FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
IN A NUTSHELL, WHAT IS THE ASIAN & ASIAN AMERICAN STUDIES CERTIFICATE?
It's an interdisciplinary collection of courses, totally 22 credits, that focuses on exposing students to historical and contemporary issues concerning Asian countries and cultures, the Asian American community, the connections between the two, and their connections to the larger international community. After you complete the requirements, you get an official designation on your final transcript and a Certificate with your name on it that you can keep and frame if you wish.
WHY SHOULD I GET THE ASIAN & ASIAN AMERICAN STUDIES CERTIFICATE? WHAT GOOD WILL IT DO ME?
You have probably heard by now that the world in general, and American society in particular, is becoming increasing multicultural, transnational, and globalized. But what does that really mean? The AAAS Certificate allows you to explore different examples of what that means.
As Asian countries such as China and India begin to emerge as global superpowers, and as the Asian American population continues to be the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the U.S. (in terms of percentage growth), it's in students' best interests to be knowledgeable about both sets of histories, cultures, and issues. In that sense, getting the Certificate will give you a competitive advantage as our globalized, multicultural society continues to evolve.
WHAT'S INVOLVED IN GETTING THE ASIAN & ASIAN AMERICAN STUDIES CERTIFICATE?
You have to complete a total of 22 credits in courses on both Asian- and Asian American-focused courses. You must take at least two courses in both areas, then you choose one of the two as your specialization and take two more courses in that area. Also, you have to take two required courses, regardless of which specialization you choose (Asian Studies 397B, the "Bridging Asia and Asian America" colloquium and Asian Studies 491A, the "Senior Seminar"). Each semester, a list of courses that count toward the certificate can be found at in the Current Courses page.
IS THERE A FORM I NEED TO FILL OUT TO SIGN UP FOR THE CERTIFICATE?
No, there are no enrollment or sign up forms to fill out. You really only need to check with C.N. Le, the Program Director, about which courses you've taken so far and which courses you still need to take in order to meet the requirements. Once you finish your last course (usually AS 491A, the Senior Seminar), Prof. Le submits your name to the Registrar's office to confirm your completion of the Certificate.
WHO CAN I CONTACT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
Call or email Prof. Le, the Program Director at 413-545-4074 or .
