Department of Social Science
Joel S. Franks
Lecturer in Social Science
CV | Education | Courses Taught | Publications | Service | Presentations | Honors
Professor Franks is a SJSU alumnus who went on to complete his Ph.D. in Comparative Cultures at the University of California, Irvine. He has taught Asian American Studies and other classes for the Social Science Department since 1988.
Professor Franks has authored several books on the role of sports in ethnic identity and cultural citizenship. His book, Crossing Sidelines, Crossing Cultures looks at the history of Asian Pacific Americans in sports, and explores "how the struggles that Asian Pacific Americans face in their desire to assert their cultural citizenship are often expressed through sports." From swimmer Duke Kahanamoku to skater Kristi Yamaguchi, he shows how Asian Pacific Americans have dealt with discrimination and cultural barriers.
He lives with his wife and two children in Cupertino and his hobbies include coaching youth sports.
Courses Taught:
WOMS 10. Perspectives in Sex & Gender
Most Recent Publications:
Hawaiian Sports in the Twentieth Century. Lewiston, NY: Edwin Mellen Press, 2003
Crossing Sidelines, Crossing Cultures : Sport and Asian Pacific American Cultural Citizenship. Lanham, MD: University Press of America, 2002
Whose Baseball? The National Pastime and Cultural Diversity in California, 1859-1941. Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press, 2001
Professional & Community Service
Recent Talks & Presentations
Honors & Awards
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