HIST404 Asian America 3CR

This course covers Asian American history (1850-present) from international and global perspectives. It starts with the massive migrations of different Asian groups to the U.S. from the Gold Rush to WWII, focusing on themes such as colonialism, imperialism, labor, communities, legal exclusion, and foreign policies. Then it moves on to the great changes within the Asian American community since 1965 and how Asian Americans help transform and enrich American society while reshaping the relations between the United States and Asia. The class is student-centered and discussion-based, helping students learn the crafts of historians (such as critical evaluation and analysis of primary and secondary sources) and develop important analytical and communication skills. It highlights individual research while offering ample and systematic opportunities for peer review and constructive feedback on each other’s work. It also includes an artwork project in the end for each student to develop a creative art piece based on their research, with the last weeks reserved for the presentation and critique of their paper and artwork. The class also has a regular component of field trips to the local migrant communities (such as Boston’s Chinatown), which offers students the opportunity to explore local history both in light of history and with a strong sense of community building and civic engagement. [Fomerly titled Asian Diaspora&American Expir]

Prerequisites: LW-100 and FRSM-100

Critique

Spring