Empires, Subjects, and Islands
by admin - September 30th, 2014
The next several class sessions deal with colonized nations within the jurisdiction of the United States. These nations or groups have claim to American citizenship, although that claim has been at times historically contested, hard-won, or tenuous. We will explore these different experiences and histories and compare them to one another.
Thurs 10/2 – “Empires, Subject and Islands.” Reading (click on the links to open the PDFs): Eric Love, “White is the Color of Empire” and Francis Torres, “Rejecting Colonial Justification: Puerto Rico and the Insular Cases”
Tues 10/7 We will view the film The Insular Empire: America in the Mariana Islands during class. This 2010 PBS documentary traces the history of the Mariana Islands and its indigenous peoples as both American citizens and colonial subjects. Update 10/7: the DVD is on course reserve at the library if you missed it or want to view it again; here’s the note sheet we used to take our notes on the film.
Reminder: Your CITIZEN proposal is due in class today | Download project guidelines | Or visit the new “CITIZEN Project” tab above
Thurs 10/9 The Disenfranchised. Reading: RV Chapter 5 plus “Jim Crow: Indian Style” (click to open PDF)
Soapbox presenters: Dan, Taylor, Courtney, Alex, Kim, and Megan
Reminder: Worcester Naturalization Ceremony today, 12 noon at Mechanic’s Hall, 321 Main St. Worcester. Extra credit if you attend and write me an email about it (or 1-2 page response).
(Photo, American soldiers raising the flag over Guam in WW2)
