Topics in Literary and Cultural Studies (276-0-1)

Topic

Asian Am Comics

Instructors

Tara Fickle

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Mon, Wed 9:30AM - 10:50AM

Overview of class

This course offers an in-depth examination of Asian American comics and graphic narratives. How do these texts define what it means to be Asian in America, and what counts as Asian American literature? How do they graphically capture the unique position of Asian Americans as both racially hyper-visible and socially invisible? Readings will include comics by authors such as Gene Yang, Jillian Tamaki, Adrian Tomine, and G.B. Tran, as well as critical essays and theoretical texts on Asian American culture and comics.

Learning Objectives

Read both comic book and critical texts with a view to better understanding their conventions.

Draw on relevant information to situate these texts within their cultural, political, and historical contexts.

Employ creativity and interpretive skills to produce original, persuasive arguments.

Become familiar with some milestones of Asian American history and basic scholarly terminology and theories for analyzing Asian American culture

Class Materials (Required)

Gene Yang, American Born Chinese, ISBN 9780312384487

Sonny Lew & Gene Yang, The Shadow Hero ISBN 978159643697

G.B. Tran, Vietnamerica ISBN 978034550872

Adrian Tomine, Shortcomings ISBN 9781897299753

2 additional comics, TBD

Class Attributes

Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity