Module 1, “Orient"-ing Ourselves: Asian Americans and Place-Making

Module 1 invites students to explore how race, ethnicity, and physical space intersect—beginning with the foundational concept of Orientalism by Edward Said and its impact on representations of Asians and Asian Americans in the U.S. Through collaborative research, students examine local spaces tied to Asian American communities and reflect on their own roles in group work. This module lays the groundwork for conducting oral histories in the next phase of the curriculum.

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Hi, it's Chesa again. I wanted to take a moment to introduce the three core resources included in this module: slides designed for student engagement, a detailed lesson plan for instructors, and a webpage overview summarizing key readings.

The slides are meant to be used during instruction in the classroom, while the lesson plan offers a detailed breakdown of activities, resources, and discussion points. Finally, the webpage overview offers a reference for instructors seeking a summary of the module's content.

Learning Objectives

  • How does "Orientalism” connect to place?
  • What is the relationship between Asian American embodiment and physical space?
    • Case studies: the Atlanta spa shootings, the Lunar New Year dance studio shootings.
  • Research skills:
    • What constitutes the history of a place?
    • How is place connected to people/community?
  • Metacognitive skills:
    • Identifying one's strengths when working in groups.

Assessment

  • Initial research on chosen place.

Lesson 1: What is Orientalism?

Students learn the theoretical concept of “Orientalism.” They will also discuss how historic representations of “the Orient” by Western authors and artists connect to contemporary examples of Orientalism. Finally, they will connect theories of knowledge, power, and place with the development of Ethnic Studies and Asian American Studies at De Anza College.

Recommended Readings and Videos 

Lesson 2: Orienting toward Asian American spaces  

Students will learn how certain spaces, such as dance halls and spas, have become associated with Asian Americans. This lesson will also cover how recent acts of violence in these spaces have deeper historical roots in anti-Asian sentiment and legislation.

Recommended Readings and Videos 

Lesson 3: Form groups and conduct research on a chosen AA space 

Students will be introduced to the project, “Taking Up Space: Place-Based Oral Histories and Asian American Cultural Production.” They will generate a list of popular Asian American spaces in their communities and form project groups. Specific group members will then conduct initial research about their chosen place. For the assignment, students will submit a 2-page document that includes:

  1. A list of important facts about the location that their group has learned so far and that will inform the group’s narrative about the location. Reference list required.
  2. At least 2-3 possible interviewees for the oral history and why they think those individuals would be good to interview.
  3. A list of preliminary questions for their interviewees.

Recommended Readings and Videos 

NEXT: MODULE 2

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