Asian Americans in NYC

According to the 2010 census, 1 in 8 New Yorkers are of Asian descent. Yet the histories and identities of Asian American communities in New York City, and on the East Coast more generally, have not been as visible in academic scholarship as Asian Americans on the West Coast. This class will examine the diverse Asian American communities that have populated the city from the late 19th century onwards through topics such as racial segregation, ethnic economies and labor, global and transnational flows, gentrification, community institutions and inter-racial community relations. One of the main goals for this class is for students to experience Asian American spaces in NYC with a scholar’s eye. To this end, the class will study research methods, undertake field trips to Asian American and transnational Asian institutions and organizations, and produce a final paper based on first hand/primary research.

013556