Why major in Asian American Studies?
Intrigued by the stories, contributions, and struggles of Asian Americans? Want to better understand their historical, political, econiomic, and cultural contexts? The major in Asian American studies is one of the first programs in the nation to examine critically the diverse and complex experiences of Asian Americans through the study of literature, culture, history, sociology, politics, religion, and psychology. Drawing on multiple disciplines, this program will help you develop skills in research, critical thinking, public speaking, and writing, while deepening your understanding of the richness and tremendous diversity of our nation. The major also offers opportunities to work directly with local Asian American communities.
The department offers the opportunity for students to explore experiences of Asian Americans, particularly their community, culture and histories. The department provides a well rounded, interdisciplinary curriculum which engages approaches from areas such as history, law and society, social movements, global studies, cultural studies, film and media, women studies, health, and much more. After completing your prepatory subject matter courses, you will develop your own major emphaisis or specialization in consultation with faculty and staff advisors. This major emphasis gives you the opportunity to personalize your major to your speciific interests and career goals. With the incresingly multicultural and globalizing nature of society, a strong background in ethnic studies is a significant advantage in many occupational fields. Alumni haeve gone on to jobs in law, health and mediicne, education, journalism, business, public policy, community advocacy, and the arts, as well as continiuing on to graduate school for advanced degrees.
Major requirements
Full course offerings
If you have questions about majoring in Asian American Studies please email our Student Affairs Officer, Joe Nguyen at jovnguyen@ucdavis.edu.
