AIIS 305 - Cultural Expressions from Abya-Yala

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Abya-Yala is a term that has been used for thousands of years in the Guna-Tule language to refer to the Americas. It literally means “mature earth,” which challenges the colonial perspective of our continent as a young “New World.” The Aymara scholar and advocate Takir Mamani suggested the use of Abya-Yala in the 1990s, and it is currently used by native writers, activists, artists, and elders from Latin America. This trans-indigenous approach to cultural expressions from Abya-Yala includes oral, written and recorded pieces from different genres including short story, poetry, novel, songs, and cinema. Cultural Expressions from Abya-Yala will be taught with readings and videos that have been translated from native languages and Spanish. The course will be a lecture/discussion format. Spring.