This discussion-oriented survey course focuses on betrayal as a prominent motif in Asian American texts (fiction, poetry, drama, and video documentary). Certain stereotypes of Asian Americans rely on the figures of the spy and the turncoat, which confirm popular perceptions of Asian Americans as perpetual aliens. At the same time, the model minority myth declares Asian Americans to be the most assimilable of racial minorities. In this course, we will ask why and how Asian American writers and filmmakers have foregrounded acts of betrayal in their work in relation to the following larger topics: assimilation, feminism, nationalism, translation, generational conflict, labor exploitation, and immigration. Finally, we will consider how accusations of race betrayal have united and divided Asian American communities and readerships. Possible authors and filmmakers include: Carlos Bulosan, Meena Alexander, Maxine Hong Kingston, David Henry Hwang, Chang-rae Lee, Bharati Mukherjee, Lois-Ann Yamanaka, Sui Sin Far, Fae Ng, Lawson Inada, Kimiko Hahn, Loni Ding, and Renee Tajima-Pena. Requirements: two short reader responses, two 4- to 6-page papers, and a final exam. Prerequisite: a 100-level English course, except 150. Enrollment limit: 25 (expected: 15-20). Preference to majors in English or American Studies. (Post-1900)

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