Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2022 - GA 301 D100

Asia-Canada Identities: Experiences and Perspectives (3)

Class Number: 4512

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 7 – Dec 6, 2022: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    45 units.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course will explore the experience of Asian immigrants and their children, focusing in particular on social and cultural aspects. This course may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Students with credit for ASC 301 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course focuses on Asian Canadian cultural activism. It will explore how Asian Canadians represent their histories, experiences and identities through various forms of cultural practices and artistic forms, in particular through literature, film, visual arts and publication.

After introducing some concepts, themes and perspectives in discussing Asian Canadian culture, we will examine Asian Canadian cultural activism through a variety of sources: memoir and fiction, film and visual art works, art exhibitions and cultural festival materials, interviews with artists, as well as internet/web sites, literary and arts magazines and newspapers. The learning activities include narrative analysis, class discussions, a guest lecture, a field trip, and a group project. Among the themes/ issues considered are the following:

  • What kind of identities and experiences have Asian Canadian artists expressed? How are these experiences and identities related with the local community and national history?
  • How do Asian Canadians use different media to represent their identities and experiences?  What are the innovative and creative perspectives they have explored?
  • Is there an “Asian Canadian Culture”? If so, what role does it play in personal, communal and national formation?

Active participation in seminars and group presentations, and developing a major creative project or research paper are required for successful completion of the course.

Grading

  • Attendance and Participation 20%
  • Canvas (online) Discussion 15%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Field Trip Report 20%
  • Final Project 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Xiaoping Li, Voices Rising: Asian Canadian Cultural Activism, UBC Press, 2007  (e-book accessible online via SFU library)

Craig Anderi & Mieko Ouchi, Shepherd's Pie and Sushi (1998)

Mina Shum, Double Happiness, 1994

Joy Kogawa, Obasan. Toronto: Penguin Books, 1981.

Ying Wang et al. The World is Bright, 2019

Ricepaper: Asian Canadian Arts and Culture (online Asian Canadian Literary Magazine)


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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