Not offered 2007-2008
LATS 409 Tracing the Roots of Routes: Comparative Transnationalisms (Same as American Studies 409) (W)*
In the age of satellite television, e-mail, and readily available international phone cards, transnationalism has rapidly become 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, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, India, Mexico and the
Philippines.
Format: discussion. Evaluation to be based on student participation, the completion of an
original research paper conducted in stages (abstract, annotated bibliography, outline, and
multiple drafts), and peer editing.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 19 (expected: 10). Preference to Latina/o Studies concentrators and to American Studies majors.
CEPEDA