Spanish 240 - LA Women in Film & Lit

(Offered as SPAN 240 and WAGS 241) From La Malinche (sixteenth century) to J Lo, Latin American and Latina women have been sexualized, demonized, objectified, and even erased by narrative and visual representations. Feminist texts have interrogated and complicated sexist and stereotypical master narratives; yet, a tension remains that repeatedly places women of color on a complex stage.  In this class we will analyze the discrepancies and convergences between fictional representations of Latin American and Latina lives and their personal stories of survival, assimilation, success, and economically driven daily negotiations to make ends meet in an increasingly globalized economy. We will examine myths of femininity and beauty, learn about the conditions of sex work in the Caribbean, and explore U.S. policies such as the Good Neighbor Policy to think critically about representations of women in Latin America and the U.S.  Conducted in Spanish.

Requisite: SPAN 199, 211 or 212 or consent of the instructor.  Limited to 15 students.  Fall semester. Professor Suarez.