National Autonomous University of Mexico

This course explores the characteristics and problems of Mexican literature of the period between the Restored Republic and the military rule of Porfirio Díaz, and relates literary discourse of the period with the political events and cultural landscape. The course covers the results of a search for a national expression that began in the early period covered by this course as well as contributions of Modernism to Mexican culture. Special focus is placed on the development of the short story. Authors covered in class include Manuel Payno, Vincente Riva Palacio, Ignacio Manuel Altamirano, Guillermo Prieto, Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera, and Ignacio Rodriguez Galván. In depth reading and critical analysis of the required texts is a required component of the course.

This course examines the importance of identity and cultural characteristics that are involved in the function of society. It discusses tools to effectively intervene in social issues in different sectors of society at the individual, group, and community level and in rural and urban areas. Topics include: definition of culture; ideology and national identity; conceptualization of infiltration and cultural change.

This course analyzes the identity projects that have sought to define "being Mexican." It begins with the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century and their political and cultural attempt to homogenize the diverse cultural identities of the territory under the category of "Indian." The course examines the history of ideas as well as the epistemic, ontological and phenomenal frameworks that have accompanied this process of identity construction and its consequences throughout the history of Mexico.