20809282Intro to Hmong American Studies
Course Information
Description
This course explores the history of Hmong refugees beginning with their interactions with the Chinese state, leading to their mass exodus to Southeast Asia. The focus then shifts to how the Hmong encountered Western colonial powers, first the French then the U.S. empire, in the region's multiple contestations for control of mainland Southeast Asia. 
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Explore the history and origins of the Hmong migration
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Exam, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Examine the concept of an origin story, specifically the Hmong origin story
    Describe the role of community in origin stories
    Examine the historical timeline of the Hmong beginning with their interactions with the Chinese state

  2. Rectify common myths about the Hmong story
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product and/or Exam
    Criteria
    Recognize the uniqueness of the lived experiences and ancestral teachings of the Hmong
    Compare the different models of perspectives about the Hmong people

  3. Analyze the different perspectives and theoretical frameworks used in Hmong studies
    Assessment Strategies
    Oral Interview, Written Product
    Criteria
    Speak about or share your ancestral story
    Examine the role of oral literacy tradition within the Hmong
    Develop a refugee archive
    Archive describes resilience and strength carried through Hmong generations
    Archive describes intergenerational trauma
    Challenge the deficit lens framework in relationship to Hmong statelessness

  4. Analyze Hmong experiences and interactions with the Chinese state, French colonial state, and United States
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Exam, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Investigate the role of oppression leading to the mass exodus of Hmong to Southeast Asia
    Examine Hmong encounters with Western colonial powers
    Identify Hmong leaders involved during French colonization and the U.S. secret war
    Trace how Hmong leaders came to power
    Differentiate the process of legitimation (backed by French, U.S. enters Laos and backs certain leaders)
    Describe the outcomes of the Hmong Messianic Rebellions

  5. Describe the impact of Western colonization on Hmong immigration and culture
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Exam
    Criteria
    Differentiate between the term immigrant and refugee
    Explore the challenges of Hmong refugees in the U.S.
    Describe the emergence and timeline of Hmong American culture
    Examine U.S. Refugee Policies on immigration
    Summarize colonization within southeast Asia
    Examine Hmong-U.S. relations during the American wars in Southeast Asia

  6. Explore community-based research practices
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, Exam, and/or Project
    Criteria
    Identify the connection between lived experience and research
    Differentiate between doing research "on people" versus doing research "with people"
    Address how research can be both a tool of oppression and a tool of healing
    Practice humanizing research through practicum experience