English R1B

Other Readings and Media

"Bulosan, C.: America Is In the Heart

Eaton, E. [Sui Sin Far]: Mrs. Spring Fragance, ""Leaves from the Mental Portfolio of an Eurasian?

Hagedorn, J.: Dogeaters

Kingston, M. H.: The Woman Warrior

Okada, J.: No-No Boy

Course Reader "

Description

"In recent years, Asian American studies has been influenced by postcolonial critiques of nationalism and the New American Studies? focus on American imperialism. This course is, in part, a comparative study of the framings of nation and transnation in Asian American literature before and after the Civil Rights Era. We will consider the following lines of inquiry: In what ways have early and post-1965 Asian American literature negotiated between the national and international protests of American capitalism and imperialism? How does the literature challenge and reflect the legal, cultural, economic, and social exclusion of Asian American groups? Can Robert Blauner?s concept of internal colonialism be used to describe the historical dynamics between white America and Asian America? We will also read these texts alongside their contemporary literary movements of realism, modernism and postmodernism. In doing so, we will attempt to determine the ways in which the interplay between the experimental and realist elements in each work delineates ideas about the Asian American self.



Writing Requirements: Regular attendance and participation are mandatory. This course will acquaint you with the practice of close reading, expository writing, and research. You will be expected write and revise two longer, research-based essays (each 8 pages), write in-class essays, and participate in peer-editing. "