AST 101 Cultures and Societies in Asia: Global Issues
3 hours
In a global world where Asia is one Internet click away, this course asks ‘what is Asia today’ and ‘who is today’s Asian’? We will examine Asia and the Asian from an interdisciplinary perspective, shaped by transnational and cross-cultural exchanges that call for new interpretations of the history, belief systems, literatures, languages, politics, social life, arts, and popular cultures that have traditionally been considered ‘Asian’ or marked by ‘Asian’ influence. Global interconnectivity has produced vibrant dynamic socio-cultural contexts, while worldwide migration and immigration have created the need to redefine priorities of political, social and economic justice for diverse populations. Through engagement with new perspectives that put ‘the East’ in dialogue with the world, students will begin to see beyond narrow stereotypes and generalizations, while gaining the skills to think in informed critical ways about Asia and Asians. By focusing on ‘Asian’ voices and perspectives, students will gain new insights on how global issues and events—such as wars, colonialization, nation-building, population shifts, racism and gender—are shaping contemporary representations of Asia and Asians.
Notes
This course satisfies the Flexible Core: World Cultures and Global Issues area of the Gen Ed Program.