Instructions: Paper 1

Using both information from Asian American Youth and one of the theories we have explored (subcultures, tactics and strategies, invisibility/hypervisibility, or resistance — there are others as well) analyze how a particular theory functions in a case study of Asian American popular culture. The case study should be drawn from one of the readings we have had or from class lecture, but this paper should not merely repeat exactly what has been said in lecture.

(For example, we discussed how harajuku girls resembled a classic subculture — how do the concepts of tactics and strategies play out in the harajuku scene and Gwen Stefani’s taking up of it? Or, we discussed graffiti as a tactic — how does it function in a cycle of resistance and recuperation?)

Use at least one course concept and cite at least 2 course readings. (If you want to explore some of the other chapters in Asian American Youth that we are not reading, you may use those as your case studies instead.) Be focused and specific, as this is a short paper. Use pertinent quotes and specific details rather than vague generalities, and be sure to prove that you understand the meanings of key terms (this may mean that you should define them, or quote how the authors define them). Use the case study and your experience of consumption in order to identify how this case study deepens or challenges our understanding of the concept.

Your papers must conform to MLA guidelines: stapled, no cover page, typed, double-spaced, one-inch margins, 12-point font (no huge or unreadable font styles), and have a works cited page (also called a bibliography). Be sure to look at the MLA style guide and follow the format closely. This paper should be 3 pages and is due at the end of lecture on Jan 29.

Questions?: send me an email or stop by office hours — 11-12 on lecture days (or by appointment).