Course Description
Examination of the diverse religious affiliations and identities of Asian Americans in North America. An interdisciplinary analysis of religious traditions, migration/diaspora experience, and contemporary issues, while grounding this knowledge in the Asian American cultures and socio-historical contexts that have influenced both continuity and change.
Athena Title
Asian Religions in America Hon
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in RELI 2012
Prerequisite
Permission of Honors
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
- By the end of this course, students will be able to consider, engage with, and analyze the similarities and differences between their personal life and beliefs as compared to Asian American cultures and religions.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to navigate interpersonal communication with respect, maturity, and awareness of cultural differences by engaging in meaningful, guided discussion about Asian American cultures, religions, and history.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to engage in active dialogues about cultural and religious misconceptions and misunderstandings to develop, support, and effectively express ideas - written and orally - with clarity and precision.
- By the end of this course, students will be able to identify and deconstruct stereotypes through the academic study of religion and religious texts, supporting their conclusions with sound reasoning and judgement.
Topical Outline
- 1. The Academic Study of Religion
- 2. Who are Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI)?
- 3. Colonialism/Post-colonialism and "Orientalism"
- 4. Survey of Asian-American Immigration Pre- and Post-1965
- 5. Religion and Culture: South Asian Traditions
- (a) Hinduism
- (b) Buddhism
- (c) Jainism
- (d) Sikhism
- 6. Religion and Culture: East Asian Traditions
- (a) Confucianism
- (b) Daoism
- (c) Chinese Buddhism
- (d) Japanese Buddhism
- (e) Shinto
- (f) Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Traditions
- 7. Challenges Facing Asian-American Immigrant Communities
- (a) Issues of Heritage Preservation and Conversion
- (b) Appropriation
- (c) Commodification
- (d) Class Debates
- 8. Asian Philosophy and Religion meets American Hippie Culture/1960-70s
- (a) Meditation Traditions
- (b) Yoga Traditions
- (c) Eastern Spirituality, American Syncretism, and Pop Cultures
- 9. Current Events: AAPI in America
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
Social Awareness & Responsibility
The capacity to understand the interdependence of people, communities, and self in a global society.
