SPAN3505: Health and Environmental Humanities through Latin American Literature, Art, and Film

This interdisciplinary course serves as an introduction to environmental and health humanities, delving into the intersections between these two fields of study. Our readings will primarily focus on how the humanities and the arts engage in discussions of the impact that environmental issues and the ecological crisis have on health, illness, and sanitary crisis. Through a collection of Latin American novels, short stories, essays, and films, we will explore the intricate connections between the human and the non-human, the impacts of environmental changes on individual and community health and well-being, and the exacerbation of social inequalities and violations of human and environmental rights in Latin America. Additionally, we will emphasize the struggles for resistance and transformation, acknowledging the interconnectedness of all forms of life. With a particular emphasis on the interplay between health and social and environmental justice, we will investigate how literature, documentary film, and art can contribute to these discussions and what we can learn from Latin American thinkers, writers, artists, and social activists. We will explore essential concepts and debates and analyze portrayals of illness, toxicity, degradation, extractivism, as well as various expressions of healing, communities of care, and the struggles and initiatives to interconnect medical and environmental humanities. We will also explore the role that literature, art, and film currently play (or potentially play) in the education of health professionals. prereq: A grade of C- or better in SPAN 3104W or SPAN 3104V or TLDO 3104W or ARGN 3104W or SPAN 3105W or SPAN 3105V or TLDO 3105W or SPAN 3107W or TLDO 3107W

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