This course examines the history and present-day agency and activism of Asian Americans in the United States. Dubbed the “model minority,” Asian Americans are often characterized as apolitical, passive, and “doing just fine.” The problem with this stereotype is that it erases the long history of Asian American resistance, cross-cultural solidarity building, and political participation in prominent movements seeking to address the diverse issues and needs of Asian American communities. This course seeks to disrupt this harmful stereotype and highlight the rich and enduring presence of Asian American resistance and political engagement.

During class, we'll learn the histories, experiences, and methods of resistance used by Asian American communities. We'll critically analyze case studies of Asian American organizing across time and place in the United States to provide a historical and contemporary understanding of political activation and resistance. At the end of the semester, you'll have the opportunity to ideate and produce your own work centered around an issue in a respective community of interest.