Philippine/Filipino American Courses

Fall

FAST 395 Filipino American Study (Philippine Society and Culture) Crosslisted with Soc 395 

What are the social forces that shape the Philippines and their impact on the country's social, cultural, economic and political development? The course will try to answer these questions by reading, writing, and discussing the historical experiences of Filipinos. We will develop 4 major themes: (1) Pre-colonial history, and the diversity of indigenous groups and cultures; (2) Nationalism and the struggle for independence; (3) Colonial encounters with Spain and the United States; and (4) Contemporary Social Issues, especially the Filipino Muslim issue. We will examine and locate these against the backdrop of historical changes in American society and the confrontations and convergences that characterize the Philippine experience.  We will examine evidence of the shifting power relations and encounters with domination, resistance, and negotiation. 

An interdisciplinary framework will inform the analyses of these issues and an experiential approach -- that includes participation in a community-based program -- will be used as teaching tools to develop learning skills and critical thinking.  We will use student projects, such as creating digital travelogues and stories, films & videos, guest lectures, and the art of writing in an ancient Tagalog script "baybayin." A culminating activity -- "Pasko sa ODU" -- that includes a taste of Filipino dishes from around the country will be held at the end of the semester where students can present their creative projects to an audience .

The course may be taken as a general elective and an elective in Sociology, Asian Studies and International Studies and will enrich majors in these fields.

Spring

FAST 395: Filipino American Study (The Filipino American Community) Crosslisted with Soc 395

Filipino immigrants and communities have been in the United States since the 1800s. Their immigration patterns can best be understood within the context of historical, social, economic, and political forces in American and Philippine societies. The course aims to document, analyze, and construct the histories, lived experiences, cultures, identities, and contributions of FilipinoAmericans. Using multiple theoretical paradigms, we shall explore the impact of the intersection of class, race/ethnicity, gender, and specific immigration circumstances andhistorical background to examine the issues and concerns that are paramount in thecommunity.

The course explores issues relevant to a growing ethnic community. It introduces the students to various sociological theories and approaches in the study of communities. Against this backdrop, students will be able to empirically investigate these issues as these apply to Filipino American communities in Hampton Roads.

We examine the diverse immigration patterns of Filipinos and their influence on the distinctive search for Filipino identity and the formation and transformation of communities in the United States. Through the use of oral histories, field work and interviews of Filipino Americans in Hampton Roads we will listen to experts in the field and search for responses to aspects of Filipino culture that have survived cultural boundaries, its continuity and change and the adaptation patterns and mechanisms in the formation and development of Filipino American communities.

Classes will be conducted in a way where the teacher primarily facilitates the student learning process. A variety of ways will be employed to develop learning skills and critical thinking: lecture, writing, film analysis, group discussions, and collaborative research project and participation in a community program. This experiential component will help the students encounter the culture of a community in a unique way.

Summer Study Abroad / Philippines

FAST 395, SOC 395, ASIA 395 (3 credits)

This program provides the student the opportunity to learn first hand about the many challenges facing the Philippines. It will deal with issues and concerns, such as economic and rural development, women and the family, poverty, politics and the economy, and religio-cultural changes that confront a developing society.

We will spend 10 days in the Philippines: one week in Metropolitan Manila and fly to Cagayan de Oro City, Norfolk's sister city.  In Manila, we will visit the historic sites of Intramuros, the seat of Spanish colonial rule, Corregidor and Subic Bay Free Trade Zone, once the home of the US largest naval base outside the continental US; Tagaytay City where the world's smallest volcano is located; and Makati City, the financial district of the Philippines with its towering skyscrapers.  In Cagayan de Oro we will have the opportunity to interact with college students from Xavier University and Capitol University and visit the Eco-Tourism Center where the "Lumad" cultural communities work and live. We will then travel to the famed Camiguin Island with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Our visit will be highlighted with a dialogue with the newly-elected President of the Philippines, Benigno Aquino Jr.

This summer study abroad course will provide the opportunity for students to learn first hand about the many challenges facing the Philippines and will be of interest to major/minors in Sociology, Asian Studies, International Studies, History, Political Science, and Education.

For information:

Araceli Suzara, PhD

asuzara@odu.edu