Course Description
Interdisciplinary analysis of the lives of North American Asians from a feminist perspective. In the course, students will be encouraged to critically assess the category of "Asian American" and philosophical notions and political implications of North American Asian feminisms. Students will analyze gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexuality, and nation.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Graduate students will be asked to read additional texts, lead
at least one class discussion, and present their final papers
(minimum of 20 pages) to the class.
Athena Title
ASIANFEM
Prerequisite
WMST 1110 or WMST 2010
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
After completion of the course, the student will be able to: 1.Critically examine notions of gender, race, class and sexuality as they relate to Asian American identity in North America. 2. Identify and articulate central philosophical and political issues that characterize North American Asian feminisms. 3. Articulate critical readings of theoretical texts and public policies as well as representations of Asians in media. 4. Recognize groundings in feminist frameworks as well as the unique contributions of North American Asian feminisms to feminist traditions. 5. Provide a brief overview of the historical development of North American Asian feminist perspectives. 6. Discuss and analyze current issues as they relate to the complex dynamics of these communities and multiple shifting identities.
Topical Outline
I. Politics and Citizenship. Overview of public policies in the U.S. as they relate to Asian immigration, labor and citizenship as well as an examination of the category of "Asian American woman" II. Analyze myths regarding Asian Americans including the model minority myth and notions of womanhood III. Critically examine representations of Asian Americans in literature, film and pop culture IV. Sexualities and bodies for sale V. Families (transnational and multigenerational) VI. Environment, land, food, and identity
Syllabus