Critical Social Inquiry 0245 - Race,Empire/Transnationalism

How does a study of the Chinese diasporic communities in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, the United States, and other parts of the world help us understand the questions of ethnic identity formation, construction, and negotiation? More specifically, how does the study of their history and experiences force us to rethink the concepts of "China" and "Chinese-ness"? These are the main questions that we seek to answer in this introductory course to the history of the Chinese diaspora. We will begin by looking into the history of Chinese migration to the United States and then move on to particular geographical areas in the world, including the Southeast Asia and the Caribbean. All throughout the course we will also examine how these diasporic people and their families manipulated and continue to manipulate attempts by dominant groups to control their identities, bodies, and resources, and how their lives challenge the meanings of "China" and "Chinese-ness." Other questions to be discussed during the course are: What caused people from China to move, and to where? What forms of discrimination and control did they experience? How do their experiences and histories deepen our understanding of "race," "empire," and "transnationalism"? Themes to be discussed throughout the course include diaspora, imperialism, colonialism, race, ethnicity, gender, nationalism, transnationalism, orientalism, hegemony, and globalization. Requirements include reflection papers, discussions, a group presentation, a final paper, and a day-trip to New York's Chinatown on a weekend.

Power, Community and Social Justice Independent Work Multiple Cultural Perspectives Writing and Research Students are expected to spend 6-8 hours weekly on work and preparation outside of class time.