Month: May 2020

Folklore is the study of expressive vernacular culture, ranging from everyday actions like greetings and painting your nails to special ways we deal with coming-of-age or dying; it includes the lullabies that put children to sleep and the stories we tell to and about our families. Historically folklore scholars have celebrated and advocated for the creations and performances of groups of people whose accomplishments cosmopolitan society has deemed ignorant and/or not of much cultural value.

Latinx expressive culture speaks to the experience of being part of U.S. culture. “Latinx” is the most recent term being used to refer to a group of people who both identify or are identified with the cultural consequences of Ibero-American colonial history and U.S. expansionism; economic, racial, and transnational politics also play a fundamental role in shaping this identity. The recent use of the “x” ending indicates an awareness of gender fluidity within this identity. This course introduces students to important genres of Latinx expressive culture, including celebrations like Dia de Muertos, popular musics like corridos and salsa, and traditions like the quinceañera and the parranda. We will particularly focus on expressions of Mexican and Puerto Rican heritage, but we also examine folklore associated with peoples of other Caribbean, Central and South American heritages as well. Students will develop an understanding of how Latinx people have contributed to and participated in the formation and development of the greater U.S. culture.