Alberto López MartÃn specializes in 20th- and 21st-century Spanish cultural production, with a focus on contemporary poetry, comic, and graphic novels.
An economist by training, his research explores representations of ecosocial crises through the theoretical frameworks of ecocriticism and affect and emotion studies. His scholarly interests also include Spanish for specific purposes and ecopedagogy. His first book, Poéticas indignadas (Outraged Poetics), examines evolving notions of poetic commitment in the Spanish literary scene in the aftermath of the 2008 Great Recession. López has a Ph.D. in Spanish from Florida State University. He comes to Occidental from Valparaiso University, where he was an associate professor of Spanish.
What attracted you to Occidental?
I was drawn to Oxy’s mission and vision and to the culture of a liberal arts college, its commitment to a holistic education and to the central role of the humanities in fostering critical thinking; as well as to its environment and values, and to the human and intellectual quality of those who are now my colleagues.
How did you take an interest in Spanish, and in your specialty in particular?
I am originally from Spain, and my interest in the country’s literature and graphic narrative lies in better understanding political and economic contexts in moments of crisis or emergency through the cultural production that emerges alongside them. I am particularly interested in exploring how cultural discourses such as historical memory related to Francoism or Spain’s environmentalist tradition are represented in comics and poems, and in examining the role these texts play in amplifying, enriching, or complicating such debates.
Can you talk about a favorite class you have taught (or are currently teaching) and what students can expect to take away from it?
It’s very difficult to choose a favorite class when I’ve been fortunate enough to teach courses on ecocriticism, graphic narrative, and migrant narratives in Spain, but I think I would choose the Spanish Studies senior seminar here at Oxy, because of the conversations about these and many other topics with brilliant students who helped me better understand the culture of the College. For me, it is very important that, through our readings and conversations, our students develop a deep understanding of cultural phenomena and ecosocial challenges in the Spanish-speaking world and their connections to global issues and to those in the United States; and, of course, that they also refine their Spanish and feel comfortable using the language.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing in Los Angeles?
I enjoy walking through neighborhoods, trying new foods, and exploring bookstores and museums. I am excited about everything the city has to offer culturally, and I am really looking forward to having a bit more free time to keep discovering new areas.