Borderlands: Telling Stories of “Us” and “Them”

Course Description

“Cultures only flourish in contact with others; they perish in isolation.” -Carlos Fuentes

Borderlands can be seen as liminal spaces in which the myth of self vs. “other” is challenged by the interactions between two worlds which are as defined by their overlap as they are by their distinction. The 2000-mile border between Mexico and the U.S.A. is the only visible border between the developed and developing worlds. Politically, it is also the perceived boundary between Latin America and Anglo America. Beyond economic and political factors, immigrants who cross this border participate in a broad cultural process of great importance to demographic frameworks and the quality of relationships between countries. The Southern borderlands are the contemporary equivalent of Ellis Island. Currently, Los Angeles, California and Brownsville, Texas, are the second and third largest Spanish-speaking cities in the world (only after Mexico City and larger than Madrid and Barcelona).

In this course, we will explore some aspects of the Latinx experience, such as what it means to be Chicano, Mexican American, or Puerto Rican living in Manhattan, or a second-generation Cuban American living in exile in Miami? How can we better understand these immigrant experiences and their cultural impact?  How do these cultures co-exist, rubbing shoulders with one another every day? How has their presence been politicized? These are some questions we will explore. We’ll use literature, film, current events, media, and poetry to explore the diversity of cultures in our local communities and classrooms. While focusing on reigniting a passion for teaching, we create opportunities for new insights to better relate to and guide your students in this very interesting time in our nation’s history where many cultures are coming together rather than one dominant culture subsuming the others. Conducted in Spanish by Dr. Lynn McGovern.

What participants are saying about this course

"I loved the materials and resources and activities for this course. They were applicable to the classes I teach while also interesting and engaging to me."

"I really enjoyed this course and thought the balance between visual, auditory, and written work was great. I found many things from the course that could be utilized in my own courses. It was very well organized and I appreciated the timeliness of the grading."

Required Texts 

There is no required textbook for this course. All materials are digital and will be provided in the online course.

Course Delivery 

Online weekly learning modules, collaborative discussion boards and instructor feedback. This course is not self-paced. 

Students who matriculate into an Instructor-Facilitated course should adhere to the dates listed on the website. Final coursework should be submitted within one week after the course end date. Course extensions beyond one week are subject to a $50 fee.

About the Instructor

Dr. Lynn McGovern, Instructor. Read more about Lynn here.

Click here to request a syllabus.