First-Year Writing Seminar (101-8-1)

Topic

Mixed Race Memoir

Instructors

Nitasha Tamar Sharma
847/467-6589
Crowe Hall 1-127

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This purpose of the First Year Seminar is to introduce students to critical reading, analysis, and writing skills. We will hone these skills by focusing on an exciting and timely topic: memoirs by Asian Americans who identify as multiracial. This class will explore the complexity of the multiracial experience in the U.S. through the genre of memoir. Reading Crying in H Mart and other memoirs, we compare the experiences of multiracials representing a range of backgrounds, including Asian and White or Asian and Black and analyzing the impact of family structure, geography, etc. Memoirs and documentary films allow us to analyze changing (or unchanging) national discourses on (mixed) race, learn and apply theories of identity formation, and see how race intersects with gender, sexuality, family structure, looks, geography, and other factors. As a First Year Seminar, you are asked to read critically, write reflection and analysis papers, and provide arguments supported with evidence from the materials. Overall, this course views national debates about race, identity, and belonging through the lens of individual memoirs by self-identified multiracial Asian Americans.

Learning Objectives

1) identifying the difference between an opinion and an argument and
2) learning how to analyze the structural and historical context of experiences that seem to be personal and individual.

Class Materials (Required)

There will be several books required for this course, likely between 3-4. The texts will include Redefining Realness by Janet Mock. I will place these on reserve in the library, as well.

Class Notes

Attendance is mandatory; you must attend the first class; class discussion is central to participation grades.

Class Attributes

WCAS Writing Seminar