ETHS 271 2DH - Asian American Experience

4 Credit(s)

This course examines major issues in the history of the Asian American experience from the middle of the 19th century to present, including the causes of early Asian immigration, the formation of Asian American communities and Asian American culture/identity, the history of exclusion/discrimination and resistance, and Asian Americans’ contributions to American democracy. While special attention will be given to Chinese and Japanese Americans, students will also examine other Asian immigrants, such as East Indians, Koreans, and Hmongs. As it is a community-based learning course, students in this class are required to participate in activities that will allow them to interact with Asian Americans in the greater Madison community to explore Asian American cultures and race/ethnic relations. They will be guided to rethink their sense of self, their relations with other race/ethnic groups, and their American identity through studying Asian American views on self, community, social justice, equal rights, and democracy. Out of this experience, a deep understanding of their role in constructing a more justice and compassionate world will be achieved. Cross-listed HIST 251 2DH.

Prerequisite(s): COR 1 or equivalent; open to students in their second or third year, or sophomore and above transfers.