Description:
The objective of this course is to examine a sample of the literature produced by Yoeme (pl. Yoemem) authors, especially as a means of expressing and interrogating Yoeme identity and culture and as a strategy for survival within the broader United Statesian and Mexican context. While we will focus primarily on contemporary Yoeme authors and their literature, we will also look at earlier Yoeme works — especially stories passing from the oral tradition into print — and the historical, cultural, aesthetic, and political circumstances in which these authors respectively write. The authors we will survey include Lucas Chavez, Rosalio Moisés, Refugio Savala, Luis Valdez, Alfredo Véa Jr., Alma Luz Villanueva, and Anita Endrezze. At times, their works will be accompanied by secondary scholarship produced by Yoemem and/or experts on Yoeme literature, as well as non-Yoeme Indigenous literary scholarship. This course will take us from the early nineteenth century to the present, and it is my hope that by the end, you will have gained a deep appreciation for the literature of Yoeme authors.

Requirements:
The class will take place Mondays, 5-6:30. Attendance is 40% of your grade and one excused and unexcused absence will be allowed. Weekly responses to discussion boards are 30% of your grade and you may miss two. A final project is 30% of your grade and can be anything from a short essay, a presentation, or anything else given prior consent by the instructor.

**Note: Our first session was 8/29; however, given the holiday on 9/5, I encourage students to still sign up as there is plenty of time to get properly aquatinted with the course and material before our next official class. Please email me with any questions/concerns: aelaine88@berkeley.edu.**

Any student is allowed to enroll in the course. No applications or interviews are necessary.