Asian Americans and the Cinema

In this course we will examine Asian American cinematic representations, from classic Hollywood to contemporary independent Asian American films. We will explore how Asian Americans have been depicted in mainstream films as well as how Asian Americans are framing themselves through independent films. We will approach the topic both chronologically and thematically as well as examine a number of cinematic genres and film forms, with films ranging from the Charlie Chan detective series (1920s-40s) to the musical Flower Drum Song (1961), the experimental Chan Is Missing (1982), and the documentary Seeking Asian Female (2013). Key issues will include: stereotypes of Asian Americans in classic Hollywood cinema; oppositional practices of Asian American independent films; intersections of race, class, gender, and sexuality; and documenting selves and history through documentaries.