Latin American Literature is a survey course that introduces students to a selection of work written by Latin American authors and that significantly advances students' critical thinking skills through the analysis and deconstruction of challenging texts. Emphasizing analysis through the perspectives offered by Octavio Paz, students will explore works through his thematic lens. Additionally, students will be introduced to the literary concept of ‘magical realism.’ Using novels and essays, which reflect a more cyclical approach to perception and storytelling, students will be instructed in the understanding of non-Eurocentric modes of literary art and will earn an appreciation of Latin American literary and cultural values.