Asian⁄Pacific Islander American Studies

Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies

3700 Haven Hall
505 South State Street
www.lsa.umich.edu/apia/

Not a concentration program

The Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies (A/PIA) program within American Culture offers interdisciplinary graduate and undergraduate courses focusing on Asian American and Pacific Islander communities and experiences. The solidus (or slash) in the title (Asian/Pacific) marks the categories of Asian American and Pacific Islander as distinct subjects and fields of studies, which at UM have been conjoined strategically for comparative purposes. In addition to marking the distinctions, A/PIA studies at UM also includes the interdisciplinary study of the Pacific Islands. Thus, A/PIA is a focal point for university research and teaching on issues concerning Asian American and Pacific Islanders, providing resources for their understanding. The unique historical and political circumstances surrounding the incorporation of Asian immigrants and Pacific Islanders into American society, and the broad range of stratification spanning such communities, underscores the richness and theoretical importance of studying A/PIA communities alongside – and often in contrast to – that of other groups in the United States. Students may take a full range of courses examining the historical, political, economic, literary, artistic, cultural, and psychological forces, which have shaped and continue to shape the lives and communities of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.

Students interested in pursuing a course of study in A/PIA should contact Scott Kurashige, Director of Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies.

Fulltime Program faculty are:

Scott Kurashige,
Emily Lawsin,
Susan Najita,
Amy Stillman

A/PIA teaching and research is also supported by adjunct and affiliated faculty, and community members located in numerous programs and units across UM and off campus.

Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies Academic Minor

An Academic Minor in Asian/Pacific Islander American Studies is available for undergraduates who wish to develop a coherent understanding of the contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander American presence in American life, history, and thought.

Asian⁄Pacific Islander American Studies