123042 PS Proseminar Literature / Literary Studies (2014W)

In this course, we will critically examine the cultural and literary productions of Chinese Americans and Chinese Canadians to understand the Chinese immigrant experience in North America. We will explore the difficulties that immigrants of Chinese descent had to face in America, including various stereotypes (such as the yellow peril, the dragon lady, or the model minority), anti-Chinese legislation, the complexities of growing up Chinese in America, and the challenges of returning to China. Special attention will be paid to the various "Pacific Crossings" as individuals and ideas travel back and forth between China and North America.