Studies in American Culture (310-0-1)
Topic
Contemporary Issues in Asian American Communities
Instructors
Helen H Cho
Meeting Info
Fisk Hall 114: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM
Overview of class
Framing Asian Americans as "model minorities" has long obscured the "issues" Asian American communities face. In this course, we examine the contradictions and convergences around forming "Asian American community," including the personal, political, and material stakes of identity and cultural citizenship, group consciousness within and between communities, and family and intergenerational relationships. We explore the debates about and opportunities for solidarity through Asian American communities' relationships to immigration, labor, mental health, education, transnationalism, environmental racism, and gentrification. Throughout the course, we ask about the role of space and place for these communities in various regions of the U.S. and locally in the Chicagoland area. Students will co-construct knowledge by learning with and from local Asian American communities.
Learning Objectives
• Recognize and articulate reciprocal relationships between societal forces (e.g., norms, laws, organizational structures), psychological forces (e.g., traits, motives, attitudes), and the behaviors of individuals and groups
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social science theories related to the influence of culture and power on the behavior of individuals, interpersonal relationships, and/or group dynamics
• Reflect upon the way in which theories and research from the social and behavioral sciences help elucidate the factors underlying contemporary social issues, social problems, and/or ethical dilemmas in the US and/or abroad, as well as inform potential solutions to societal problems
Teaching Method
Case studies, class participation, discussion, field trips, group work, guest speakers, lecture, presentations, readings, research project, writing assignments
Evaluation Method
Attendance, class participation, field work, group work, peer assessment, presentations, final project, research project, writing assignments
Class Materials (Required)
All course materials will be available on Canvas.
Class Attributes
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area