban Muñoz, is configured with “a critique of a present order, and of the overarching dictate of how things are and will always be in an unyielding status quo.” We will work with fluctuating definitions of Queer theory, especially from authors such as José Esteban Muñoz and Judith Butler to outline a queer aesthetic dimension in Modern Latin American literature and the arts. This course focuses on student-generated discussion and critical thinking about a variety of texts and concepts, and students learn to defend their ideas in spoken and written language. Discussions, presentations, recitations, and performances will provide different means to develop the students’ oral proficiency. To solidify their writing skills, students will produce both analytical and creative work. Intermediate-High Level. In Spanish.
Learning Outcomes:
1) Gain a well-informed understanding of the particularities of underrepresented and alternative artistic manifestations in Latin America.
2) Gain confidence in their ability to speak, read and write in Spanish about counter cultural artistic pieces.
3) Develop critical thinking and analytical skills through discussions of audiovisual, literary and performative texts as well as close textual analysis.
4) Design an academic and/or creative project associated with underrepresented and alternative literary and performative cultural voices in Latin America.
Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites: 5 terms of Spanish at Bennington or taking a brief oral and/or written test to evaluate proficiency. Email Lena Retamoso Urbano (lenaretamosourbano@bennington.edu) to express interest.
Corequisites: Attendance at 2 Language Series events
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 4
M/Th 1:40PM - 3:30PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 15
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years
Categories: 4000 , All courses , Course Description Update , Four Credit , Fully In-Person , Spanish , Updates
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