CSP 66 "From Zorro to J. Lo": The History of Latina/o Representation in United States Film and Television

This seminar examines how Latina/os have been represented in U.S. film and television since the early twentieth century and how these images have changed over time in response to social and political change. Particular emphasis will be given to themes of class, gender, sexuality, race and ethnicity as we deconstruct the stereotypes of Latin lovers, bandits, vixens, maids, gangsters, and immigrants. We will also consider how Latina/o self-representation and anti-stereotyping have subverted and resisted these images. Attention to transnational political contexts as well as theoretical frameworks and methodological approaches for cultural analysis will ground class discussions and research projects.