Course Description

This course examines the theory and knowledge produced by Asian American authors of fiction and non-fiction texts that describe the critical events, histories, cultures, intellectual traditions, contributions, lived-experiences and social struggles of Asian Americans with a particular emphasis on agency and group affirmation. Instructors guide students in critically analyzing literary texts through an ethnic studies framework to recognize the intersection of racial identity with other identity markers such as gender, class, sexuality, religion and immigration status. The course invites students to critically review the various ways Asian American literature challenges, complicates, and reimagines dominant Western narratives.