Through the study of the literary, political, social and psychological dimensions of representative works of Asian American literature, this course introduces students to close textual analysis, fosters critical judgment, and reinforces academic writing skills. Satisfies the first half of the Reading and Composition requirement.

This course comparatively examines religion across Asian American communities. In what ways does religion provide a more holistic rendering of Asian American history and social formation? Reading across different texts that cover the 19th century to the beginning of the 21st century, this course examines religion and religious experience as a form of social identity across Asian communities and their diasporas within the United States. Rather than focus on dogmas, beliefs, and customs themselves, we will contextualize Asian American religion as part of a broader social milieu. We will examine the multidimensional role of religion in justifying immigration exclusion among Chinese immigrants, the American colonization of the Philippines, the exotification of yoga in popular culture, the importance of religious freedom for Japanese Americans living under unjust incarceration during World War II, the conversion of Koreans to Christianity during the Cold War, the role of religious organizations in the resettlement of Southeast Asian war refugees to the United States, and Islamophobia in a post-9/11 America.

Requisites

• Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing Requirement.

Repeat Rules

Course is not repeatable for credit.

Requirements class fulfills