Writing-Based Inquiry Seminars:
Descriptions for Spring 2008
(please note: section topics and descriptions are subject to change)
Title: Multiculturalism
Course: WBIS 188
Section: 019
Instructor: Wu
This seminar investigates vigorously questions related to American multiculturalism. We'll focus our attention on the historical, cultural, and theoretical meanings of ethnic identity in American culture. How have ethnic identities been established, critiqued, and utilized by writers of diverse backgrounds and political perspectives? How have historical forces determined who has been considered "ethnic" at any particular time? Throughout the course, we'll consider how language functions in constructing ethnicity. Our goal is to induce some polemic discussions through regaining the lost art of "close reading," and to yield some prolific and articulate writings.