Latin American and Iberian Culture: Travel Narratives in Latin America

This course looks at the experience of travel as a means to explore the relationship between Spain and Latin America. Readings illustrate the ways by which this relationship changed from the fifteenth century to the present. The readings also address the North (Europe/US)-South (Latin America) historical and political dynamic that is crucial to understanding this body of literature. Discussions will include questions of identity, language, knowledge, immigration, as well as problems of race and gender. A special focus will be placed on the presence of post- colonial concerns such as the traveler/travelee dynamic subject. The course is divided in two parts: the first part deals with writings of the Spanish “discovery” and conquest of America, followed with writings about the presence of pirates and buccaneers, as well as foreign explorers and scientists such as Humboldt and Darwin. The second part of the course introduces narratives that stem from "real" and/or fictitious travels by Latin American authors such as Sarmiento, Hudson, and Aira within Latin America and towards Europe and the US. The overall aim of the course is to familiarize the student with the travel writing genre and in so doing to provide a novel perspective on the intricate and complex relationship between Spanish and Latin American historical events, personalities, and social processes. This course is taught in English