Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session
An interdisciplinary subject that draws on literature, history, anthropology, film, and cultural studies to examine the experiences of Asian Americans in U.S. society. Covers the first wave of Asian immigration in the nineteenth century, the rise of anti-Asian movements, the experiences of Asian Americans during World War II, the emergence of the Asian American movement in the 1960s, and the new wave of "post-1965" Asian immigration. Examines the role these historical experiences played in the formation of Asian American ethnicity, and explores how these experiences informed Asian American literature and culture. Addresses key societal issues such as racial stereotyping, media racism, affirmative action issues, the glass ceiling, the "model minority" syndrome, and anti-Asian harassment or violence.
Communication intensive subjects in the humanities, arts and social sciences (HASS) require at least 20 pages of writing divided among a number of assignments, at least one of which is revised and resubmitted. This class requires 3 papers (6, 7 and 7 pages) = 20 pages total. All paper assignments are available in Assignments. The first paper assignment will be reviewed by the writing tutor and returned to you for your revision and resubmission. Each student will have a mandatory meeting with the writing tutor to discuss the second paper. Additional meetings with the writing tutor will be arranged throughout the semester in consultation with the writing tutor. HASS-CI subjects also offer students substantial opportunity for oral expression, through presentations and class participation. This class requires all students to participate in a weekly discussion of the assigned reading. Each student will also make a brief formal presentation and lead class discussion once during the semester. In addition, students will participate in group presentations at the end of the semester based on the topic of paper 3. Occasional quizzes may be given at the discretion of the professor.
To guarantee sufficient attention to student writing and substantial opportunity for oral expression, the number of students in this class is limited to 25. The class will meet twice weekly for an hour and a half each meeting. Lectures will generally be delivered on Tuesdays, with Thursdays reserved for discussions of readings and films (to be watched outside of class). Students will also meet individually with the writing tutor to discuss the papers.
| REQUIREMENTS | PERCENTAGES |
|---|---|
| Class Participation | 30% |
| Paper 1 (6 pages) + Rewrite | 20% |
| Paper 2 (7 pages) | 20% |
| Paper 3 (7 pages) | 20% |
| Formal Oral Presentation | 10% |
Class participation will be assessed on the basis of how active you are and your ability to demonstrate completion of the reading assignments.
Formal oral presentations will be judged on the basis of your preparedness, organization and effectiveness as a communicator.
No extensions on papers except in cases of serious illness or emergency.
It is also mandatory that you meet with the writing tutor to discuss Paper 2. Five points will be deducted from your paper for failing to meet with the tutor, or for failing to provide her with proper notice if you wish to cancel or reschedule your meeting.
In addition, other meetings may be scheduled with the writing tutor at other times during the semester.
Please visit readings for a comprehensive listing of texts and other reading materials used in this course. A listing of films is also available.
| SES # | TOPICS | KEY DATES |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction | |
| 2-3 | The Early Immigrants | |
| 4-5 | Chinese Exclusion | Paper 1 due in Ses #4 (This paper will be revised and resubmitted) |
| 6-7 | Library Workshop | Proposal for paper 2 due in Ses #7 |
| 8-10 | U.S. Imperialism in the Philippines and the Migration of Colonials | |
| 11-12 | World War II and the Japanese-American Internment | |
| 13-14 | The "Birth" of the Asian American Identity | Paper 2 due in Ses #13 |
| 15-16 | Post-1965 Immigration and Changes in the Asian American Community | |
| 17-18 | Korean American Small Business Involvement and Community | |
| 19-20 | Indian American Diasporic Identity and Youth Culture | |
| 21-22 | The Future of Asian America | |
| 23-24 | Student Presentations | |
| 25-26 | Conclusion | Paper 3 due in Ses #25 |
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