Seminar in Asian American Studies (392-0-2)
Topic
Asian American Uncivil Rights
Instructors
Helen H Cho
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-339: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
Political commentators often bemoan the state of civility in political discourse, calling for unity and understanding on all sides. But, is civility the ultimate goal? In this course, we examine the relationship between Asian American politics and civility. How do existing definitions of civility constrain and create opportunities for political discourse and material change? What about the underlying ideologies that circulate through mass media and in mainstream discourse that set the parameters of civility? We explore spaces typically associated with civility, such as classrooms, religious institutions, and electoral politics, to answer this question. We further complicate the question by asking about the place of incivility in Asian American politics and the struggle for recognition, rights, and radical change.
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
Class Materials (Required)
All course materials will be available on Canvas.
Class Notes
Attendance at first class mandatory.