LITR 057S. Performing Latinidad: Latinx Theater, Film, and Performance Art

(Cross-listed as SPAN 057, THEA 007 and LALS 057)
Richard Schechner sums up the notions of performance and performativity as “embodied behaviors”. Embodied behaviors are at the center of the expression and representation of all sort of identities (gender, racial, ethnic, political) and other concepts and practices like ideology, memory, political resistance, citizenship, belonging, and everyday aesthetics. This course will study the notion of Latinidad through the analysis of politically engaged performances, that is, through “embodied behaviors” that represent, reinforce, and resist the expression of Latino/a/x identities and politics. To do so we will study films, stage plays, the work of performance artists and everyday performances (such as political events) while asking questions such as: How is latinidad represented and performed in different contexts across our society? What are the uses, misuses, and politics surrounding the performance of latinidad? What does it mean to be/behave like a Latino/a/x? What is the role of performances in other forms of identity expression such as memory construction, community building, and citizenship participation? In addition to the in-class discussions of theory texts, films, and plays, the course will offer opportunities to interact directly with performance artists and scholars.

Note: Spanish courses taught in English (LITR.S courses) do not count towards the Spanish minor. One Spanish course taken in English may count towards the Spanish major.
This course is taught in English.
Prerequisite: No prerequisites required.
Humanities.
1 credit.
Eligible for LALS
Catalog chapter: Spanish
Department website: https://www.swarthmore.edu/spanish/courses

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