Introduction to Asian American Studies: Literature, Culture, and Historical Experience
MIT OpenCourseWare offers this survey of Asian American history from the first wave of nineteenth century immigration through anti-Asian exclusion movements, the internment years during WWII, the 1960s Asian American movement, and the post-1965 immigration wave. Lessons trace how these experiences shaped Asian American ethnic identity and connect that history to present day issues including racial stereotyping, media portrayals, affirmative action, the glass ceiling, the model minority narrative, and anti-Asian harassment. Materials include the full syllabus, readings drawn from literature and historical texts, and assignments used in the MIT classroom version of the course. Taught in English, the course is free to access through MIT OpenCourseWare with no certificate offered. It suits anyone wanting a structured, text based introduction to Asian American studies rather than a single lecture or overview video.