EN 235 - U.S. Latino Literature

Credit Hours: 3

This course involves reading and discussing various genres of Latino literature, including autobiographical essays, short stories, drama, and poetry. Students learn to analyze the plots, themes, settings, characters, styles, and moods of pieces of literature. Students examine how literary devices, allusions (historical, political, etc.), and figures of speech contribute to works as a whole. Readings and discussions of Latino literature of several different groups, including Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Dominicans within and outside of the U.S. will allow students to develop an awareness of and sensitivity to various Latino cultures, and their diasporas. A comparative approach will be used throughout to develop critical thinking and deepen the knowledge and understanding students have of Latino people in the U.S.

Course Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

demonstrate, through class discussion and written work, an ability to critically assess Latino literary works in relation to historical, cultural, philosophical, and literary contexts;
demonstrate, through class discussion and written work, an understanding of the contribution of Latino literature to diversity in the humanities;
demonstrate, through class discussion and written work, an ability to examine how literary techniques such as allusions (historical, political, etc.) and figures of speech are employed in Latino literature;
demonstrate, through class discussion and written work, an understanding of the value of diversity and individual difference in an environment where individuals of different cultures, intellectual positions, and lifestyles can reach their full potential through the promotion of mutual respect and cross-cultural understanding; and
demonstrate, through class discussion and written work, an ability to state the differences and similarities between Latino literature of various groups such as Puerto Ricans, Cubans, and Dominicans within and outside of the U.S.

F/S (C, N, S)