This course explores how art and culture represent migration and borders throughout the Americas. In recent years, migration dynamics in Latin America and the Caribbean have evolved significantly, presenting challenges for governments and host communities. From South-to-North migration flows to cross-border journeys, economic, social, and political imbalances in Latin American countries have fueled mass migration across the hemisphere. Scholars worldwide, including Gloria Anzaldúa, Glenda R. Carpio, Rossi Braidotti, and Søren Frank, argue that we need a new paradigm to reveal the historical legacies and political injustices that lead to forced displacement and mobility, as expressed through social, cultural, and artistic mediums. This discussion-based seminar invites participants to examine the current structure of nation-states and the increasing transnational exchanges that shape contemporary literary and audiovisual production. Through the study of various literary and cinematic works, students will investigate how art and culture portray the migration experience throughout Latin America. They will analyze the social contexts in migrants' home countries that lead to their departure, their mixed receptions in destination countries, and the resulting feelings of belonging and identity search amidst cultural diversity.
W 2:00 pm – 4:50 pm; Location: 137 Armory
CRN: 49357
Instructor: Alejandro Ramírez Mendez
Course image caption: Gabriela Jaime, El camino truncado (2020)