This course focuses on Japanese-American experience from the 1860s to the present as an ongoing study in ethnographic assimilation, including early immigration and response; immigration and labor laws; property rights; and WWII internment. Students identify and evaluate the issues of the ethics of assimilation, racial and ethnic discrimination, educational opportunity, social justice, and cultural identity. Taught in English. (Credit/No Credit Available)
Course narrative: This class was another way I could connect what I was reading about in class to where I was living because the class focused on Japanese-Americans living in the Monterey area. It was an eye-opening experience because I did not realize the extent of discrimination that the Japanese faced, especially in the 1940s. Professor Pham made the class engaging and showed us videos and movies that were relevant to the class. For the final project of the class, we had to pick a topic relating to the class, give a presentation, and write a research paper which you can read here. Before taking the class, I had never heard of Nisei Week and I only knew the basics of World War Two. I am glad I took the class and learned all that I did, however I think the material of the class should be taught in much earlier, required history classes. This class fulfilled the MLO 4 requirement.