Introduction to Asian American Studies (210-0-1)

Instructors

Tara Fickle

Meeting Info

University Hall 122: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Introduces students to the history and culture of Asian America from the late 19th century to the present. We will examine a broad range of media forms produced by and about Asian Americans, including court documents, literature, photographs and film, social media, and oral histories. Students will learn how the term "Asian American" emerged as a radical sign of 1960s political solidarity — to replace the term "Oriental" and to transcend individual ethnic designations like "Chinese American" or "Indian American" - and how that solidarity has been mobilized and challenged through contemporary contexts such as 9/11, COVID, affirmative action, Black Lives Matter, and the rise of China.

Learning Objectives

Learning the major milestones of, and vocabulary used to discuss, Asian American history and culture from the late 19th century to the present, including its local history at Northwestern.

2. Improving critical thinking and reading skills by analyzing a wide variety of texts and media forms produced by and about Asian Americans (court documents, literature, film, etc) with attention to genre, language, and context.

3. Expanding understanding of Asian American history and experience to include a broader global backdrop of US-Asian relations, and in complex interplay with other racial groups and settler colonial histories

4. Recognizing and reflecting on the impact of racial histories on one's own past, present, and future

Class Materials (Required)

Course materials available through Canvas or free online access through Northwestern Library.

Class Attributes

Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - TBA: TBA