Topics in American Religion (369-0-21)
Topic
Asian-American Religions
Instructors
Eda Ruhiye Uca
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 3-410: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
This course introduces students to the academic study of Asian American religions within a lived religions framework. We will consider the development of Asian American religions through/against Orientalism, colonialism, migration, xenophobia, diaspora, racialization, Islamophobia, and "Americanization"; investigate the role of religion in Asian American identity formation, cultural transmission, institution-building, and social justice activism; explore Asian American experiments in ethnic, Pan-Asian, multiracial, and "culture free" religion; and critically reflect on the gaps between Asian American Studies, the academic study of religion, and the religious lives of Asian Americans. Units on Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and "religiously unaffiliated" Asian Americans provide broad exposure to the field. Student learning will be evaluated through seminar discussions, reading responses, group presentations, and final papers or projects. There are no prerequisites for this course. Enrollment will be limited to 15.
Learning Objectives
Attain broad knowledge of Asian American religions, practices, and institutions; Examine the development of Asian American religions in the context of Orientalism, colonialism, migration, xenophobia, diaspora, racialization, Islamophobia, and "Americanization"; Appreciate the role of religion in Asian American identity formation, cultural transmission, institution-building, and social justice activism; Engage in respectful, rigorous, and constructive dialogue concerning Asian American experiments in ethnic, Pan-Asian, multiracial, and "culture free" religion; Critically reflect on the gaps between Asian American Studies, the academic study of religion, and the religious lives of Asian Americans; Apply course learning in final papers or projects.
Teaching Method
Class Materials (Required)
Instructor provides course materials via Canvas.
Class Attributes
Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Ethics & Values Distro Area