The course is an introductory lecture on Asian American history through the narrative of the Chinese and Japanese American communities in the United States. During the semester we will examine and discuss important historical events from the perspective of the selected ethnic groups, their struggles, starting from the second half of the 19^th century and ending the lecture series by discussing contemporary issues that Asian Americans have to face. The class material – assigned readings, primary documents, oral histories, and films – are intended to inspire discussions on such vital issues as immigration (push and pull factors), assimilation, naturalization and citizenship, Nativism, xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiments, racial and ethnic politics in America, and the myth of the “model minority”.

Political cartoons can be interpreted as visual diaries that help us understand the events, issues, and people that have shaped the United States. Some of these cartoons might be candid, educational, libertarian, conservative, scornful, satirical, funny, and even puzzling, but generally, all of them are sharply observant of the changes in American society and politics. During the course we will take a look at the history of political cartoons in America, and through the work of prominent political cartoonists the history of the United States, analyzing and discussing the selected cartoons of the given era.