Redefining "American" and "Literature": Bridging the Borders with "La Llorona."

Lindemann, Jeff W.; Cole, SuzAnne C.

Teaching English in the Two-Year College, v22 n4 p260-67 Dec 1995

Describes the authors' experiences teaching the "weeping women" archetype in the oral tale of "La Llorona," and involving students in the tradition of story telling and folklore. Shows how these activities helped to redefine "American" and "literature," to link diverse cultures and communities, and to introduce students to literary terminology and critical approaches. (SR)