Voices of Protest and Resistance in Literary and Visual Texts
In this course, students will consider a body of Asian American works that engage issues of identity and representation. In addition to fictional and nonfictional work in different genres, students will analyze visual text, including film and video, comics, and other media. The texts cover the late 19th and 20th centuries to present, focusing on critical moments in American history. Through daily group discussion and writing, we will explore not only the work itself, but the creative process and artist’s struggle to speak. Through the stories they tell, how do Asian American artists challenge identity and representational systems while voicing resistance? How do these groundbreaking works contribute to our understanding of the diversity of Asian American culture and experience?
Course Requirements:
Attendance and participation
Oral readings in class of scripts
Screenings and discussion of film excerpts and visual texts
Variety of short prewriting exercises,
3 interpretive reader responses and 1 major paper at the end of the course
Required Texts:
1 course reader (available from Professional Image, 2633 S. King Street)
Student Learning Outcomes:
Ability to analyze written and visual texts
Understanding of the diversity of Asian American literature, culture and experience
Basic knowledge of Asian American history and contemporary issues
Appreciation of the artist’s critical role in society
Effective communication through writing and speaking