Overview
The centerpiece of the Asian American Studies Program's curriculum is its undergraduate minor. Open to all undergraduates throughout Cornell University, the minor affords students an opportunity to develop an interdisciplinary approach to the study of Asians in the hemispheric Americas. The course of study stresses developments within the United States, but also underscores the transnational and comparative contexts of Asian America and the field's connections with African American Studies, American Indian Studies, Latina/o Studies, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Asian Studies.
2011 Graduates & Resource Center Staff with Faculty
Program courses emphasize writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills that enhances or complements any major degree program at Cornell University. Graduates of the Program enter into fields such as law, research, medicine, technology, non-profit, politics, and journalism
Minor application form
Students must file an application for the minor with the Asian American Studies Program. The application is a declaration of intention to complete an AAS minor and a planning tool for the program; students are not required to have completed or enrolled in all required courses before submitting the application.
Why choose the Asian American Studies minor?
The Asian American Studies Program offers one of the most flexible and dynamic minors offered at Cornell University. One key benefit of the program lies in the reality that many occupations are looking for individuals with strong multicultural perspectives and a broad understanding of ethnic issues. Completion of the Asian American Studies minor will be officially noted on student transcripts.
Course Requirements
The program's undergraduate minor affords students an opportunity to develop a multidisciplinary approach to the study of Asians in the hemispheric Americas. The course of study stresses developments within the United States, but also underscores the transnational and comparative contexts of Asian America and the field's connections with African American Studies, American Indian Studies, Latina/o Studies, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, and Asian Studies.
Students must work with a faculty adviser from among the program's affiliated faculty and must complete five courses (at least 15 credits) as follows:
a) AAS 1100 (Introduction to Asian American Studies)
and
b) 2-3 additional Asian American Studies courses
and
c) 1-2 additional courses towards developing a comparative and transnational framework of analysis. Courses may be drawn from African American Studies, American Indian Studies, Latina/o Studies, Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, or Asian Studies.*
(*These courses must be approved by the student's faculty adviser, and they should address issues of race, gender, or the histories and cultures of Asian peoples.)