Revised 01/2008

HUM 235 - Filipino American Culture (3 CR.)

Course Description

Surveys the cultural history of Filipinos in the United States from early immigration until the present. Studies history, cultural values, social and economic life, music, dance, art and literature, including acculturation and assimilation. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

HUM 235 is an elective course and may be taken by students wanting to gain some knowledge about Filipino Americans. 

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

English speaking, reading, and writing skills (ESL 13 English level and above)

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the students will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the socio-economic, cultural, and political frameworks that initiated immigration of Filipinos to different parts of the world, with emphasis on immigration to the U.S.
  • Discuss the shared histories of Filipinos and Filipino Americans including the points of divergence (if any) within the contexts of socio-cultural beliefs, practices, and institutions, e.g., family, education, religion, etc.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the various factors that influenced the production of Filipino and Filipino American literary and artistic works.
  • Analyze within the context of immigration the evolving concepts of self and identity.
  • Explore issues and problems that confront and challenge Filipino Americans.
  • Reflect and determine their own conceptualizations of what it means to be Filipinos and Americans.
  • Appreciate the achievements of Filipino Americans and their contributions to the United States’ cultural mosaic.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking while at the same time enjoy and reap the benefits of reading and writing about the Filipino American Culture.

Major Topics to Be Included

  • History of the Philippines and the Filipino People
  • The Psychology and Sociology of the Filipino Self and Identity
  • Philippine Literary and Artistic Traditions
  • Filipino Immigration to the United States
  • Filipinos in the US: Issues and Challenges
  • Re presenting Filipino Americans- From their point of view