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"We cannot understand where we are going unless we understand where we have been. Whether you are a science major, premed, etc., a major or minor in Asian American studies can open your eyes to a much broader perspective on who we are and where we are going. (My own parents never had the opportunity that you have to study Asian American history, and hence they were totally unprepared for the shock of being locked up in a relocation camp in California during World War II. Only the tireless work of many Asian American activists have made sure that we don't revisit that sad chapter in U.S. history.)"
—Dr. Michio Kaku
Prof. of Theoretical Physics
City University of New York -
"I chose to pursue an Asian American Studies minor because I believe that it is essential to the development of my identity as an Asian American. Asian American history is neglected in most history texts and the struggles unique to Asian Americans are disregarded as secondary to “real” minority issues. Through classes offered in the Asian American studies department I am better able to understand what issues the pioneer Asian Americans had to deal with as well as why the state of Asian American affairs are the way they are. Instead of ignoring the discrimination that still exists toward Asian Americans, I am now able to confront them and thus better myself and the greater community around me."
—Joseph Lee
2009 Alumnus
Northwestern University -
"I was drawn to the Asian American Studies Program because it offers a glimpse into important subject material largely absent form my education growing up. As an Asian American, it was often difficult to connect to lessons in US History classes and other social studies courses because I was never exposed to histories about Asian America. The Asian American Studies minor, however, gives me a chance to learn about and delve into research of fellow Asian Americans and gives life to their often silenced stories. It also allows me to discuss often taboo topics of race, classism and other social matters invisible in mainstream America."
—AJ Aguado
2010 Alumnus
Northwestern University
Asian American Studies Program
Welcome, NU Class of 2016!
Check out the First-year Focus page for more information about the Asian American Studies Program and Minor!
News
May 14, 2012
THIS FRIDAY:
Also, Mark your calendars for our upcoming End-of-the-Year Reception!
May 3, 2012
Asian American Community Fellowship
We are happy to announce Hao-Kai Wu (SESP '14) as the inaugural Asian American Community Fellow! Hao-Kai will be doing the Taiwanese American Citizens League Political Internship this summer in San Francisco. Congratulations, Hao-Kai!
April 27, 2012
The "Racist Olympics"
On Monday, April 23, about 40 Northwestern students gathered at the African American Student Affairs office ("The Black House") in response to senior Kellyn Lewis's recount of the Beer Olympics, an event hosted by Northwestern's Ski Team where about 50 students dressed up to represent various countries.
See Kellyn Lewis speak here.
Students have also been demanding a diversity report from the Northwestern administration. It has just been released.
View the diversity report here.
View the statement from the faculty, including professors from Asian American Studies, here
April 18, 2012
Director of Asian American Studies, Carolyn Chen, was featured in Voice of America about the role of religion in Linsanity.
Chen says it is difficult to separate Lin’s faith from his Taiwanese-American background. “The melding of both his faith and his culture--they came into one and…I think it is really difficult to separate the two,” she said.
Hear more on what Director Chen said here.
April 4, 2012
Announcing TWO Award Winners:
NU AASP's own, Jinah Kim & Pamela Hung!
Join us in Congratulating our Faculty and Student Intern:
Jinah Kim won the 2012 Charles Deering McCormick University Distinguished Lecturer Award, and
Pamela Hung is the 2012 Student Employee of the Year!
Asian American Studies is proud to have these outstanding and dedicated individuals in our program.
>> Past News
Why Asian American Studies?
Check out this video on the student struggle to create Asian American Studies at Northwestern. Faculty and students discuss its relevance in: Originating Moments, Envisioning Futures: Asian American Studies and Communities
Provocative Questions Series
These questions posted around campus touch on popular stereotypes of Asian Americans and aim to provoke deeper conversations about Asian Americans at Northwestern and in American society. Join the conversation on our Facebook page!
Upcoming Events
Dynamic Encounter
May 18, 2012 • 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Welcome
Asian American Studies at Northwestern University has a unique and empowering history. It was established by a sweeping student movement in the 1990's that demanded a deeply needed program of study that gives access to the long and rich histories, culture, and politics of Asians in the United States. Not only does the program try to meet the mandate for scholarly excellence, it has fostered leadership and engagement with the most significant issues of the day: to model pride and interethnic cooperation that our society still struggles to achieve.
Join Asian American Studies. Become a leader for our global and multiracial 21st century.
