Winona State University and the Common Book Project will host Gene Luen Yang, author of WSU’s 2015-16 Common Book, “American Born Chinese,” Sept. 14-15.
Yang will present a keynote address entitled “American Born Chinese – Special Features” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, in Harriet Johnson Auditorium, Somsen Hall. Yang will discuss the making of his graphic novel, reviewing the origins of both form and content of the novel.
At 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, Yang will present “Asian Americans in Comics” in the conference room of Haake Hall. In this discussion, Yang will try to answer the question, “Why are there so many Asian Americans working in the American comic book industry today,” by analyzing different topics in history, art and Asian Americans within comic history.
Later that day at 1 p.m., Yang will present “Comics in the Classroom” in the conference room of Haake Hall. Yang’s presentation will focus on how educators can use comics in the classroom. This presentation will be geared toward education majors and teachers, but it is open and free to the public.
With its focus on identity, immigration, stereotypes in popular culture, and adolescence, “American Born Chinese” offers many opportunities for interdisciplinary inquiry and conversation. Yang’s exploration of immigration, race and ethnicity offers a valuable contribution to WSU’s 2015-16 University Theme, “Equity as a Human Right: Building Inclusive Community.”
To purchase this book visit the WSU Bookstore, The Book Shelf or other booksellers.
For more information on these events of the WSU Common Book Project, contact Ann-Marie Dunbar at ADunbar@winona.edu.
