AMST 377 - From Third Worldism to Transnationalism: The First Five Decades of Asian American Studies

Institution:

Williams College

Subject:

American Studies

Description:

This course is not an introduction to Asian American history or Asian American literature. Rather, it surveys the first five decades of an interdisciplinary academic field, Asian American Studies, to understand its development, intellectual and political concerns, and future prospects. Originating in student movements that saw themselves in solidarity with revolutionary forces around the world and in the U.S., Asian American Studies has become an established part of the curriculum in leading colleges and universities around the country. How did that happen? What was gained, and what was lost? How have the intellectual frameworks and objectives of the field shifted over time? In this course, we'll pursue an intellectual and institutional history of the field, with a special focus on Asian American literary and cultural studies. We won't shy away from some of the most vexing questions animating contemporary debates in the field: are the key ideas out of which it originated--its concept of "Asian America," its agenda for rethinking the social function of higher education--even recognizable today? Does "Asian American" continue to be a socially and politically useful category? Can ethnic studies continue to be a transformative force within higher education, or has it merely extended the reach of a structure it once sought to supplant? The tutorial format will allow us to accommodate students with or without prior knowledge of Asian American issues.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

A 100-level English course, or a score of 5 on the Advanced Placement examination in English Literature or a 6 or 7 on the International Baccalaureate or permission of instructor

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Other

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.williams.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 597-3131

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.