Asian American Studies

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian American Studies provides an interdisciplinary approach to explore the diverse histories, cultures, communities, and contemporary realities in Asian America and the Pacific Diaspora. It is designed to offer students an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the complexities of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) experiences and to prepare them to function in a multiethnic society and multicultural world. The communication and critical analysis skills stressed in the program will be instrumental to students pursuing postbaccalaureate degrees in disciplines such as Ethnic Studies, History, Geography, Sociology, Psychology, Literature, and Gender Studies; and in professional fields such as Law, Business Administration, and Social Work. The program’s curriculum and broad liberal arts perspectives likewise will prepare students for employment in several professions, including education, public policy, community development, media, social services, and human resources. Admission to the program requires completion of the G.E. Foundation courses. A “C” grade in all required and elective classes in the major is required for continuation of the program.

 

A major in Asian American Studies requires a minimum of 36 units.

Lower Division Core Courses (9 units):

Take all of the following:

  • 1. AAAS 100 Asian Eats (3)
  • 2. ASAM 120 Asian American History (3)

Take one of the following courses:

  • 1. ASAM/AIS/AFRS/CHLS 119: Introduction to Racial and Ethnic Studies (3)
  • 2. ASAM 121 Contemporary Issues in Asian America (3)

Upper-Division Core Courses (12 units):

Take all of the following:

  • 1.  A/ST 309 Asia and Globalization (3)
  • 2. ASAM/CHLS 335 Asian and Latino Immigration Since WWII (3)
  • 3. ASAM 370 Gender and Sexuality in Asian America (3)
  • 4. AAAS 492 Senior Research Seminar (3)

Upper-Division Electives (15 units):

Selected from at least two of the following areas, with no more than six (6) units from Group 4, Asia and Globalization:

  • Group 1. Specific Ethnic Group Focus: ASAM 330, 332, 333, 334, 352, 353
  • Group 2. Gender Studies:  AMST/ASAM 325, ASAM 340, 345, HIST 406
  • Group 3. Asian Americans in Comparative Perspectives:  ASAM 319, 321, 341, 350, 490, 499
  • Group 4. Asia and Globalization: A/ST 306, 315, 320, 327, 336, 393, 495, CHIN 370, CHIN 390, CHIN 421, HIST 382B, HIST 383B, HIST 385, HIST 388, HIST 406, HIST 407, JAPN 350

Minor in Asian American Studies

The Minor in Asian American Studies is available to all majors except those in ASAM. This minor requires a minimum of 15 units. Students must complete all courses with a grade of "C" or better.

Required course:

  • ASAM 120 Asian American History (3 units)

Take one of the following courses:

  • ASAM/AIS/AFRS/CHLS 119: Introduction to Racial and Ethnic Studies (3 units)
  • ASAM 121 Contemporary Issues in Asian America (3 units)

Choose any twelve (12) units from the following courses:

  • AAAS 492 – Senior Research Seminar (3 units)
  • ASAM 121 Contemporary Issues in Asian America (3 units)
  • ASAM 319 – Racial and Ethnic Experience in the United States (3 units)
  • ASAM 325 - Beauty Matters: Culture, Politics, Labor (3 units)
  • ASAM 330 – Japanese American Experience (3 units)
  • ASAM 332 – Korean American Experience (3 units)
  • ASAM 333 – Vietnamese American Experience (3 units)
  • ASAM 334 – Cambodian American Experience (3 units)
  • ASAM 335 – Asian and Latino Immigration Since World War II (3 units)
  • ASAM 340 – Asian American Family (3 units)
  • ASAM 341 – Asian American/Chicano and Latino Cinema (3 units)
  • ASAM 345 - Asian American Community Analysis (3 units)
  • ASAM 350 – Environmental Justice (3 units)
  • ASAM 352 – Filipino/a American Experiences (3 units)
  • ASAM 353 – Filipino American Contemporary Issues (3 units)
  • ASAM 370 – Gender and Sexuality in Asian America (3 units)
  • ASAM 490 – Selected Topics in Asian American Studies (3 units)
  • ASAM 499 - Directed Studies (1-3 units)