In this course, we will critically explore the history of US-Mexico relations. Starting in the early 19th century and moving into the present, we will engage different forms of written and visual culture- including travel journals, legislature, journalistic pieces, novels, maps, and film- to explore how cultural interventions have mediated, shaped, and represented the uneven political and economic interactions between both countries. The course will pay particular attention to how the question of race has played out in this complicated history. While at moments, both countries’ governments have joined efforts and collaborated in shaping racialized geographies that stretch across their borders, at others, frictions and tensions have marked the tone of the interactions between them. This course will trace both the changing and persistent tropes circling around US-Mexico political and economic relations, opening a space to critically reflect on the present. Some of the topics we will discuss in class include the history and formation of the border; economic interests and projects like NAFTA; the so-called war on drugs.

This course counts toward the literature requirement for the Spanish minor.

Class Format:

For Fall 2021: During certain periods of the term, we will engage in discussions about the course content in an in-person format; during other periods of the term, we will engage in activities where students collaborate in activities via Zoom.