Department of English

Theorizing Identity in Asian American Literature

What is an identity? How do we define ourselves and how are we defined by others? We will consider these general questions in the particular field of Asian American literature by examining the social and historical contexts that have shaped the possibilities for defining an Asian American identity. We will discuss such issues as racism, assimilation, generational conflicts, family, gender, sexuality, and class. Texts to be read may include: Nisei Daughter; The Woman Warrior; Bone; Clay Walls; Seventeen Syllables; All I Asking for Is My Body; and Homebase. This class is affiliated with WATU, which means that students will be expected to turn in drafts of their papers and work with a writing tutor on the process of revision. There will be three papers of increasing length, from 4 to 10 pp. as well as other short writing assignments and a class presentation.