Latin American Literature – Before 1900

Unit 1 – Intro to Pre-1900 American Literature

Unit 2 – Pre-Columbian Oral Traditions & Codices

Unit 3 – Early Colonial Chronicles: Key Figures

Unit 4 – Indigenous Voices: Broken Spears & Popol Vuh

Unit 5 – Sor Juana: Baroque Latin American Poet

Unit 6 – Colonial American Literature: Puritans & Enlightenment

Unit 7 – Bolívar & Jefferson: Revolutionary Ideals

Unit 8 – Latin American Independence Literature

Unit 9 – Latin American Romanticism: Key Authors

Unit 10 – Latin American Novels: Mármol & Villaverde

Unit 11 – Slavery & Abolition: 19th-Century Americas

Unit 12 – Native American Lit: 19th Century

Unit 13 – Latin American Realism: Machado de Assis

Unit 14 – Modernista Poets: Martí, Darío, Nájera

Unit 15 – Reflecting on Pre-1900 American Literature

## What do you learn in Literature of the Americas Before 1900

You'll explore the literary traditions of North and South America from colonial times to the late 19th century. The course covers indigenous oral traditions, European conquest narratives, slave narratives, and early national literature. You'll analyze texts from diverse cultures, including works by Native American, African American, and Latin American authors, examining themes of identity, colonialism, and nation-building.

## Is Literature of the Americas Before 1900 hard?

It can be challenging, especially if you're not used to reading older texts or analyzing literature. The language in some of the works can be pretty dense, and you'll need to understand historical context to fully grasp the themes. That said, most students find it manageable with consistent effort. The key is staying on top of the readings and participating in class discussions.

## Tips for taking Literature of the Americas Before 1900 in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Keep a timeline of major historical events to contextualize the literature
3. Practice close reading techniques, focusing on themes like colonialism in texts like "Popol Vuh"
4. Form a study group to discuss complex works like "The Scarlet Letter"
5. Watch "The Mission" (1986) for insight into colonial Latin America
6. Read supplementary texts like "Open Veins of Latin America" by Eduardo Galeano
7. Create character maps for novels like "One Hundred Years of Solitude" to track relationships

## Common pre-requisites for Literature of the Americas Before 1900

1. Introduction to Literary Analysis: This course teaches you how to read and interpret literary texts critically. You'll learn about different literary devices, genres, and theoretical approaches.

2. Survey of World Literature: This class provides an overview of major works from various cultures and time periods. It helps build a foundation for understanding diverse literary traditions.

## Classes similar to Literature of the Americas Before 1900

1. Postcolonial Literature: Explores literature from former colonies, focusing on themes of identity, power, and cultural hybridity. You'll read works by authors from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean.

2. Comparative Literature: Examines literature across national and linguistic boundaries. This course often involves reading works in translation and analyzing cross-cultural literary movements.

3. American Literature to 1865: Focuses specifically on early American literature, including Puritan writings, Revolutionary-era texts, and Romantic literature. You'll study authors like Anne Bradstreet, Benjamin Franklin, and Edgar Allan Poe.

4. Indigenous Literatures of the Americas: Delves into the oral and written traditions of Native American and First Nations peoples. The course covers creation stories, poetry, and contemporary Native literature.

## Majors related to Literature of the Americas Before 1900

1. Latin American Studies: Focuses on the history, culture, and politics of Latin America. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the region's social, economic, and cultural dynamics.

2. Comparative Literature: Involves studying literature from different cultures and languages. Students develop critical thinking skills and cultural awareness through analyzing diverse texts.

3. English Literature: Covers a wide range of literary works in English from various periods and cultures. Students learn to analyze texts, understand literary movements, and develop strong writing skills.

4. History: Examines past events, societies, and cultures. Students learn to interpret historical documents, understand cause-and-effect relationships, and analyze long-term trends.

## What can you do with a degree in Literature of the Americas Before 1900?

1. Literary Translator: Translates literary works from one language to another, preserving the author's style and meaning. This role requires deep cultural knowledge and excellent writing skills in both languages.

2. Museum Curator: Organizes and manages collections of historical or cultural artifacts. Curators research, interpret, and create exhibitions to educate the public about specific topics or time periods.

3. Cultural Affairs Officer: Works for government agencies or non-profit organizations to promote cultural exchange and understanding. They organize cultural events, manage educational programs, and facilitate international collaborations.

4. Academic Librarian: Assists students and faculty with research, manages library collections, and develops information literacy programs. Specializing in Latin American literature can be particularly valuable in university settings.

## Literature of the Americas Before 1900 FAQs

1. How much reading is typically assigned? Expect to read about 100-150 pages per week, sometimes more. The amount can vary depending on the complexity of the texts and your professor's approach.

2. Are there any field trips or special events associated with this course? Some professors organize visits to special collections libraries or bring in guest speakers. It depends on your university and the resources available.

3. How can I improve my skills in analyzing older texts? Practice reading texts from the period regularly and use online resources like Project Gutenberg. Don't hesitate to ask your professor or TA for additional guidance on tackling challenging works.

Literature

1.1 Overview of Pre-Columbian, Colonial, and Post-Colonial Literature

1.3 Historical and Cultural Context of Literature in the Americas

1.2 Key Themes and Movements in American Literature Before 1900

2.3 Pre-Columbian Literary Forms and Themes

2.1 Mayan and Aztec Oral Traditions

2.2 Interpretation and Significance of Mesoamerican Codices

3.1 Columbus's Letters and Diaries

3.3 Bartolomé de Las Casas's A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies

3.4 Impact of Early Colonial Chronicles on European Perceptions

3.2 Hernán Cortés's Letters from Mexico

4.3 Comparison of Indigenous and European Narratives

4.2 Themes and Symbolism in Popol Vuh

4.1 Analysis of The Broken Spears (Visión de los Vencidos)

5.1 Characteristics of Baroque Literature in Latin America

5.2 Sor Juana's Poetry and Prose

5.3 Feminist and Philosophical Themes in Sor Juana's Works

6.1 Puritan Literature: Sermons, Poetry, and Captivity Narratives

6.2 Enlightenment Influence: Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Paine

6.3 Early American Novel: Charles Brockden Brown

7.2 Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence and Other Works

7.3 Comparative Analysis of Revolutionary Ideals in the Americas

7.1 Simón Bolívar's Letters and Political Writings

8.2 Political Essays and Manifestos of the Independence Era

8.3 Emergence of National Identities in Literature

8.1 Poetry of Independence: Andrés Bello and José Joaquín Olmedo

9.1 Characteristics of Latin American Romanticism

9.2 Esteban Echeverría's "The Slaughter Yard"

9.3 Jorge Isaacs's María and the Sentimental Novel

10.2 Cirilo Villaverde's Cecilia Valdés and Cuban Society

10.1 José Mármol's Amalia and the Political Novel

10.3 Themes of Nation-building and Social Critique

11.2 Abolitionist Literature: Harriet Beecher Stowe and Gertrudis Gómez de Avellaneda

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