Program in Asian/Pacific/American Studies (18)

The Asian/Pacific/American Studies Program, which is administered by the Department of Social and Cultural Analysis, provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the history and contemporary experiences of Asian/Pacific Americans in the Americas. The category of Asian/Pacific American includes people of East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands living in the United States as well as in other parts of the Americas. This program takes a critical community studies approach that uses field research as the central methodology to examine the relationship between theory and practice and between structure and agency in the study of A/PA communities. Students develop important analytical skills that will help them negotiate today’s multiracial, multiethnic environment, as well as gain a level of cross-cultural awareness and skills that will be useful to them in any field of study they choose to enter.

The two main areas of concentration for this program are urban studies and diaspora studies. Urban studies examines the formation of A/PA communities in relation to the various cultural, social, and political institutions in urban settings, with special emphasis on the New York metropolitan area. Diaspora studies investigates the processes that enable A/PA communities in the United States to sustain ties with communities throughout the world. To study these two areas of concentration, the program insists on an interdisciplinary approach that takes into consideration analyses of cultural production—social, political, and economical processes—as well as cross-cultural conflict and collaboration.

In coordination with the program, the A/P/A Studies Institute brings renowned artists, scholars, writers, and activists to campus. This provides the opportunity for discussion, performance, and reflection with students, faculty, and community members.

Faculty

Associate Professors:

Shimakawa, Tchen

Assistant Professors:

Sandhu, Siu

Adjunct Faculty:

Francia, Gamalinda, Javier, OuYang, Shaw

Language Instructor:

Lai