Topic: Mothers and Daughters

TimeDaysLocationInstructorGERCreditOPUS Class NumberSyllabus (Tentative)
11:45am-12:35pm
MWF
Emerson Hall E101
Cristina De La Torre. 413476 TBA.

January 13, 2010- April 26, 2010

Crosslisted: SPAN460-000.

Catalog Description: Topics vary. Each colloquium treats a different theme in depth, often combining reading and seminar discussion with research and writing. If listed as WR, fulfills the post-freshman writing requirement.

Semester Details:

Content: In this course we will consider different representations of this most difficult and rewarding of female relationships from different vantage points and in various genres (poetry, novels, short stories, songs, and films). After surveying early models in fairy tales, we begin our explorations in mid 20th century (since it is almost totally absent before then) and include writers both from Spain and Latin America as well as some Latino authors from the USA. We will cover aspects ranging from the miracle of pregnancy and childbirth, absent mothers, good mothers, troubled mothers, stepmothers, substitute mothers, daughters as mothers, immigrant mothers, protective mothers, bad daughters, reluctant helping daughters, dying daughters, etc. We will trace the evolution of the topic up to the present, as the role formerly defined by the patriarchy is finally being re-appropriated by its rightful owners.

Texts: Various readings exploring the issues involving both motherhood/daughter(hood?) and its representation. ( short stories, poems, novels, essays, and films). Texts by Rosa Montero, Esther Tusquets, Lucía Etxebarría, Ana M. Shua,  Isabel Allende, Ana Lydia Vega, Daisy Zamora, among others. We will also view several films.

Particulars: Grade based on class participation, oral presentations/debates, brief reading responses, and final essay.

Book order:

Freixas, Laura. Madres e hijas. ISBN 84-339-1025-6

Montero, Rosa, Crónica del desamor.

Allende, Isabel. Paula.

Restrepo, Laura. Delirio.  ISBN 958-704-145-3

García, Cristina. Soñar en cubano.

The schedule of courses on O.P.U.S. is the official listing of courses, including days and times they meet and the General Education Requirements they satisfy. Students should use course descriptions as general guidelines. Course requirements, grading details, book lists, and syllabi are subject to change.