Chabot College
Fall 2003
Replaced Fall 2010
Course Outline for Sociology 10
INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN AMERICAN STUDIES
Catalog Description:
10 - Introduction to Asian American Studies
3 units
An examination of the experiences and perspectives of Asian Americans from mid-1800's
to the present. Major topics will include family, political involvement, assimilation,
education and employment. Provides a comparative context for understanding the
panethnic movement. 3 hours.
[Typical contact hours: 52.5]
Prerequisite Skills:
None.
Expected Outcomes for Students:
Upon completion of the course the student should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
describe the primary paradigms of structural and cultural assimilation;
define the primary concepts relevant to understanding Asian Americans
and other American racial/ethnic communities including culture, minority group,
race, ethnicity and ethnocentrism;
identify the major Asian American communities and their current
demographics;
explain the key historical facts of each community;
compare and contrast the experiences and social characteristics of the primary
Asian American subgroups;
explain the role racism and xenophobia played in Asian American
community development and compare with other ethnic/racial group
experiences;
explain the primary issues facing Asian Americans in general and
subgroups in particular;
compare and contrast the experiences of Asian Americans and other U.S.
minorities;
identify Asian American participation in U.S. institutions;
describe the stereotypes and imagery of Asian Americans;
discuss future trends of Asian Americans.
Course Content:
1.
Introduction to the Asian American studies
a.
Historical roots
b.
Paradigms
c.
Concepts
d.
Panethnicity
Chabot College
Course Outline for Sociology 10
Fall 2003
Course Content (Cont'd)
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Immigration laws and their effects
Asian American Communities
a.
Chinese Americans
b.
Japanese Americans
c.
Filipino Americans
d.
East Indian Americans
e.
Korean Americans
f.
Pacific Islanders
g.
South East Asian Americans
Race and Identity
a.
Popular Culture, Stereotypes and Imagery
b.
Between White and Black
c.
Dividing and linking issues with other Americans of Color
d.
Racial Violence
Political Empowerment
a.
Participation
b.
Activism
c.
Coalitions
d.
Future Trends
Social Activism for Equality/Social Movements
a.
Historical Activism for Equality
b.
Civil Rights Movement
c.
Yellow Power Movement
d.
Current directions in Social Activism
Asian American Families
a.
Characteristics
b.
Changing Roles
c.
Intermarriage
d.
Major Social Problems
Education and Work
a.
Major issues in Education
b.
Diverse Demographics in the Workplace
c.
Labor Movement Involvement
d.
Future trends in Education and Work
Future Directions
Methods of Presentation:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Small Group Activities
Lectures
Audio-visual materials
Class presentations
Page 2
Chabot College
Course Outline for Sociology 10
Fall 2003
Page 3
Assignments and Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
1.
2.
Typical Assignments
a.
Research project: select a topic with the approval of the instructor; write a
five page paper including a bibliography of no less than 5 books/journal
articles (must include both sources), using MLA style.
b.
Exercise: explore Web sites relevant to Asian Americans. Identify three
web sites and describe their content in one paragraph per web site.
c.
Project: interview a staff member from an Asian American Community
based organization . Write a short paper explaining the purpose of the
organization, population served, community issues, services provided.
d.
Essay exam-example question: Utilizing Blauner's model of Internal
Colonialism, compare and contrast the Asian American experience vis-àvis African Americans, Native Americans, and Mexican Americans.
e.
In class group exercise/discussion: survey the portrayal of Asian
Americans in the local/national press over a one month period, bringing
pertinent articles to class. In groups, analyze the content of the articles
answering the questions: is there a consistent portrayal of Asian
Americans in the media? What are the current Asian American
issues/problems identified by the media? Do the articles reinforce any
stereotypes and if so are the stereotypes positive or negative?
Methods of Evaluating Student Progress
a.
Exams, including a final exam
b.
Student Projects
c.
Participation in class activities and discussions
d.
Take home exercises
e.
Final exam
Textbook(s) (Typical):
Asian Americans: Experiences and Perspectives, Fong, Timothy P. and Larry H.
Shinagawa, Prentice Hall, 2001, or latest edition.
The Contemporary Asian American Experience: Beyond The Model Minority,
Fong, Timothy, Prentice Hall, 2001, or latest edition.
The Mercury Reader, selected articles, Simon and Schuster Custom Publishing, 2001, or
latest edition.
Special Student Materials:
None.
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Revised:12-09-02