Time Schedule:
Enrique C. Bonus
AAS 360
Seattle Campus
History and culture of the Filipino in America and the influence of an admixture of Filipino, Spanish, and American traditions on the Filipino immigrant and his or her descendants. Recommended: AAS 205.
Class description
This course examines the historical and contemporary configurations of Filipinas and Filipinos in the United States in order to critically understand their colonial and postcolonial histories, their immigration and settlement patterns, their practices of identity constructions, as well as their interactions with each other and with other groups. While considering that Filipino Americans have multiple, diverse, and complex histories and cultures, this course will also explore larger themes regarding American imperialism, U.S.-Philippine colonial relations, capitalism, immigration, racialization, ethnic group formation in the U.S., global diaspora, “Filipino American critique,” and political/cultural notions of ethnicity in general. Such an investigation will draw on theoretical, historical, social science, and literary sources. It will also encompass discussions of “community,” “politics,” and “identity” from the perspectives of the course materials, community members, the students attending the class, and the sites within and beyond those occupied by Filipino Americans.
Student learning goals
My primary goal in this class is to enable students to have a solid comprehension of the specificities and complexities of Filipino American history and culture, using historical, social science, and literary materials, critical analyses, and collectively generated work.
Another goal is for the students to seriously consider the histories and contemporary conditions of Filipino Americans as materials that they use for understanding other groups, for understanding American society in particular, and for understanding global and transnational conditions.
General method of instruction
Lecture and discussion.
Recommended preparation
There are no course prerequisites.
Class assignments and grading
Students are expected to attend all lecture and discussion classes, read assigned materials on time, participate actively in class discussions, and fulfill all required evaluation components. Non-fulfillment of all requirements listed below will result in a non-passing grade. This class is designed to maximize the experience of collective and collaborative learning, so key to its success is the effort that will be invested by both the teacher as well as the students.
Overall course grade will be based on the following: an in-class midterm exam; an in-class/take-home final exam; an individual term paper of 4-5 pages; an approved group project with report; class participation (includes quizzes, assignments, field trip, and a required office visit}.
