This course examines how film and television have reflected and shaped Asian culture and identity in American history. Through screening of feature films, documentaries, and television shows produced by Asian Americans and non-Asians, we study shifting representations of Asians across historical periods from the 19th century to the present.
- How have the movies and TV
shaped American conceptions
of Asians?
- How do images of Asians as
“coolies,” “yellow peril,”
“dragon ladies,” “gooks,” and
“model minorities” circulate in
American popular culture?
- Have Hollywood stars like Bruce Lee, Jackie
Chan, Lucy Liu and Margaret Cho broken down
stereotypes or created new ones?
- How have independent filmmakers generated
new and more complicated conceptions of
Asian American identity and culture?
In this course, you will learn to analyze:
- How American wars, hate crimes, immigration policy and Asian
American identity have been influenced by racial stereotypes
- How images of Asian women and interracial romance have
shaped American culture
- How the representation of Asian Americans compares to other
racial groups
Ethnic groups examined include Korean, South Asian,
Chinese, Filipino, Southeast Asian, and Japanese Americans
Course materials include films and videos ranging from
silent movies featuring white actors in “yellowface” to
recent independent and Hollywood releases
Lecture/readings provide deeper bases for interpretation
of film and video content
Course Requirements:
Usually include journals, active attendance and participation, and two exams.
Intended Audience:
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Class Format:
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