Instr:                  Professor Mary Louise Buley-Meissner
Office:                CRT 492,   229-4533
e-mail:                meissner@uwm.edu
Office hours:    TR and by appointment

Course Information:                     TR     12:30-1:45    Curtin 368
 

Course Description

Extraordinary stories often are told by ordinary people – stories of courage, fear, sacrifice, strength, and hope.  If we want to understand people, we need to listen carefully as they tell us about their families, histories, and dreams of the future.  This seminar will  focus on such narratives by Hmong Americans, who have become an increasingly important part of this country since the Vietnam War.  Students will read a history of the war; an oral history collection; and an award-winning book of cross-cultural reporting  that illuminate not only individual lives, but also the historical and cultural  circumstances shaping people’s identities, communities, and sustaining values.  Through reading, discussion and research, we will address many challenging questions.  For example, how differently do first-, second- and third-generation  Hmong Americans view the opportunities offered by this country for success and happiness?  When Hmong traditions clash with modern American values, to what extent can opposing world views be reconciled?  What are the choices and consequences faced by young people who attempt to live “between worlds” –  as Hmong and American?  For young women in particular, how can family and community obligations be balanced with personal ambitions that challenge tradition?  To investigate such questions, we will delve into historical, social and educational studies of Hmong American life.  Guest speakers and videos will provide additional background information.  Our seminar will emphasize active learning through extensive reading, reflective and analytical writing, independent research projects, and class presentations.  Students are encouraged to undertake projects that are personally meaningful as well as intellectually engaging.  If you have questions about the course, please feel welcome to contact me.

Textbooks:
Three required textbooks are available at the UWM Bookstore, including Hmong in America: Journey from a Secret War by Tim Pfaff;  I Begin My Life All Over Again by Lillian Faderman with Ghia Xiong; and The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman.  All books should be purchased at the beginning of the term.  Students also will be asked to pay $4.00 for handouts to be distributed in class, including the special news issue,“Orphans of History.”

E-mail Accounts :
Every student is required to establish a UWM e-mail account and to check that address for class announcements. (Mail can be set for automatic forwarding  to an outside address.)