SPAN-351: Latin American Science Fiction

This course will explore the development of the science fiction genre in various Latin American countries and how the unique sociopolitical and cultural contexts of this region have produced sci-fi literature, comics, and films that stand apart from their canonical English-language counterparts. We will examine the evolution of Latin American science fiction production from its first manifestations in colonial literature to present-day cultural products, focusing on how each literary era reflects and engages with major sociohistorical changes in Latin America. Through critical reading of Latin American sci-fi novels, short stories, comics, and films, students will identify and discuss issues of historical memory, gender, race, politics, mass media, globalization, religion, social justice and how these relate to the authors and countries we will study. Primary sources (literary works, film) will be in Spanish, while textbook(s) and supplemental academic materials (articles, critical theory chapters) may include both Spanish and English. Class will be conducted in Spanish. FILA general education: world cultures.