Contemporary Issues in Asian American Communities (225-0-1)

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

Class Materials (Required)

All course materials will be available on Canvas.

Class Notes

Attendance at first class mandatory.

Class Attributes

Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area