Introduction to the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands

The U.S.-Mexico borderland is a region of profound cultural and political significance, where connections and divisions have shaped the historical and contemporary landscape. In this course we will explore various forms of border crossing—geographical, racial, cultural, sexual, linguistic, and gendered. We will examine the history of the border, beginning with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the implementation of NAFTA, and the recent crisis of child detainment at the border. Through a combination of readings, music, film, and class discussions, we will analyze how the border is represented in cultural texts and how these portrayals bridge and exacerbate social differences. We will also explore how state and community institutions respond to and navigate these diverse forms of border crossings.3 hrs. lect./disc.