Major: Asian American Studies
A wide variety of ethnic groups -- including Chinese, Japanese, Koreans, Filipinos, Southeast Asians, and Pacific Islanders --make up the Asian American population in the United States. These groups have histories, languages, and cultures that differ greatly. But they also share similar experiences, such as dealing with discrimination in America. From the exploitation of the Hawaiian Islands to the World War II internment of Japanese Americans, this discrimination counts among the ugliest themes of the American experience.
On the other hand, you will also learn about the ways in which Asian Americans contribute to the fabric of American culture. They’ve carved out rich neighborhoods such as New York’s Chinatown and produced great works of art such as the novels of Indian American Bharati Mukherjee.
Students of Asian American studies look at the history, sociology, politics, culture, and economics of Asian populations in the United States and Canada from the colonial period to the present.
Did You Know?
- If you major in this subject, you may have to learn an Asian language -- or prove you know one already.
Are You Ready To...?
- Take classes in many fields, from sociology to history to literature
- Take classes that focus on ethnic studies in general or on other American ethnic groups
- Compare and contrast different groups, such as Japanese Americans with Korean Americans
- Learn about and apply research methods used in the humanities and social sciences
- Perform community service
- Complete a senior research project or paper
It Helps to Be...
An independent learner -- in this major, you’ll have to a big say in shaping your studies. You should also enjoy doing research and working with people in the community.
College Checklist
- Is there a department of Asian American studies? Or is the program part of another department, such as American studies?
- Will you be able to major in the subject? Or does the program offer a minor or a concentration in the field?
- Does the program have a particular focus, for example, Asian communities in New York or those in the western United States?
- Will you be required to take courses that focus on Asia?
- Will you get the opportunity to complement your classroom studies by performing research, completing internships, or studying abroad?
- How many courses in the subject are offered each semester?
Did You Know?
- Many programs require students to declare a focus on a general subject, such as humanities or social sciences; a specific area, such as art or history; or even a particular Asian American group.
Course Spotlight
In a class on current issues in Asian American communities, you'll study the social, economic, and political problems that diverse Asian populations, both suburban and urban, face. In this type of course, you'll probably do a lot of reading, take exams, and have to complete some writing assignments. You may also have to perform research or community service within a local Asian community.
