ANAS 338 - Labor and Working-Class Culture in Asian America

Semester Offered: Fall
1 unit(s)

(Same as ASIA 338) This seminar examines the labor and working-class culture of Asians in America since the mid-19th century. From early indentured labor migration to the Americas to the development of transnational service work, we focus on the role of Asian labor in the making of global capitalism. We explore labor migration, workplace culture, union organizing, leisure, and family dynamics through history, ethnography, law and visual culture. Key theoretical tensions to be discussed include the relationship between freedom and coolie labor, the proletarian status of small business owners, and the Asian body in immaterial labor. Subjects of labor to be studied include gold mining, canning, gardening, domestic work, laundry, restaurants, garment work, nail salons, call centers and surrogacy. Amy Chin.

Prerequisite(s): ASIA 102 or ASIA 104.

One 2-hour period.

Course Format: CLS