Approaches to Teaching the Works of Karen Tei Yamashita

Karen Tei Yamashita's works challenge traditional genre and national boundaries, offering new transnational, hemispheric, and global frameworks for interpreting Asian American literature. This collection of essays by instructors explores her novels and other texts through various teaching approaches, including historical debates, environmental justice, and personal connections.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 249 pages
Publication date: 01 November 2021
Publisher: Modern Language Association of America

Rewritten text:

Karen Tei Yamashita's literary creations are a testament to her remarkable creativity and cultural diversity. Her novels, plays, and other works challenge traditional notions of genres and national traditions, prompting readers to reexamine their perspectives. Through her innovative reimagining of forms such as the immigrant tale, postmodern novel, magical realism, apocalyptic literature, and picaresque, Yamashita offers fresh transnational, hemispheric, and global frameworks for interpreting Asian American literature.

These thought-provoking essays, written by undergraduate and graduate instructors from across the United States and around the world, delve into the rich tapestry of Yamashita's works. Part 1, titled "Materials," provides an overview of her novels, critical analysis, and valuable resources for studying Asian American and Asian Brazilian literature and culture. Part 2, titled "Approaches," offers a range of pedagogical strategies for exploring Yamashita's texts, including teaching historical debates, emphasizing principles of environmental justice, mapping geographic boundaries to highlight power dynamics, and encouraging personal connections to the literature. Additionally, an essay by Yamashita herself sheds light on her approaches to teaching creative writing.

By delving into the complexities of Yamashita's works, this collection offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of Asian American literature and culture. It serves as a valuable resource for educators, scholars, and students alike, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the diverse voices and experiences within this vibrant literary tradition.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781603295413