OSHER 849 - History and Literature: "How Much of These Hills Is Gold"

Historical novels tell interesting stories about a time and its people, requiring authors to do extensive research so their writing accurately reflects the history. Using "How Much of These Hills is Gold," by C. Pam Zhang as the launching point, this class will offer a one-hour look at the role of the Chinese in the development of the American West through the lens of immigration policy, the Gold Rush, the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad, and the resulting discrimination and marginalization of Chinese immigrants. We will continue with a discussion of the novel as contemporary literature. Readers and history buffs are welcome! Participants should read at least some of "How Much of These Hills is Gold" before class.