English 149-2 - Spring, 2014

Topics in Literature

Topic: Ethnic Studies: Literature & Film

Class Information

Instructor: Martín, Desirée
CRN: 42906
Time: MWF 10:00-10:50
Location: 1128 Bainer

Description

This class will examine a series of literary and visual texts that may be classified as works of “ethnic studies.” These texts certainly focus on race and ethnicity, among many other things. But is a focus on race and ethnicity the only – or even the primary – impetus of ethnic studies in the U.S.? How might we interpret these texts in terms of the production and reception of identity and disidentification in general? In what ways do these texts dismantle identity even as they also construct and represent it? Some major themes we will consider include language, nationalism, translation, gender, sexuality, race, regionalism, transnationalism, urban cultures, environmental justice, human rights, science fiction, violence, migration and memory.

In addition to the literary texts, we will study several film and/or performance pieces. While we will be viewing clips in class, you will be responsible for viewing the full films/performances on your own. More details will follow.

Texts:

Borshay, Deann. In the Matter of Cha Jung Hee [Film, 2010]
Butler, Octavia. Parable of the Sower
Díaz, Junot. The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao
Funari, Vicki and Sergio de la Torre. Maquilapolis [Film, 2006]
Lee, Chang-Rae. Native Speaker
Okón, Yoshua. Octopus 2011 [Short performance film, 2011]
Oseki, Ruth. My Year of Meats
Rivera, Alex. Sleep Dealer [Film, 2008]
Smith, Anna Deavere. Twilight, Los Angeles 1992 [plus filmed performance]
Tobar, Héctor. The Tattooed Soldier

Grading

Two short response papers (2 pages each)
Two 5-7 page essays
Final Exam
Class participation

Texts

Parable of the Sower, Octavia Butler
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, Junot Diaz
Native Speaker, Chang-rae Lee
My Year of Meats, Ruth Oseki
Twilight, Los Angeles 1992, Anna Deavere Smith
The Tattooed Soldier, Hector Tobar