Access Type

Open Access Dissertation

Date of Award

January 2021

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Classical and Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

First Advisor

Hernán García

Abstract

This research focuses on Mexican Muralism as a part of an educational initiative introduced following the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Functioning as a didactic art form, the intention of the murals was to educate the masses about its history, new national identity and promising modern future. This work not only examines Mexican Muralism and its recurring themes and representation of Indigenous subjects, but also tracks the appearance of these images from mural walls to movie screens in Mexican film of the Golden age. Using the 21st century theory developed by Django Paris and Samy Alim, Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy, this work asserts and finds that elements of the pedagogical theory, however small, can be traced from the Mexican Muralism movement of the 1920s to Golden Age films of the mid 20th century and finally in the 21st century where the theory is established. Previous research in this area emphasizes the transference of imagery and subject matter from wall to screen with little connection to its lasting impact in modern film nor to pedagogical theory as it relates to potential integration in Latin American Studies curriculum. The purpose of this study is to leverage the artistic products created in post-revolutionary Mexico in the form of muralism and film to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Indigenous representation and the evolution thereof in order to utilize these artforms for their original intended purpose-as didactic artforms meant to educate the public on a nation’s people and history.

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