Spring 2018 - ASC 300 D100

Asians and North Americans in Public Discourse (3)

Class Number: 4364

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 3 – Apr 10, 2018: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2018
    Fri, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units including at least one lower division ASC course.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

A cross-cultural examination of the ways we perceive and represent each other in public discourse, including literature, news media, cinema, and other education and entertainment media.

COURSE DETAILS:

Throughout history Western views of East Asian and the people who live there have shifted from one extreme to another. Ranging from the evil Fu Manchu in novels by English author Sax Rohmer during the first half of the 20th century to the now universal symbol of compassion, the Dalai Lama, public attitudes towards the East Asia have swung from suspicion to infatuation. This course will examine the nature and scope of these historically changing attitudes by following two cultural aspects of East Asia which deeply influence North American popular culture: Buddhism and Asian martial arts. We will first develop a theoretical foundation by briefly exploring such concepts as orientalism, foundational myths, modernity, transnationalism and globalism and consider the place of Buddhism and martial arts in Asia. However, most of discussion will focus on what Buddhism and martial arts have come to represent in the West, both historically and at present. The course will include scholarly readings and source texts dealing with Buddhism and Asian martial arts to develop an understanding of those two movements in Asia in addition to articles and video clips examining at how Buddhism and Asian martial arts moved into North American society and their present-day significance. Some of the questions we will consider are:

  • What was the common understanding of Buddhism and marital arts before WWII?
  • What kind of “dialogues” occurred that allowed Buddhism and Asian martial arts to become part of North American culture?
  • In what ways have cross-cultural influences developed new forms of Buddhism and martial arts?
  • What new popular mythic views are now established in Western society around Buddhism and martial arts?
  • How do Buddhist movements and Asian martial arts contribute to stereotyping of Asians and to promoting cross-cultural understanding?

Grading

  • Quizzes 40%
  • Presentations 15%
  • Film analysis 40%
  • Leading a discussion 5%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Keown, Damien. Buddhism: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press

Custom Course Ware package (about 9 articles)

Online & posted materials


Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS