HSPST-307/407 Reclaiming US Latino Spiritualities: Shamanism and Santería as 'Other' Ways of Knowing
Labeled as superstitious or brujas/witches who deal in magic and the occult, Latino practitioners of indigenous and African-diasporic spiritualities are marginalized by US mainstream society and by their own communities. This course examines US Latino authors that reclaim curanderismo, nahualismo/shape-shifting, shamanism and santería to propose alternative modes of knowledge, challenging the Western spiritual-secular divide and Cartesian mind-body dualism that prioritize rational thought. Sixth sense, dream states, trance and holistic medicine are “other” ways of knowing. US Latino spiritualities is explored as an aspect of identity and conduit for healing, activism, and aesthetic practice. Primary readings by Rudolfo Anaya, Gloria Anzaldúa, Judith Oritz Cofer. Art and music are studied in African-diasporic ritual. Secondary readings include literary criticism, theoretical and historical texts.
Proseminar (16)
Credits
1
Cross Listed Courses
LIT-307/407,
LTAM-307/407
Prerequisite
Three courses in HSPST or SPAIN at the 200 level or above, or consent of instructor.
Notes
Taught in Spanish.