Time Schedule:
Alka Kurian
B CUSP 188
Bothell Campus
Introduces the traditional arts, cultures, and history of countries of Asia. Emphasizes the interaction between culture and geography, politics, economies, and social structures that shape, and are shaped by cultural processes and products. Specific countries varies with the instructor and quarter offered. Offered: WSp.
Class description
This course offers an introduction to the historical and present-day concerns of communities living in the United States and formed by people from South Asia i.e. from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The course will give an overview of the histories and settlement patterns of these communities in the United States and perform a comparative analysis of their settlement patterns with those seen in other parts of the world. We will then examine the lived reality of South Asian Americans by focusing on the ways in which they have come together to form diverse communities and how race, gender, religion, nation, sexuality, and class have succeeded in dividing these communities from each other as well as from other ethnic groups.
Student learning goals
An overview of the histories and settlement patterns of South Asians in the United States
An insight into the histories and settlement patterns of South Asians in other parts of the world.
A critical awareness of the themes of identity, culture, diaspora, family, fashion and politicization of and within South Asian communities.
A critical insight into expressions of faith and politics in South Asian diasporic cultures.
An insight into representations of themes of identity, migration, home, gender, and politics in South Asian films and fiction.
Interdisciplinary skills in critical thinking, interdisciplinary research, collaborative work, writing, and presentation.
General method of instruction
Lectures, seminars, group discussions, film screenings.
Recommended preparation
None
Class assignments and grading
Quizzes, Journal entries, Critical reflection essay, Student group presentations.
Quizzes: 15% Journal entries: 15% Critical reflection essay: 30% Student group presentations: 30%
