Intro to Asian American History

Unit 1 – Early Asian Immigration to America (1840s-1924)

Unit 2 – Chinese Exclusion & Anti-Asian Bias (1882-1943)

Unit 3 – Japanese American Internment in WWII

Unit 4 – Post-WWII Asian Immigration & Model Minority

Unit 5 – Immigration Act of 1965: Reshaping America

Unit 6 – Asian American Activism (1960s-1980s)

Unit 7 – Southeast Asian Refugees & Diaspora (1975-2000)

Unit 8 – Asian Americans in Media and Pop Culture

Unit 9 – Asian American Diversity: Identities & Experiences

Unit 10 – Asian America: Current Issues & Future

## What do you learn in Introduction to Asian American History

You'll explore the experiences of Asian Americans from the 1800s to today. The course covers immigration waves, labor struggles, racial discrimination, and cultural contributions. You'll learn about key events like Chinese Exclusion Act, Japanese internment, and the model minority myth. It's all about understanding how Asian Americans shaped U.S. history and society.

## Is Introduction to Asian American History hard?

It's not typically considered a super tough class, but it does require some effort. There's a fair amount of reading and you'll need to remember important dates and events. The concepts aren't too complex, but you'll have to think critically about historical issues. Most students find it interesting, which makes the work feel easier.

## Tips for taking Introduction to Asian American History in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Make timelines to keep track of major events (e.g., Gold Rush, WWII, Civil Rights Movement)
3. Connect historical events to current issues (like anti-Asian hate during COVID-19)
4. Watch documentaries like "Asian Americans" PBS series for visual context
5. Read "The Making of Asian America" by Erika Lee for a comprehensive overview
6. Form study groups to discuss and debate historical interpretations
7. Use primary sources like letters or newspaper articles to get a feel for different time periods

## Common pre-requisites for Introduction to Asian American History

U.S. History Survey: This course covers the broad sweep of American history from colonial times to the present. It provides a foundation for understanding the context of Asian American experiences.

World History: This class explores major global events and trends. It helps you understand the international factors that influenced Asian immigration to America.

## Classes similar to Introduction to Asian American History

African American History: Explores the experiences of African Americans from slavery to the present. It covers civil rights movements, cultural contributions, and ongoing struggles for equality.

Latinx History in the United States: Examines the diverse experiences of Latin American immigrants and their descendants in the U.S. It covers topics like immigration policies, labor movements, and cultural identity.

Immigration History: Looks at the broader patterns of immigration to the United States. It explores how different immigrant groups have shaped American society and culture over time.

Ethnic Studies: This interdisciplinary course examines the experiences of various ethnic groups in the U.S. It covers topics like race, identity, and social justice across different communities.

## Majors related to Introduction to Asian American History

Asian American Studies: Focuses on the experiences, cultures, and histories of Asian Americans. Students explore topics like immigration, identity, and contemporary issues facing Asian American communities.

Ethnic Studies: Examines the histories, cultures, and social issues of various ethnic groups in the United States. Students learn about race, identity, and social justice across different communities.

American Studies: Explores various aspects of American culture, society, and history. Students analyze literature, art, politics, and social movements to understand the American experience.

History: Focuses on studying and interpreting past events. Students develop critical thinking skills and learn to analyze historical sources and narratives.

## What can you do with a degree in Introduction to Asian American History?

Teacher: Educates students about Asian American history and culture. Can work in K-12 schools or at the college level, depending on additional qualifications.

Museum Curator: Organizes exhibitions and manages collections related to Asian American history and culture. Works to preserve and present historical artifacts and stories to the public.

Community Organizer: Works with Asian American communities to address social issues and promote civic engagement. Helps organize events, campaigns, and initiatives to support community needs.

Diversity and Inclusion Specialist: Develops and implements strategies to promote diversity in workplaces or educational institutions. Uses historical knowledge to inform policies and practices that support inclusive environments.

## Introduction to Asian American History FAQs

How much writing is involved in this class? Typically, you'll have a few short papers and maybe one longer research paper. The writing usually focuses on analyzing historical events or comparing different periods in Asian American history.

Are there any field trips in this course? Some professors organize visits to local Asian American communities or museums. It depends on your school and professor, but these trips can really bring the history to life.

Do we cover all Asian ethnic groups equally? The course usually touches on major Asian ethnic groups, but might focus more on some than others. Often, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino American experiences get more attention due to their longer history in the U.S.

History

1.1 Chinese immigration and the Gold Rush

1.2 Japanese and Korean immigration

1.3 South Asian immigration and labor

1.4 Filipino immigration and colonial ties

2.1 The Chinese Exclusion Act and its consequences

2.4 Impact on other Asian immigrant groups

2.2 Anti-Asian sentiment and violence

2.3 Legal challenges and resistance

3.1 Executive Order 9066 and relocation

3.2 Life in internment camps

3.3 Japanese American military service

3.4 Resettlement and redress

4.1 Changes in immigration policies

4.2 Origins and propagation of the model minority myth

4.3 Socioeconomic impacts on Asian American communities

5.3 Professional and family-based immigration

5.1 Key provisions and changes in immigration law

5.2 Demographic shifts in Asian American population

6.3 Community organizing and political empowerment

6.4 Pan-Asian solidarity and interethnic coalitions

6.1 Civil rights and the Third World Liberation Front

6.2 Asian American identity formation

7.1 Vietnam War and its aftermath

7.2 Cambodian and Hmong refugee experiences

7.3 Transnational connections and cultural preservation

7.4 Challenges of resettlement and adaptation

8.1 Stereotypes and yellowface in film and television

8.2 Asian American artists and cultural production

8.3 Representation in literature and music

8.4 Social media and digital activism

9.1 Major ethnic subgroups and their histories

9.3 Intersectionality of race, class, and gender

9.4 Religious diversity among Asian Americans

9.2 Generational differences and cultural adaptation

10.1 Post-9/11 experiences and Islamophobia

10.2 Educational attainment and bamboo ceiling

10.4 COVID-19 pandemic and anti-Asian racism

10.5 Emerging trends and future challenges

10.3 Political participation and representation

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