SOCL 366 - Asian American Demography and Law

Credits: (3)
Domain (Anchored): CSI
This class is designed to introduce you to the field of Asian American Studies. Even though Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial group in the United States, they are often left out of discussions about race relations and racial stratification. In this course, we will study how race/ethnicity influences life in the U.S., with a focus on Asian American communities and identities. We begin with a review of the demographic history of Asians and Asian Americans in the United States in order to situate the Asian American experience within broader social and historical contexts, and to highlight the diversity of Asian American communities and families.

Key to understanding the demographic history of Asian Americans are the immigration and naturalization laws that shaped who could enter the United States, and who could become citizens. Next, we examine the contemporary experiences of Asian Americans in order to address questions of what it means to be American, how racial/ethnic groups are stratified in the U.S., and how Asian Americans establish their ethnic identities. We also examine the role of Asian Americans in challenging and maintaining social boundaries by examining current legal debates on such topics as affirmative action, military naturalization, and immigration/refugee policies.
Cross-listed with: APIA 366