English 465-001
Women Writers: Asian American Women Writers
Instr: Buley-Meissner, Mary Louise
Office: CRT 492; 229-4533
e-mail: meissner@uwm.edu
Office hours:
Course Information: T&R; 12:30-1:45pm; CRT 118
Course Description
Asian American women writers have made outstanding contributions to the multicultural literary heritage of our country. In this course, we will focus on the unique voices, historical backgrounds, and socially illuminating themes of six American writers with Asian heritages: Jade Snow Wong and Fae Myenne Ng -- Chinese; Yoshiko Uchida and Rahna Reiko Rizzuto -- Japanese; and Bharati Mukherjee and Jhumpa Lahiri -- Indian. Each pair includes a "classic" author (known for groundbreaking work in the development of Asian American literature) and a contemporary writer (notable for exploring the diversity and complexity of characters' lives). The course books include an autobiography, four novels and a short story collection. Documentary films will provide background for discussion of major issues addressed in the writers' work.
Our basic approach will be rhetorical; that is, we will discuss fiction as an artistic form of persuasion. To understand possible aims of persuasion, we will consider historical, cultural, and social contexts in which Asian American literature has developed. Fundamental elements of fiction -- such as point of view, characterization, and conflict -- then will be viewed in terms of their artistic interrelationship. Overall, our goals will be enhanced skill in literary analysis; investigation of themes related to self-identity, family, American society and other subjects of continuing relevance; and better understanding of how Asian American authors have enriched our literary heritage.
Prerequisites: Junior-standing or above. Completion of English 101 with a grade of C or higher also is required. Completion of English 215 is recommended.
E-mail Account: An active UWM e-mail account is required for receiving course announcements.
Course Books: The six required books are available at the UWM bookstore, including Fifth Chinese Daughter by Jade Snow Wong; Bone by Fae Myenne Ng; Picture Bride by Yoshiko Uchida; Why She Left Us by Rahna Reiko Rizzuto; Jasmine by Bharati Mukherjee; and The Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri.
Course Requirements and Grading: The basic requirements and tentative grading structure are: class participation (15%) including attendance (and punctuality), completion of reading assignments on time, constructive contributions to class discussion throughout the term, and respectful attentiveness to others' views in class discussion; two take-home midterm essay exams (60%) based on course reading and class discussion; and a final take-home essay exam (20%). Students trying to earn a grade in the A or B range should not miss more than two classes. Please note that if you miss more than six classes, you can not pass the course. Full credit will be given only to exams turned in by the announced due dates. If you need special accommodations, such as a sign language interpreter, please notify the instructor at the start of the term. "Incompletes" for the course will be given only under the conditions specified by UWM.
