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20809282 Introduction to Hmong American Studies
Course Information
Description
This course is designed to provide exposure and engagement in a wide range of topics related to the understanding of Hmong history, culture, and diaspora studies. It includes discussion of not only historical and cultural experiences in Southeast Asia, but also explores the experience of Hmong immigrants in Wisconsin and the USA. Students develop critical thinking related to Hmong history, language, storytelling, art, religion, foods, and other social and cultural issues.
Total Credits
3

Course Competencies (Course Outcomes)
  1. Explore anthropological, historical, and cultural understandings of the origins of the Hmong people
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product, journal, case study, and/or oral presentation
    Criteria
    Explore Hmong origin stories
    Examine anthropological and historical accounts of Hmong history
    Discuss examples of Hmong kinship and other social and cultural systems
    Identify and discuss different regional cultural histories of the Hmong and their relationship to other Southeast Asian cultures
    Apply the principles of cultural relativism and historical particularism to the study of Hmong culture

  2. Analyze the history of Hmong people before, during, and after war in Laos and Vietnam
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product, group presentation, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Examine pre-colonial forms of social organization, history, and culture
    Identify different forms of colonialism including an understanding of the impact of French colonialism in the region
    Analyze major anticolonial movements
    Examine the role of U.S. engagement in the Vietnam war and secret war in Laos
    Describe the role of Hmong fighters during the war and key leaders during this era
    Document the experiences of refugee communities during relocation following the war
    Discuss key aspects of Hmong history since the war

  3. Analyze various storytelling, song, and other Hmong cultural traditions
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product, exam, and/or oral presentation
    Criteria
    Explore Hmong storytelling and song as representations cultural values
    Examine textile art as an important form to document cultural memory
    Discuss clothing, jewelry, and other expressions of Hmong cultural heritage
    Identify ways that contemporary Hmong art serves as a form of advocacy and articulation of cultural identity

  4. Examine religious beliefs and practices within Hmong culture
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product, exam, and/or journal
    Criteria
    Examine traditional Hmong cosmology
    Describe Hmong shamanism and spiritual practices
    Describe Hmong traditional medicine
    Explore challenges faced by individuals seeking to practice traditional Hmong religious beliefs in contemporary U.S. society

  5. Discuss Hmong language and its role in in cultural identity and cultural memory
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product, virtual exchange, exam, and/or journal
    Criteria
    Discuss history of Hmong language as an oral tradition
    Examine challenges of creating a written Hmong language
    Explore differences in use of words and spellings such as HMoob vs. Hmong
    Examine the impact of migration on language loss and revitalization
    Identify key efforts to preserve Hmong language

  6. Explore the various waves of migration of the Hmong community including post-war refugee relocation among the Hmong diaspora
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product, journal, exam, and/or oral presentation
    Criteria
    Examine the history of U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam and its implications for the Hmong
    Identify key locations of Hmong resettlement in the United States
    Discuss cultural readjustment experiences of refugee communities
    Examine how U.S. models of race and racism impacted the reception and identities of Hmong immigrants

  7. Examine contemporary organizations and efforts that celebrate and recognize the Hmong community
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product, journal, exam, and/or oral presentation
    Criteria
    Explore the landscape of community organizations in various resettlement communities
    Discuss differences and similarities in Hmong advocacy and self-support
    Explore challenges faced by advocacy and self-support organizations
    Identify organizations with examples of success in community building and empowerment

  8. Discuss the role of intergenerational cultural change among the Hmong community
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product, journal, exam, and/or oral presentation
    Criteria
    Examine key generational differences among the Hmong diaspora
    Explore testimonials or life histories of Hmong-Americans
    Examine patterns of language and cultural loss and revitalization common among many immigrant populations
    Examine specific examples of Hmong cultural adaptation in American culture
    Explore transnational diaspora identity and relationship between Hmong-American population and Hmong populations that remain in Asia

  9. Examine trends in Hmong education
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product, oral presentation, and/or exam
    Criteria
    Discuss challenges of immigrant integration within the educational system of countries of resettlement
    Explore education as a site of contention and struggle
    Examine examples of educational attainment and role in Hmong communities
    Describe the evolution of Hmong Studies as an academic discipline and relation to other fields of scholarship

  10. Apply a process-oriented approach to writing
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Product
    Criteria
    Practice self-expression in written format
    Use strategies for idea generation, draft composition, peer-review, proofreading, and editing
    Use prewriting strategies
    Use drafting strategies, such as outlining and multiple drafts
    Apply revising strategies such as adding, deleting, and moving content
    Perform proofreading and editing, such as checking for and correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors

  11. Create a reflection response
    Assessment Strategies
    Written product and/or oral presentation
    Criteria
    Describe the topic
    Identify key insights gained from learning experiences related to the topic
    Evaluate your academic or professional growth related to the topic
    Identify ways in which the insights can be applied to your future
    Reflection response clear, organized, and audience-appropriate
    Reflection response uses effective mechanics (written) or delivery techniques (oral)