Time Schedule:
Kathie Friedman
SIS 490
Seattle Campus
Content varies from quarter to quarter.
Class description
SIS 490A Diasporas, Ethnicity, Collective Memory Course readings and discussions are guided by 4 themes or questions. First, what is the significance of the proliferation of diasporas in the contemporary global system, and how do they relate to classic diasporas and the classic meaning of diaspora? Second, what is the relation of diaspora to other concepts like ethnic minority group, national minority, hybrid or creolized identities and transnational community? Third, what kinds of relationships exist between homelands and diasporas? Fourth, what is the role of memory in the diaspora? Seminar style discussion of readings with students rotating as discussion leaders and instructor presenting brief lectures and conclusions to discussions. Students will write weekly essays based on the readings.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Instruction is based primarily on discussion of readings and individual research. Class will begin with a brief lecture introducing topics and questions and discussion will follow.
Recommended preparation
The course is grounded in sociology, but our approach will be interdisciplinary, incorporating perspectives from anthropology, political science, geography, and law.
Class assignments and grading
There is a substantial amount of reading required and all students will be expected to participate in the discussion at each meeting. There is also a research paper-- either a library research paper or a more 'hands-on' one in which students do some original research and data collection.
Students will be graded on the basis of class discussion (quantity and quality), quizzes, and research paper.
