AMST 283(S) Topics in Asian American Literature (Same as English 287)*
This course examines a sampling of Asian American texts from the late nineteenth century to the present and contextualizes them historically. Produced by writers from various Asian American groups and in a variety of styles, these works by such writers as Maxine Hong Kingston, Jose Garcia Villa, Younghill Kang, Hisaye Yamamoto, and Linh Dinh, provide a sense of heterogeneity of Asian American literature. They also force us to examine the intersections, material and psychic, of historical events/larger structural forces with individuals and groups. Our readings will prod us to call into question assumptions we make about what is "Asian American" but also, crucially, what is "American." Both domestic issues (e.g., American politics, racism, links with other minority groups) and global considerations (e.g., U.S. immigration and foreign policies, the three wars with Asian countries in the last century)-and how they have shaped Asian American histories and literatures-will figure importantly in our discussions.
Format: seminar. Requirements: two papers, one midterm, and class participation.
No prerequisites. No enrollment limit (expected: 25).
Hour: WANG