Asian American History and Identity: An Anti-Racism Toolkit from Coursera

In this course, students will develop a greater understanding of Asian American history and identities, explore the problematic history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US, and develop skill sets that they can use to address anti-Asian hate and violence in their community. Target learners include students interested in Asian American history and Anti-Racism, but also any learner interested in creating more inclusive communities for AAPI Americans and stopping racism, hate, and violence in their community.

Drawing from a diverse range of Asian American experiences, this course will utilize a variety of course-specific and open-source materials and activities that include facilitated conversations, interviews, videos, articles, podcasts, and art to guide the learner through 3 weekly modules. Week 1 focuses on the history of Asian American cultures and identities in the US. Week 2 tightens this lens to examine contextual examples of anti-Asian racism in US history and culture as well as artists, activists, and communities who have actively resisted Anti-Asian violence. Week 3 explores examples of Asian American activism and anti-racism using a humanities-centered approach and encourages learners to think about ways to deploy the skills developed throughout the course in their own communities and lives. During the course, learners will have the opportunity to complete self-guided reflections and responses to course material that will develop their knowledge of anti-racist practices and active bystander intervention. Learners who complete the course will be offered the opportunity to earn a Coursera badge/certificate and all participants will be encouraged to take the knowledge and skills gained from the course into their communities.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introducing Asian American Communities

This course is designed to dispel false narratives and negative associations with Covid-19 by identifying the roots of Anti-Asian hate and violence in the US and by giving learners a picture of Asian American history and Identity in the US that reflects the diversity, complexity, and beauty of Asian American identity. As a project designed to counteract racist associations amplified by Covid-19 that serve as the foundations for hate speech and hateful acts of violence, this course joins a growing social movement seeking to raise awareness of Anti-Asian cultural sentiments and to give learners an anti-racist toolkit and workable historical knowledge base through which they can take an active role in making their communities safer and more inclusive for Asian Americans. This week is focused on understanding the diversity of Asian American identity and developing terminology to understand anti-racism.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines anti-Asian hate and violence, developing a foundation for students to work towards creating more inclusive communities in the US

Teaches ways to address anti-Asian hate and violence through anti-racism skill development

Offers a historical context for the development of anti-Asian sentiments and hate

Taught by instructors Maxwell Cassity and Kariann Yokota, who are recognized for their work in Asian American history, identities, and anti-racism

Suitable for students interested in Asian American history, anti-racism, and creating more inclusive communities

Teaches about the diversity of Asian American cultures and identities, media representation, and active bystander intervention

Reviews summary

Essential asian american anti-racism toolkit

According to learners, this course offers a rich historical context of Asian American identities and experiences, effectively dispelling common stereotypes and false narratives. Students highlight its strength in providing a practical anti-racism toolkit, equipping them with actionable strategies for bystander intervention. The curriculum is praised for its engaging multimedia approach, utilizing diverse materials like interviews, videos, and art, making complex topics accessible. Many commend its timeliness and relevance, particularly in addressing contemporary anti-Asian hate. While praised for its broad coverage, some suggest it serves as an excellent foundation that might inspire further, more in-depth personal study. The course content, though at times emotionally impactful, is generally seen as crucial for fostering empathy and understanding.

Covers a wide range of topics but may prompt further self-study.

"While comprehensive, some sections could benefit from more in-depth exploration given the vastness of Asian American experiences."

"I felt it was an excellent introduction to the topic, but I now plan to do more reading on specific histories and groups afterward."

"The three weeks felt packed with information, covering a lot of ground quickly, making it a great overview rather than a deep dive."

Content can be challenging but fosters empathy and understanding.

"Some of the material, especially concerning violence and discrimination, was difficult to process emotionally but necessary to learn."

"The course doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of racism, which is good, but be prepared for intense and moving topics."

"While challenging, the course ultimately led to a much deeper sense of empathy and a stronger resolve to act against injustice."

Utilizes diverse and compelling materials to enhance learning.

"The use of interviews, videos, and art made the often heavy topics much more digestible and impactful, keeping me engaged."

"I particularly enjoyed the facilitated conversations and podcasts, which brought the history and personal narratives to life."

"The variety of resources kept me engaged throughout, preventing monotony and offering different learning avenues."

Provides a comprehensive overview of Asian American history.

"I was truly impressed by the breadth of historical information presented, covering diverse communities and experiences."

"The course does an excellent job of tracing the roots of anti-Asian sentiment through US history, which was eye-opening and crucial."

"I appreciated how it delved into the myriad global forces that shaped AAPI immigration and challenges over time."

Addresses critical contemporary issues with historical context.

"This course is incredibly relevant given recent events and the unfortunate rise in anti-Asian hate crimes globally."

"It helped me understand the deep roots of COVID-19 related discrimination, far beyond simple scapegoating, which was crucial context."

"The connection between historical stereotypes and current media representation was a significant and timely takeaway for me."

Equips learners with actionable strategies for intervention.

"The anti-racism toolkit section gave me concrete ways to engage and challenge hate in my community, which was invaluable."

"I found the discussions on active bystander intervention incredibly useful and immediately applicable to real-world situations."

"It's not just theory; the course genuinely provides workable knowledge to make communities safer and more inclusive for Asian Americans."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Asian American History and Identity: An Anti-Racism Toolkit with these activities:

Create a timeline of Asian American history

Show steps

Creating a timeline will help you visualize the major events and milestones in Asian American history, enabling you to better understand the context and evolution of the Asian American experience.

Show steps

Research key events and milestones in Asian American history using books, articles, and online resources.
Organize the events chronologically and group them into meaningful categories or themes.
Use a timeline creator tool or software to create a visually appealing and informative timeline.
Share your timeline with others and invite feedback or discussion to enhance your understanding.

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Asian American History and Identity: An Anti-Racism Toolkit will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Civil Rights Lawyer

Civil Rights Lawyers represent individuals and groups who have been discriminated against based on race, religion, sex, or other protected characteristics. They also work to challenge laws and policies that discriminate against these groups. This course would be highly relevant to Civil Rights Lawyers, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US and the legal tools that can be used to combat it. This knowledge would be invaluable in representing clients who have been victims of anti-Asian hate crimes or discrimination.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, and write about the past. They may specialize in a particular period of time or region. This course would be highly relevant to Historians, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of Asian American identities and the problematic history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US. This knowledge would be invaluable in writing books and articles about these topics, as well as teaching courses on Asian American history.

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Educator

Educators teach students about a variety of subjects, including history, social studies, and English. They also help students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to communicate effectively. This course would be highly relevant to Educators, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of Asian American identities and the problematic history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US. This knowledge would be invaluable in teaching students about these important topics and helping them to develop a more inclusive and just society.

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Teacher

Teachers instruct students in a variety of subjects, including history, social studies, and English. They also help students develop critical thinking skills and learn how to communicate effectively. This course would be highly relevant to Teachers, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of Asian American identities and the problematic history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US. This knowledge would be invaluable in teaching students about these important topics and helping them to develop a more inclusive and just society.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address social problems. They may work on issues such as poverty, homelessness, and racial injustice. This course would be highly relevant to Community Organizers, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US and the strategies that can be used to build community power and address social injustice. This knowledge would be invaluable in organizing communities to fight against anti-Asian hate and violence.

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Lawyer

Lawyers represent clients in court and provide legal advice. They may specialize in a particular area of law, such as criminal law, civil rights law, or immigration law. This course would be highly relevant to Lawyers, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of Asian American identities and the problematic history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US. This knowledge would be invaluable in representing clients who have been victims of anti-Asian hate crimes or discrimination.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human society and behavior. They may specialize in a particular area of sociology, such as race and ethnicity, gender, or social inequality. This course would be highly relevant to Sociologists, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US and the social forces that shape Asian American experiences. This knowledge would be invaluable in conducting research on these topics and writing books and articles about them.

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Media Studies Professor

Media Studies Professors teach courses related to media theory, media history, and the role of media in society. They also advise students and conduct research in media studies. This course would be highly relevant to Media Studies Professors, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of Asian American identities and the problematic history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US. This knowledge would be invaluable in teaching courses on media representation and the role of media in shaping public opinion on race and ethnicity.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators are responsible for planning and managing exhibitions, as well as acquiring and preserving artifacts. They also work with researchers and educators to develop educational programs and materials. This course would be highly relevant to Museum Curators, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of Asian American identities and the problematic history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US. This knowledge would be invaluable in developing exhibitions and educational materials that tell the stories of Asian Americans and their experiences.

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Journalist

Journalists gather and report news and information to the public. They may work for newspapers, magazines, websites, or television stations. This course would be highly relevant to Journalists, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of Asian American identities and the problematic history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US. This knowledge would be invaluable in reporting on these topics and helping the public to understand them.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups. This course would be highly relevant to Policy Analysts, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US and the policy tools that can be used to address it. This knowledge would be invaluable in developing and advocating for policies that promote racial justice and equality.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of nonprofit organizations. They are responsible for fundraising, budgeting, and managing staff. This course would be highly relevant to Nonprofit Managers, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US and the strategies that can be used to build community power and address social injustice. This knowledge would be invaluable in managing nonprofit organizations that work to combat anti-Asian hate and violence.

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Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They may work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or businesses. This course would be highly relevant to Public Health Educators, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US and the health disparities that Asian Americans face. This knowledge would be invaluable in developing and implementing programs that address these disparities and promote the health and well-being of Asian Americans.

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Program Director

Program Directors oversee the planning and implementation of programs and services. They may work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or businesses. This course would be highly relevant to Program Directors, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US and the strategies that can be used to build community power and address social injustice. This knowledge would be invaluable in developing and implementing programs that combat anti-Asian hate and violence.

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Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate social and economic challenges. They may work with individuals, families, or groups. This course would be highly relevant to Social Workers, as it provides a deep understanding of the history of anti-Asian discrimination in the US and the social and economic challenges that Asian Americans face. This knowledge would be invaluable in working with Asian Americans to address these challenges and improve their lives.

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