AMST 113 - Introduction to Asian American Literature

Cross-Listed as ENGL 113

This course will focus on some of Asian American Literature’s salient texts and recurring themes. Through readings and class discussion, we will explore issues of ethnicity, race, gender, class, and community in the work of authors like Jhumpa Lahiri, Carlos Bulosan, Maxine Hong Kingston, Miné Okubo, Mai Der Vang, Solmaz Sharif, Ocean Vuong, and Alexandra Chang, among others. We will also examine the political formation of the term “Asian American;” question narratives like the “model minority;” and consider how news media, pop culture, and the publishing industry have played a role in shaping the production and reception of Asian American writing. Class events will include a guest lecture from an Asian American author with a recently published book. This course will be taught in person. It fulfills the U.S. Identities and Differences requirement. Every year. (4 Credits)