Syllabus (PDF)
In this seminar we will examine various issues related to the intersection of race and gender in Asian America, starting with the nineteenth century and working our way up to the present. Topics to be covered may include racial and gender discourse, the stereotyping of Asian American women and men in the media, Asian American masculinity, Asian American feminisms and their relation to mainstream American feminism, the debate between feminism and ethnic nationalism, gay and lesbian identity, class and labor issues, domestic violence, and the "cultural defense." The study of Asian Americans in film will form a significant component of this course. The class will require a final group project of 20-40 pages (depending on group size). In addition, there will be brief oral presentations and writing assignments during the course of the semester, and a bibliography project.
Class participation 30%*, final project 40%, oral presentations 10%, bibliography project 20%.
*Attendance at every class is mandatory. I expect students to have completed the readings and be prepared to participate actively in discussion.
**No extensions are given except in cases of illness or family emergencies.