AMST 302(S) Asian American Writing and the Visual Arts (Same as English 388) (Junior Seminar)*
This course examines the interaction of Asian American writing and the visual arts in a range of works: graphic novels by Henry Kiyama, Mine Okubo, and Adrian Tomine; art criticism by John Yau; collaborative projects between poets and visual artists (e.g., Mei-mei Berssenbrugge and Kiki Smith, John Yau and Thomas Nozkowski); ekphrastic poetry; poetry "inspired by" paintings; video work (Theresa H. Cha); new digital poetry and poetics (by Brian Kim Stefans).
Format: seminar. Requirements: two papers, short assignments, class participation.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 19). Preference given to American Studies majors.
Hour: WANG
AMST 302 Whiteness (Same as Women's and Gender Studies 302 (Junior Seminar) (Not offered 2006-2007; to be offered 2007-2008)*
"Whiteness" is a course geared toward exploring the historical and performative
fictive constructions of "whiteness." We will begin by identifying aspects of
"whiteness" supposedly unique to "white people," which have been often used
to claim superiority and to establish a "white" standard. The course will be organized around three units. As an introduction, Unit One will focus on examples of
institutionalization of white supremacy through legal and social regulations
from the seventeenth century to present day (Northern Europe as "white";
Southern Europe as "dark"; the exclusion of non-white people from citizenship,
wealth, and power). Unit Two will concentrate on American literary and dramatic examples of texts supportive and critical of "whiteness" as a desirable trait
(Metamora: Last of the Wampanoags!, 1829; works by Octavia Butler, Danzy
Senna). Unit Three will look to contemporary popular culture and the performances of "whiteness," particularly film and television (Mi Vida Loca, Nurse
Betty, Kill Bill, American Family).
The course Whiteness is intended to prime students in the discourses of critical
multicultural studies. It also satisfies the junior seminar requirement for American Studies Program majors.
Format: discussion. Students are responsible for participating in-class and
Blackboard discussions, and two short (7- to 10-page papers).
Prerequisites: American Studies 201. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 19).
Junior American Studies Program majors given preference; all others will be
admitted at the discretion of the instructor.