This is an interdisciplinary course on the experience of Filipinos in America. We will learn about Filipina/o Americans’ roles in historical events, contemporary issues, and how these affect community formation and life in America. The assigned texts, films, and guest speakers will focus on the different waves of Filipina/o migration to the U.S, and the historical experience of “Pinoys” & “Pinays” in education, labor, family, politics, entertainment, and other sectors of American society. A large focus will be on Filipina/os of the Midwest, with a special emphasis on Ann Arbor and the Metro Detroit area. Through historical, sociological, psychological, autobiographical, and literary readings, we will answer such questions as: Who/What is a Filipina/o American? What makes the Filipinos' experience in America unique from that of other Asian/Pacific Islander Americans? How does the complex intersection of race, class, gender, and sexuality affect Filipina/os? How are Filipina/o Americans “positioned” in this society? What are some of the current issues facing Filipinos? What roles have Filipina/os played in civil rights and social activism? Overall, how have Filipino Americans strategized their changing places within this society? As we examine these issues, we will also uncover “new” historical findings within our local Filipina/o American community.

Course Requirements:

Assignments may include readings, an exam, and/or a term project. Exams for this course will be asynchronous and may consist of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions that will be submitted via Canvas Quizzes during a designated time frame. Homework assignments will be submitted asynchronously via Canvas Assignments.

Intended Audience:

AMCULT 310 satisfies the following graduation requirements:

Class Format:

The weekly lectures for this course will be recorded and made available asynchronously. We will also have optional small group discussions that can incorporate brief synchronous participation (using virtual breakout rooms), as well as asynchronous participation (using a virtual discussion bulletin board). The instructor will have optional, weekly virtual "office hours" meetings that will be drop-in or by appointment, via Zoom or Blue Jeans. This course will use Canvas for all asynchronous online components, including assignments, films, PDF readings, discussion questions, and exams. Synchronous lectures will be recorded and optional discussions will be conducted primarily through Zoom (or BlueJeans, or Canvas Conferences). Students should have access to the internet, with a computer device, web camera, and microphone.