Course Outline of Record Los Medanos College 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg CA 94565

Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128

New Course OR Existing Course

Author(s):Joellen Hiltbrand

Subject Area/Course No.: ENGL-128

Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Units:3

Discipline(s): English

Pre-Requisite(s): none Co-Requisite(s): none

Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL-095

Catalog Description: This course is an introduction to Asian American literature. It focuses on particular contexts and theoretical issues that have informed the study of Asian American literature. Students will read from literature written by authors of various Asian American ethnic groups. They will be introduced to the unique history and thematic concerns of Asian American authors, as well as to the contexts in which this literature has been written. Students will also be introduced to the historical experience of Asian immigrants in the United States, and learn to connect literature to its historical and social context.

Schedule Description: Asian American culture has a long and rich history in the United States. Come discover the complexity of Asian American experience as revealed in work written by Chinese American, Japanese American, Filipino American, Indian American and Vietnamese American authors.

The "Asian American" identity is informed by individual and cultural differences, and is reshaped by each generation. We will explore this diversity in our readings and discussions over the course of the semester. Our topics will include: generational differences within Asian American cultures, Asian Americans and popular culture; the impact of World War II; and how Asian Americans deal with issues of cultural continuity in the face of the larger American society.

Hrs/Mode of Instruction: Lecture: _3___ Scheduled Lab: ____ HBA Lab: ____ Composition: ____ Activity: ____ Total Hours ____

Credit Credit Degree Applicable (DA) Grading Pass/No Pass (P/NP) Repeatability x 0 Credit Non-Degree (NDA) Letter (LR) 1 x Student Choice (SC) 2 3

Last date of Assessment: ______Cohort #: __4___

Please apply for:

LMC General Education Requirement(s): Humanities and Ethnic and Multicultural Studies

Transfer to: CSU UC IGETC Area __3B__ CSU GE Area__C2__ C-ID Number ______

Course is Baccalaureate Level: Yes No

Form Revised 5-18-2016 Page 1 of 12 Course Outline of Record Los Medanos College 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg CA 94565

Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128

Signatures:

Department Chair Date

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Dean (Technical Review) Date

Curriculum Committee Chair Date

President/Designee Date

CCCCD Approval Date (Board or Chancellor's Office) Date

STAND ALONE COURSE: YES NO

Course approved by Curriculum Committee as Baccalaureate Level: YES NO

LMC GE Requirement Approved by the Curriculum Committee: ______

FOR OFFICE OF INSTRUCTION ONLY. DO NOT WRITE IN THE SECTION BELOW. Begin in Semester ______Catalog year 20____/20_____ Class Max: ______Dept. Code/Name:______T.O.P.s Code: ______Crossover course 1/ 2: ______ESL Class: ____Yes / No______DSPS Class: _Yes / No_____ Coop Work Exp: ___Yes / No_____

Class Code A Liberal Arts & Sciences SAM Code A Apprenticeship Remediation Level B Basic Skills B Developmental Preparatory B Advanced Occupational NBS Not Basic Skills C Adult/Secondary Basic Education C Clearly Occupational D Personal Development/Survival D Possibly Occupational E For Substantially Handicapped E* Non-Occupational F Parenting/Family Support G Community/Civic Development *Additional criteria needed H General and Cultural 1 One level below transfer I Career/Technical Education 2 Two levels below transfer J Workforce Preparation Enhanced 3 Three levels below transfer K Other non-credit enhanced Not eligible for enhanced

Form Revised 5-18-2016 Page 2 of 12 Course Outline of Record Los Medanos College 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg CA 94565

Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128

Institutional Student Learning Outcomes: General Education SLOs: At the completion of the LMC general education program, a student will: 1. read critically and communicate effectively as a writer and speaker. 2. understand connections among disciplines and apply interdisciplinary approaches to problem solving. 3. think critically and creatively 4. consider the ethical implications inherent in knowledge, decision-making and action. 5. possess a worldview informed by diverse social, multicultural and global perspectives.

None

Program-Level Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs)

Degree in English for Transfer

1. Independently read, comprehend, and analyze literature and non-fiction, using critical thinking strategies. 2. Respond coherently to texts in critical, creative and personal ways. 3. Write logical, coherent, well-developed academic essays about literature and non-fiction.

Course-Level Student Learning Outcomes (CSLOs):

1. Read critically a variety of texts from literature written by Asian American authors; communicate effectively as a writer in analyzing and synthesizing these works. (PSLO 1-2; GESLO 1, 2)

2. Think critically and creatively about the themes represented in Asian American literature, including themes of identity, family, gender/sexuality, race/ethnicity, assimilation and culture. (PSLO 1, 2; GESLO 1-5)

3. Investigate issues of race and class as they impact Asian American experience and evaluate ethical implications of how different Asian American groups have been discriminated against from entry into United States through the present. (PSLO 1, 2; GESLO 1-5)

4. Identify and analyze the political and historical context of different Asian American groups’ experiences in the United States and the connection between those histories and the themes found in literature written by individual Asian American authors. (PSLO 1-3; GESLO 1-5)

Assessments: Written Quizzes Class Discussions Essays/ Multi- Final Exam Assignments: media projects Journals, Reading Responses CSLO 1 X X X X X CSLO 2 X X X X X CSLO 3 X X X X CSLO 4 X X X X Form Revised 5-18-2016 Page 3 of 12 Course Outline of Record Los Medanos College 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg CA 94565

Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128

Assessment Instruments:

CSLO 1: Read critically a variety of texts from literature written by Asian American authors; communicate effectively as a writer and speaker, analyzing and synthesizing these works.

Written Assignments: In weekly journals, reading responses, and other short writing assignments, students will have opportunities to respond to, analyze, and make connections between texts written by Asian American authors, thus demonstrating their comprehension of the texts.

Rationale: Assess students’ comprehension of material and skill in making connections between historical contexts and/or their personal experiences.

Class Discussions: In class discussions, students will summarize and respond to readings, and construct text-to-self, text-to-text, and text-to-world comparisons.

Rationale: Assess students’ skill in communicating effectively and constructing responses and comparisons.

Quizzes: Quizzes will evaluate reading comprehension of course material

Rationale: Comprehension of reading material is essential precursor to literary analysis.

Essays/: Multi-media projects and format writing assignments will demonstrate students’ identification and use of literary elements (plot, conflict, themes, etc) and ability to synthesize connections between texts.

Rationale: Projects will provide opportunities to demonstrate their comprehension and analysis of texts using academic essay format, in order to illustrate critical thinking, organization, and logical development of ideas. Sample Assessment: Group Work Discussion - “Teaching Each Other” assignment You will assume the responsibility for helping facilitate your classmates’ understanding of two stories in The Loom and Other Stories by using the three reading strategies given below to discuss the assigned reading:

 Beyond retelling what happens in the reading, identify what you think are the three most important events/details from the reading and explain 1) why they are important and 2)how they are connected.

 Pose at least three questions about the reading; these could include questions that address confusing parts of the reading, or thought questions that the reading makes you wonder about.

 Make at least three connections between ideas or events in the reading to your own experience, the world around you, or other works of literature. Explain these connections to the rest of the class.

Form Revised 5-18-2016 Page 4 of 12 Course Outline of Record Los Medanos College 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg CA 94565

Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128

CSLO 2: Think critically and creatively about the themes represented in Asian American literature, including themes of identity, family, gender/sexuality, race/ethnicity, assimilation and culture.

Written Assignments/Class Discussions/Oral Report: In weekly journals, reading responses, and writing assignments, multi-media projects, as well as in class discussions and oral reports, students will explore themes represented in given readings, in terms of shared experiences as well as unique expressions of themes.

Rationale: Students will identify and analyze of themes common to literature written by a variety of Asian American groups, as well as how those themes are expressed by individual authors.

Quizzes: Quizzes will evaluate students’ comprehension of terms used to describe thematic content (such as terms to describe methods of acculturation).

Rationale: Students will be able to define terms connected to themes they are analyzing

Essays: Essays will focus on exploring and synthesizing various themes within two or more readings.

Rationale: Students will present organized, logical discussions of their interpretations of a text.

Sample Assessment: Project

This project asks you to answer ONE question about Born Confused, and ONE question about shared topics in the literature you’ve read this semester.

Part I Question: Dimple, the protagonist in Born Confused, describes herself as having been born turned around and “getting it all wrong ever since” (1). Discuss what she means by this statement. How would you characterize Dimple at the beginning of the story? How has Dimple changed by the end of the story? What events in her life can you attribute to her growth?

Your answers to this question must come from the novel itself. In your 2 paragraph answer, use specific examples from the novel to support your claim.

Part II Question: Shared Topics: Part II asks you to discuss connections in the literature and nonfiction pieces you have read over the course of this semester.

What were some of the methods used by Vietnamese Americans in their attempt to immigrate, live, and adapt to life in the U.S. that were shown in “Monkey Bridge”? How do these compare to those methods used by the Indian American characters shown in Born Confused or other short stories from this semester (not the novels)? Discuss what your comparison tells you about the benefits and drawbacks of assimilating into the dominant culture.

CSLO 3: Investigate issues of race and class as they impact Asian American experience and evaluate ethical implications of how different Asian American groups have been discriminated against from entry into United States through the present.

Written Assignments/ Oral Report/ Class Discussions/ Essays: In shorter as well as more formal written assignments, as well as in oral discussions and reports, students will make

Form Revised 5-18-2016 Page 5 of 12 Course Outline of Record Los Medanos College 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg CA 94565

Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128 connections and comparisons related to concepts of race, class and/or other considerations as they impact Asian American experiences, and make ethical judgments regarding the content.

Rationale: Students will analyze social factors in Asian American experience, and ethical implications of those factors.

Sample Assessment: Journal Entry

Pick a character from any of the literature we've read so far, and have that character write a response to this quote from Carlos Bulosan. What would the character think about these musings? Would the character agree with Bulosan’s confusion and anger about the discrimination he faced in America? If the character is not Filipino, would he or she have had experiences that would lend themselves to an understanding of Bulosan’s questions? What experiences could the character give as illustration to support his or her ideas?

Walking down the marble stairway of the hospital, I began to wonder at the paradox of America. Jose's tragedy was brought about by railroad detectives, yet he had done no harm of any consequence to the company. On the highway, again, motorists had refused to take a dying man. And yet in this hospital, among white people -- Americans like those who had denied us -- we had found refuge and tolerance. Why was America so kind and yet so cruel? Was there no way to simplify things in this continent so that suffering would be minimized? Was there no common denominator on which we could all meet? I was angry and confused, and wondered if I would ever understand this paradox From "America is in the Heart," by Carlos Bulosan

CSLO 4: Describe and explain the political and historical context of different Asian American groups’ experiences in the United States and the connection between those histories and the themes and concepts found in literature written by individual Asian American authors.

Written Assignments/ Class Discussions/ Essays/Projects : In journals, reading responses, discussions, oral reports, and essays, students will explore the historical experiences of different Asian American immigrant groups as reflected in the readings. They will identify and analyze different experiences as well as common themes present in literature written by Asian American authors.

Rationale: The broadness of the term “Asian American” makes invisible the specific cultural and political realities of myriad Asian groups whose experiences in the United States have differed based on historical context and internal cultural values. That being said, there are certain themes and topics that run through literature written by Asian American authors. Students will analyze and compare specific characteristics as well as common experiences.

Sample Assessment: Multi-media project: Students read and discuss the Densho: The Japanese American Legacy Project website, specifically the section entitled: “Sites of Shame: The Yasutake Story.” They are then asked to do the following:

Give a five-minute presentation in which you compare and contrast the Yasutake family’s experience with those in the following readings: The Loom and Other Stories by R. A. Sasaki, "Las Vegas Charley" by Hisaye Yamamoto and "Fargo and the Asian American Male" by David Mura (essay)

In your presentation, you must compare:  three key points from “Sites of Shame” and how they relate to or differ from events in the three listed pieces of writing.  An overall analysis of how history is reflected in themes in the assigned texts.

Form Revised 5-18-2016 Page 6 of 12 Course Outline of Record Los Medanos College 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg CA 94565

Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128

You may use visual aids (PowerPoint, charts, projections of website pictures) but your grade depends on your ability to analyze and synthesize the historical and fictional information in an oral presentation.

CLSOs 1-4

Sample Assessment: Final Exam

Shared Topics: Your final exam asks you to discuss connections in the literature and non-fiction pieces you have read over the course of this semester.

Question: Describe and analyze the apparent differences in cultural values displayed by Mona and her parents in Mona in the Promised Land, and Gabe and his mother in American Son. How are they similar, how are they different? What do you feel influences these differences?

You may also use historical materials read in class to support your points about the historical acculturation methods. Use specific examples from the texts to support your thesis.

Method of Evaluation/Grading: CSLOs 1-4: These CSLOs reflect the design of an integrated curriculum: reading, writing and critical thinking are roughly equally weighted (although the writing assignments, reflecting an integration of these skills are worth approximately 55% of the total grade).

A-level student work is characterized by: clear analysis and critical thinking evidenced in discussions of the context, history, and literary elements within Asian American literature. Journals, reading responses and other writing assignments will demonstrate successful use of textual analysis of Asian American short stories, novels and poems. Written work and class discussions will accurately identify and critically discuss elements of literature such as plot, character, symbolism, and conflict in the discussion of course readings.

Essays, projects, presentations and discussions will demonstrate accurate knowledge of major points in the histories and treatment of different Asian American groups, and the relationship between those histories and themes and perspectives reflected in the course readings. Writing assignments and oral presentations will accurately identify ethical issues, analyze societal factors that support or block ethical responses to situations, and evaluate immediate and long-term consequences as reflected in historical fact and fictional representation.

Writing assignments and presentations will demonstrate accurate and logically presented discussions of the similarities and differences in approaches to themes common to Asian American writers (for example: conflict between generations, expectations based on gender, adoption of/resistance to assimilation, the role of language in Asian American experience, the role of colonization in Asian American experience, “push” and “pull” motivations for immigration, historical treatment of Asian groups in America (including immigration policy) .

C-level student work is characterized by: minimal but adequate discussion of the context, history, and literary elements within Asian American literature. Journals, reading responses and other writing assignments will demonstrate use of textual analysis of Asian American short stories, novels and poems, though it may lack organization and coherence. Written work and class discussions will incorporate elements of literature such as plot, character, symbolism, and conflict in the discussion of course readings.

Form Revised 5-18-2016 Page 7 of 12 Course Outline of Record Los Medanos College 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg CA 94565

Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128

Essays, projects, presentations and discussions will contain information about major points in the histories and treatment of different Asian American groups, and the relationship between those histories and themes and perspectives reflected in the course readings. Writing assignments and oral presentations will identify ethical issues, analyze societal factors that support or block ethical responses to situations, and evaluate immediate and long-term consequences as reflected in historical fact and fictional representation. However, these analyses of ethical considerations, while competent, may lack the clarity, organization, and/or depth of knowledge of these factors.

Writing assignments and presentations will contain competent discussions of the similarities and differences in approaches to themes common to Asian American writers (for example: conflict between generations, expectations based on gender, adoption of/resistance to assimilation, the role of language in Asian American experience, the role of colonization in Asian American experience, “push” and “pull” motivations for immigration, historical treatment of Asian groups in America (including immigration policy) ). However, these discussions may lack the clarity, organization, and/or depth of knowledge of these themes. Overall, the work is competent.

Shorter Written 10% Assignments (journals, reading responses, etc) Quizzes 10% Class 30% Discussion/Presentations Essay/Multi-media 45% Project Assignments Final Exam 5%

TOTAL POINTS = 1000 A = 900-999 B = 800-899 C = 700-799 D = 600-699 F = 500-599

Course Content: This is a literature course; therefore, the focus is on the content and style of literature written by American writers of Asian descent. However, since the literature is inextricably tied to the history and culture of Asian Americans, especially for 19th and 20th century Asian American writers, it is crucial for readers to understand the context of Asian American experience. Since LMC offers no other course in Asian American history or experience, the course must provide the context in which readers can understand the literature. Therefore, the context is laid out explicitly here so that instructors can understand what readers need to know in order to understand themes within the literature.

Unit I: Literature Written by Chinese Americans and Japanese Americans Literature Written by Chinese Americans Context: History of Chinese immigration to US

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Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128

Treatment of Chinese immigrants Introduction of anti-Chinese legislation Acculturation methods and reflection in literature

Literature: Introduction of literary analysis, focusing on conflict and themes Generational differences and language – themes in literature “Chinese” vs “American” values and themes as reflected in literature

First-generation and second-generation – conflicts in literature Language as conduit and barrier in communication Gender roles in Chinese American culture The role of the family, and tension in familial expectations Values and myths as expressed in literature written by Chinese Americans

Literature Written by Japanese Americans Context: History of Japanese American Literature Impact on labor struggles in US Differences in immigration and treatment Acculturation models WWII and internment – consequences

Literature: Literary themes as expressed above (generations/language/gender/acculturation): differences and similarities in Japanese American literature Post-internment trauma and reflection in literature The “model minority” Values and myths as expressed in literature written by Japanese Americans Media analysis – Asian Americans in popular culture

Unit II: Literature Written by Filipino Americans

Context: Unique context of Filipinos in American history – war and colonization Filipino immigration – first and second waves and reflection in literature Acculturation and cultural identity

Literature: Filipino immigration – first and second waves and reflection in literature Video analysis – language and cultural pride in Filipino popular culture Literary themes as expressed throughout course (generations/language/gender/acculturation): differences and similarities in Filipino American literature

Form Revised 5-18-2016 Page 9 of 12 Course Outline of Record Los Medanos College 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg CA 94565

Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128

Unit III: Literature Written by Indian Americans Context: Indian American immigration and cultural identity Immigration policy and effects on Indian immigration

Literature Literary themes as expressed throughout course (generations/language/gender/acculturation): differences and similarities in Indian American literature American appropriation of/obsession with Indian culture (60s and present) 9/11, stereotypes and discrimination

Unit IV: Literature Written by Vietnamese Americans Context: Vietnam war and history of Vietnamese immigration Political access and power

Literature: Literary themes as expressed above (generations/language/gender/acculturation): differences and similarities in Vietnamese American literature Literature as reflection of Vietnamese American experience Generational differences in acculturation as reflected in literature (Generations 1.5 and beyond)

Lab By Arrangement Activities (If Applicable):

Instructional Methods: Lecture Lab Activity Problem-based Learning/Case Studies Collaborative Learning/Peer Review Demonstration/Modeling Role-Playing Discussion Computer Assisted Instruction Other (explain) ______

Textbooks: The field of Asian American literature is expanding at a phenomenal rate. The following is a small sample of texts that could be used to represent literature written by writers from different Asian American groups and to reflect the Asian American experience, whether short stories, novels, plays, poems, or to give context, historical accounts.

There are also a number of anthologies that would serve to introduce students to literature written by Asian Americans.

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Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128

Jade Chang The Wangs Vs the World

Celeste Ng Everything I Never Told You

Tony Tulathimutte Private Citizens

Bright Lines Tanwi Nandini Islam

Typical American (1992) Gish Jen Mona in the Promised Land (1997)

American Born Chinese Gene Yuan

The Dim Sum of All Things (2004) Kim Wong Keltner Buddha Baby (2005)

Shanghai Girls (2009) Lisa See

American Knees (1996) Shawn Wong

Asian American Dreams: The Emergence of Helen Zia an American People (2001)

Strangers from a Distant Shore: A History of Ronald Takaki Asian Americans ( 1998)

Donald Duk (1991) Frank Chin

Yellow Light (1982), The River of Heaven Garrett Hongo (1988)

Saturday Night at the Pahala Theatre (1993) Lois-Ann Yamanaka

Seventeen Syllables and Other Stories (1988) Hisaye Yamamoto

My Year of Meats (1998) Ruth Oseki

After the War (2007) Philip Kan Gotanda

The Loom and Other Stories (1991) R.A. Sasaki

American Son ( 2001) Brian Ascalon Roley

America is in the Heart: A Personal History Carlos Bulosan (1974)

Form Revised 5-18-2016 Page 11 of 12 Course Outline of Record Los Medanos College 2700 East Leland Road Pittsburg CA 94565

Course Title: Introduction to Asian American Literature Subject Area/Course Number: ENGL-128

Scent of Apples (1979) Bienvenido Santos Fixer Chao (2002), The Disinherited (2005) Han Ong The Gangster of Love (1996), Dogeaters Jessica Hagedorn (1990)

The Middleman and Other Stories (1988), Bharati Mukherjee Jasmine (1989)

Queen of Dreams (2004) Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Lan Cao Monkey Bridge (1997)

Andrew Pham Catfish and Mandala (1999)

Aimee Phan We Should Never Meet (2004)

Andrew Lam Perfume Dreams (2005)

Le Pham Le From Where the Wind Blows (2003)

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