Topics in Asian American Social and Cultural Analysis (203-0-1)

Topic

Organizing for Justice

Instructors

Helen Cho

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-410: Tues, Thurs 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

Are you interested in organizing and advocacy work? Do you want to put theories and knowledge from the classroom into practice? Have you been wondering how to build resilient movements, sustain your involvement, and engage across conflict without burning out?

This immersive course relies on organizing frameworks and case studies from Asian American Studies and Gender & Sexuality Studies to guide students as they move from theory to praxis. By exploring what organizers and advocates have done historically - such as the 1995 Hunger Strike that led to the creation of the Asian American Studies Program at Northwestern - and the ongoing work of organizations in Evanston, Chicago, and beyond, students will learn about and practice skills and strategies for building and sustaining their own advocacy practice.

Students will partner with a community-based organization and gain hands-on experience working
with seasoned organizers and advocates on a project, such as advocating for fair housing, coalitional organizing for a community benefits agreement, and raising awareness of gender-based violence. Students are expected to attend at least one off-campus excursion (on a Friday)

Class Materials (Required)

All course materials will be available on Canvas.

Class Notes

Attendance at the first class is mandatory. There will be at least one mandatory off-campus trip.

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
SoC Individual and Social Behavior Distro