ASAM 20: Final Exam Study Guide
The final exam will be cumulative, and will consist of a review of the themes, concepts, and significant
events that we have studied this semester. This study guide is intended to assist students in preparing
for the exam, but is not necessarily an all-inclusive list. The exam is closed book and is worth 20% of your
final grade.
Key Concepts/Terms
Definitions: Be able to provide definitions in your own words, and provide specific examples
from Asian American history
Orientalism
Marginalization
Model Minority
Agents/Victims of history
Racism
Discrimination (Individual and Institutional)
Ethnocentrism
Manifest Destiny
Social history
Forever foreigner
Resistance
Ethnic Enclaves
Refugee
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Major Historical Events:
1) Define these events/laws
2) Explain their significance to Asian Americans: What was the situation of Asian Americans
before this event/law? How did this event/law affect or impact Asian Americans?
U.S. v. Bhagat Singh Thind
1924 Immigration Law
1934 Tydings-McDuffie Act
World War II
Executive Order 9066
Japanese American Internment
War Brides Act
Confession Program (1950s)
Civil Rights Movement
Vietnam War (also involvement in Laos and Cambodia)
Immigration Act of 1965
Ethnic Studies Strikes (1968)
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Other questions for consideration:
1. How would you challenge or disprove Asian American stereotypes (e.g. model minority,
forever foreigner, etc).
2. What lessons should be learned from our history? How can these lessons be applied to
issues facing the Asian American community today?
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Recommendations for studying:
1. Review the reading questions for each Takaki chapter. If you cannot answer these questions confidently, go
back to the chapter for additional information and review.
2. Review all class notes and homework assignments.
3. Review the Midterm(given in March). The questions on the final exam will be in a similar format.
