English R1A

Other Readings and Media

"Olivier Assayas, Irma Vep

Pearl Buck, The Good Earth

Cecil B. DeMille, The Cheat

Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Andrew X. Pham, Catfish and Mandala

Sebastiao Salgado, Migrations: Humanity in Transition

Sara Suleri, Meatless Days

Zhang Yimou To Live"

Description

"This class will examine representations of the Asian masses in selected works of literature and film. What historical contexts have given rise to particular ways of representing Asians as masses or hordes? How can we think about the Asian masses as both cultural content and cultural form? What social and political purchase have these representations had, both within and outside of the Asian context? From Hong Kong martial arts films to documentaries about post-war Vietnam, we will look at a range of genres produced in a variety of locations in our attempt to perform a comparative study of the selected works.



Our critical approach to the texts will interlace with our own critical approaches to writing. We will compose essays gradually, beginning with questions that emerge from our initial responses to the texts and working our way toward effective writing and argumentation. A series of in-class workshops will be held to assist students with brainstorming ideas, developing theses, and drafting and revising critical essays. Students will also exchange drafts of their essays in order to offer and receive feedback. (Please note: book list is subject to change.)"