Mexican and Mexican-American Arts in Translation: Literature, Media, Craft

Course Description

Art does not stay in one place, it moves, transforms, and takes on new meanings as it crosses borders, communities, and generations. This first-year seminar explores Mexican and Mexican-American aesthetics through an interdisciplinary and transnational lens, drawing on literature, visual art, craft history, media, and cultural history to examine how these traditions have developed and how they have shaped and been shaped by their relationship across geographies and communities. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required, however, students with Spanish language skills may engage with selected materials in the original format.

A central theme of the course is translation itself, not just linguistic, but cultural, artistic, and historical. Students will learn foundational research skills in the humanities, including how to find, evaluate, and communicate with sources, while connecting course themes to local and regional contexts that make the subject matter personally relevant. This is a course about aesthetics, identity, and the enduring power of art to carry meaning across time and place.

Faculty Spotlight

Lauris McQuoid-Greason, Ph.D. – Lecturer, Spanish and French

Academic background

Dr. Lauris McQuoid-Greason specializes in contemporary Latin American literature and aesthetics, with a particular focus on contemporary Mexico. The authors and artists she has engaged in her research have drawn on an array of aesthetic strategies, from autofiction, ‘escrituras del yo,’ and essay, to collective and social practices. With a background in French as well, Dr. McQuoid-Greason teaches courses in Spanish and French language, as well as courses on Latin American culture and aesthetics.

What makes this course meaningful for students?

Mexican culture, art, literature and its history of creative work are so incredibly rich! Dr. McQuoid-Greason hopes students come away from this class with a better understanding of Mexican arts generally, and artistic appreciation overall.

Favorite spot in Asheville

Dr. McQuoid-Greason loves West Asheville, she loves walking along the river, she loves the little creek that runs behind my house, and going for walks. She also loves the bears, and seeing the mountains.