JAPN 307: Japan-American Experience
This course focuses on Japanese-American experience from the 1860s to the present as an ongoing study in ethnographic assimilation, including early immigration and response; immigration and labor laws; property rights; and WWII internment. Students identify and evaluate the issues of the ethics of assimilation, racial and ethnic discrimination, educational opportunity, social justice, and cultural identity. Taught in English.
My Experience:
This class was particularly interesting for me because it took the culture that I have been studying and looked at the real world application of that culture should it be uprooted and placed in an interesting culture. Before taking this class, I have to admit that I didn't give much though towards Japanese-Americans and how their life experiences have been shaped by the history of Japan and America's relationship. People often view cultures as isolated to their geographic location, and this is especially true for Japan. However, even though the United States has a strong influence across the globe, I do not feel that people often think of Americans in the concept of a diaspora. Once the topics brushed upon during this class was the greater Japanese diaspora located in Brazil. I think it would be interesting to further explore the relationship that Japan shares with Brazil and see how certain elements of Japanese culture have thrived in the country as well as which ones did not. Moreover, I would like to compare these aspects to the Japanese-American experience and see if people can learn from the good and bad experiences of Japanese immigrants.
It almost goes without saying that the events that I learned about during this class caused me to have a newfound respect for not only Japanese Americans but all immigrants. This class also led me to understanding the importance yet complication of relationships across generations, as the distinct generational difference between first, second, and third generation Japanese-Americans defined their dynamic place within American society as well as the discourse that can arise within a population.
The assignments of this class consisted of essays, discussions, research papers and presentations.
It almost goes without saying that the events that I learned about during this class caused me to have a newfound respect for not only Japanese Americans but all immigrants. This class also led me to understanding the importance yet complication of relationships across generations, as the distinct generational difference between first, second, and third generation Japanese-Americans defined their dynamic place within American society as well as the discourse that can arise within a population.
The assignments of this class consisted of essays, discussions, research papers and presentations.