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

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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.

Exploring The Contours of Asian American History

This week’s lessons explore some of the major themes in Asian American history. The assigned materials will introduce learners to the myriad global forces that brought Asians and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to the United States at different historical periods. Asians and Pacific Islanders were sought after by American business owners as sources of labor on plantations, farms, and railways. At the same time, they were excluded through formal and informal means from full participation in civic life. American overseas wars and imperial activities also pulled AAPIs deeper into the orbit of American influence. Still, many AAPI immigrants maintained close ties to Asia long after they had settled permanently in the US.

Covid-19, Media Representation, and Becoming an Active Bystander

In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic there has been a marked increase in Anti-Asian hate and violence in the US. Unfortunately, the linking of Asian and other immigrant groups to disease has a long history in the US, of which the COVID 19 pandemic is only the most recent example. Rather than seeing the rise of Anti-Asian hate and violence as only a result of scapegoating Asian people for the deadly disease, here we examine the ways that the pandemic exacerbated negative racial sentiments that have deep roots in American culture. From racialized figures like Dr. Fu Manchu, conjured in 20th century to express fears of Asian peoples and support ideologies of White Supremacy, to stereotypes such as the Asian “Tiger Mom” and the myth of Asians as a “Model Minority,” to the contemporary racist language of Covid 19 as the “Kung Flu,” popular culture and media have played an outsized role in representing and MIS representing Asian peoples and cultures. In this section we examine the link between racialized metaphors of contagion during Covid-19 and the rise in Anti- Asian violence. We then examine the role that popular culture and media have played in reproducing stereotypes about Asian people and the disproportionate lack of diverse, Asian-centered, non-stereotypical narratives, depictions, and roles for Asians in popular culture.

Course Conclusion and Evaluation

We will conclude the course with a video, peer review assignment, and additional information you can refer to.

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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

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

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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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Asian American History and Identity

An Anti-Racism Toolkit

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