This course is designed to develop and enhance student knowledge of critical issues and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of American culture through the study of literature written by and about Americans with Latin heritage. Through reading, writing, speaking, and listening, this course aims to provide students with an understanding of contemporary Latin American literature. Issues of identity and how identity is influenced by culture, language, gender, sexuality, race, family and socioeconomic status will be central to the class discussions. Critical essays dealing with these issues, as well as videos and films, will be integrated into the course work.