Studies in Asian American Literature (375-0-20)
Topic
Techno-Orientalism
Instructors
Michelle Huang
847/491-6837
University 226
Office Hours: T 2pm - 3pm; W 2pm - 3pm
Meeting Info
University Hall 118: Mon, Wed 2:00PM - 3:20PM
Overview of class
Techno-Orientalism names a variant of Orientalism that associates Asians with a technological future. This seminar will explore how Techno-Orientalist tropes are used by, played with, and rewritten by Asian American authors. We will study how twentieth-century and contemporary issues of technology, globalization, and financial speculation collide with a history of yellow peril and Asian Invasion discourse, as well as how these tensions manifest in figures and tropes such as robots, aliens, and pandemics. Texts include poetry, novels, short stories, comics, and film.
Teaching Method
Seminar-based discussions.
Evaluation Method
Graded participation; in-class presentation; regular reading responses; two short essays; and one longer essay.
Class Materials (Required)
Franny Choi, Soft Science (ISBN 978-1938584992)
Ling Ma, Severance (ISBN 978-1250214997)
Cathy Park Hong, Dance Dance Revolution (ISBN 978-0393064841)
Charles Yu, How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe (ISBN 978-0307739452)
Texts will be available at: Primary texts will be available at the Norris Bookstore and on reserve in the library. Other texts will be available on Canvas.
Class Attributes
Advanced Expression
Literature and Arts Foundational Discipline
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
U.S. Perspectives on Power, Justice, and Equity