ASIA 185 - Introduction to Asian American Studies

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

(Same as AMST 185) Journalist Jeff Chang wrote of the 1960s, “There was a time… when the term ‘Asian American’ was not merely a demographic category, but a fight you were picking with the world.” This introductory course explores the construction of “Asian American,” from the origins of the term as a political identity during the Asian American movement to its contested usage as a demographic category encompassing a wide range of ethnic, generational, gender, and class experiences. Analyzing foundational scholarship in Asian American studies, primary historical documents, film, and literature, we explore the questions: who is Asian American? What are the stakes of identifying as such? How have Asian Americans defined themselves and been defined by others? This course begins with the historical experiences of Asians in the U.S., examines the formation of “Asian American” as a social movement and racial category, and considers contemporary issues in Asian American communities, including how they have related to other communities of color. Vivian Truong.

Two 75-minute periods.

Course Format: CLS