Special Topics In History World History

AY2015/2016 Semester 1

The seminar is designed to help us think about the Pacific as a historical space. However, instead of emphasizing inter-state relations, we will take a cultural history approach to attend to the circulation and exchange of goods, people and ideas across the Pacific in both directions. We will explore ways in which these historical circuits have shaped questions of identity and belonging. Although these circuits of exchange crisscross the Pacific from every direction, this semester we will focus on China and the United States as our principal points of connection, while other parts of the Americas, such as Mexico and Cuba, will also come into focus. As well, students will be encouraged to explore other social-ethnic communities, such as Southeast Asian refugees, in their research projects. We will read across a number of fields and disciplines, notably Asian Studies, Asian American Studies, American Studies, as well as History, Anthropology, Literature, Visual Arts. This seminar is open to advanced undergraduates and graduate students. Graduate credit can be arranged.