SPAN 344 Fall 2021
Hybrid Identities: The Representation of Cultures in English Language Latino-Canadian Literature
“Writing of the Latin-Canadian Exile” is like opening up of a world which from the margins is telling us the story of the condition of life at the border, in the in-between of cultures." - Luis Torres
This course aims to take students into a journey through (English language) Latino-Canadian literature. The corpus of study is from a selection of authors who originated from Latin America, live currently in Canada, and have a close relation to Latin American cultures, histories and traditions. Students will discern sociocultural themes and topics as portrayed in Latino-Canadian narratives, while identifying in what way the Latino diaspora is represented within the texts. This will permit students to approach Latino-Canadian memories and life-experiences while inquiring about transnational stories. Within postcolonial perspectives students will engage in conversations aiming to get a better understanding about the way narratives negotiate versions of hybrid Latino-Canadian cultures and identities.
About the Instructor- Luis Jaimes-Domínguez
My current research interest was developed out of my studies on Latin American literature and cultures. More recently, I have discovered my passion on the relationship between literary texts and memory. Histories, memories and identities, as communicated by Latino-Canadian literary texts of migration and exile, occupy my current inquiries. My research aims to understand how Latino-Canadian literature reconstruct sociopolitical and historical accounts, and its impact on the emergence of Latino identities and cultures in Canada. In particular, I am currently interested in finding out how Latino identities and cultures are constantly (re)created by Latino-Canadian authors who live in exile, in the in-between of cultures and constant state of transition.
As a Mexican born, Spanish language is in my heart. For many years I have had the opportunity to transmit my passion on teaching Spanish language and Latin American cultures in different universities and colleges in Canada and the United States. While in the classroom, I see students as the central piece in the learning process. Moreover, as a facilitator, my goal is to guide and challenge students’ ideas while aspiring to develop their interests in language learning and cultural awareness. In this sense, I promote active learning and continually engage students so they can cultivate their own personal and academic interests, interpretations and possible applications. My main goal is to create a safe academic atmosphere in which I can encourage individual and in-group participation.