In the age of satellite television, e-mail, and readily available international phone
cards, transnationalism is rapidly becoming the norm as opposed to the exception. However, what does it really mean to "be transnational"? How do the lived
experiences of transnational individuals and communities merge with (and differ from) theoretical notions of the transnational? How do the practices and concepts of diaspora, globalization, and transnationalism overlap? How does the
growing number of transnational citizens and residents in this country shape
"American" identity on the local, national, and global scales? In this interdisciplinary, comparative course we will analyze contemporary theories regarding
the origins and impacts of transnationalism, key critiques regarding the field of
transnational studies itself, and transnationalism's role in the "New" American
Studies. Case studies examined in this course include China, Colombia, Haiti,
India, and Mexico, among others.
Format: discussion. Evaluation to be based on student participation, 1 student-
led discussion period, and a semester-long research project to be graded in various stages.
Prerequisites: Latina/o Studies 105 and American Studies 201. Enrollment limit:
19 (expected: 15). Preference given to juniors, seniors, American Studies majors
and Latina/o Studies concentrators.