• Interim Chair: Sandra Stanley
• Jerome Richfield Hall (JR) 340
• (818) 677-4966
• www.csun.edu/aas

Asian American Studies

Faculty

• Allan Aquino
• Tracy Buenavista
• Edith Chen
• Enrique de la Cruz
• Phil Hutchison
• Hye-Young Kwon
• Dennis Lee
• Doyoung Lee
• Gina Masequesmay
• Glenn Omatsu
• Steven Ropp
• Eunai Shrake
• Maria Turnmeyer
• Laura Uba

Programs

Undergraduate

• B.A., Asian American Studies
• Standard Major Option
• Double Major/Single Subject Option
• Minor in Asian American Studies

Department Programs

The Asian American Studies Department provides an interdisciplinary liberal arts program. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts Major with 2 options and a Minor in Asian American Studies designed to develop student skills in critical analysis, writing, communication, and reasoning skills, while retrieving, documenting, and analyzing the literary, artistic, economic, social, political, and historical experiences of Asians in the United States. The department also participates in the CSUN General Education Program. Many courses in the Major and Minor meet the General Education requirements and may be used for both purposes.

Credential Information

Students interested in applying for Asian American Studies courses toward requirements for various teaching credentials should consult the Credential Office at (818) 677-2586 for more information.

Careers

Students interested in careers in business, government, education, journalism, human services, urban planning, law, and other related fields may find the Major, Double Major or Minor in Asian American Studies a suitable field of study. Students interested in the Major or Minor in Asian American Studies must consult with an a department advisor. The Asian American Studies Department supports international education and encourages students to investigate opportunities for overseas and foreign language study. Of particular interest to Asian American Studies majors are study abroad opportunities throughout the Pacific Rim. For overseas studies, students should consult an advisor in the Office of International and Exchange Programs and a department advisor to coordinate their studies.

Academic Advisement

Please contact the faculty advisor, Eunai Shrake, for an appointment at (818) 677-4966.

Student Learning Outcomes of the Undergraduate Program

1. Students will develop a core competency in the history, culture and experience of Asian Pacific American communities in the United States.
2. Working from a social justice approach to race, class, ethnicity, gender and sexuality, students will develop and apply their critical thinking skills as demonstrated through written assignments, oral presentations, class discussion and examinations.
3. Students will acquire and develop effective communication and collaborative problem-solving skills, becoming leaders and learning the importance of collective action.
4. Students will develop and demonstrate basic research skills as they learn about the particular dynamics of working with Asian Pacific American communities.
5. Students will demonstrate an applied knowledge and practical application of their acquired skills through student and community work, in the process, learning the value and importance of community service.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree

A. Standard Major Option

1. Core Courses (15 units):

• AAS 100 Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
• AAS 201 Race, Racism, and Critical Thinking (3)
• AAS 210 History of Asians in America (3)
• AAS 220 Survey of Asian American Literature (3)
• AAS 390 Asian American Communities: Field Practicum (3)

Community Studies

Select two of the following (6 units):

• AAS 310 Methodologies in Asian American Studies (3)
• AAS 345 Contemporary Issues in Asian American Studies (3)
• AAS 347 Asian American Legal and Political History (3)
• AAS 360 Asian American Immigration-Global Perspective (3)
• AAS 361A-Z Asian American Experience of Selected Groups (3)
• AAS 440 Urbanization and Asian American Communities (3)

Cultural and Literary Studies

Select two of the following (6 units):

• AAS 230 Asian Americans and the Media (3)
• AAS 321 Asian American Fiction (3)
• AAS 325A-B* Asian American Creative Studies Workshop (3)
• AAS 420 Asian American Literary Self-Representations (3)
• AAS 430 Asian Americans and Popular Culture (3)

* Only one course in the AAS 325A-B series may be applied to Cultural and Literary Studies Section above.

Social Relations, Family, and Gender Studies

Select two of the following (6 units):

• AAS 340 Asian American Women (3)
• AAS 350 Asian American Personality and Mental Health (3)
• AAS 355 Biracial and Multiracial Identity (3)
• AAS 455 Asian American Sexuality (3)
• AAS 453 Asian American Families (3)

2. Electives (6 Units)

Select 6 units of electives either in Asian American Studies or from another department with permission from advisor. Intermediate language study in an appropriate Asian or Pacific Island language is highly recommended and would qualify under this section.

3. Senior Capstone

Select one of the following (3 Units):

• AAS 495 Advanced Seminar in Asian American Studies (3)
• AAS 497 Senior Thesis (3)

• Total Units in the Major: 42
• General Education Units: 48
• Additional Units: 30
• Total Units Required for the Degree: 120

B. Double Major/Single Subject Waiver Options

This option is designed for students who choose to double major in Asian American Studies as their second field of study and for students who are pursuing a single subject waiver.

1. AAS Core Courses: (9 units)

• AAS 100 Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
• AAS 210 History of Asians in America (3)
• AAS 220 Survey of Asian American Literature (3)

Community Studies

Select two of the following (6 units):

• AAS 310 Methodologies in Asian American Studies (3)
• AAS 347 Asian American Legal and Political History (3)
• AAS 360 Asian American Immigration-Global Perspective (3)
• AAS 361A-Z Asian American Experience of Selected Groups (3)
• AAS 390 Asian American Communities: Field Practicum (3)
• AAS 440 Urbanization and Asian American Communities (3)

Cultural and Literary Studies

Select two of the following (6 units):

• AAS 321 Asian American Fiction (3)
• AAS 325A-B* Asian American Creative Studies Workshop (3)
• AAS 420 Asian American Literary Self-Representation (3)
• AAS 430 Asian Americans and Popular Culture (3)

Social Relations, Family, and Gender Issues

Select two of the following (6 units):

• AAS 340 Asian American Women (3)
• AAS 355 Biracial and Multiracial Identity (3)
• AAS 455 Asian American Sexuality (3)
• AAS 453 Asian American Families (3)

2. Senior Capstone

Select one of the following (3 Units):

• AAS 495 Advanced Seminar in Asian American Studies (3)
• AAS 497 Senior Thesis (3)

Note that three to six units of intermediate study of an Asian or Pacific Island language are highly recommended and may be substituted for courses in Option A or B with the approval of a department advisor. Experimental topics courses and/or Independent Study in Asian American Studies may be substituted for required courses in either major option with the permission of an advisor.

• Total Units in the Major: 30
• General Education Units: 48
• Additional Units: 42
• Total Units Required for a B.A. Degree: 120

Minor in Asian American Studies

1. Core Courses (9 units)

• AAS 100 Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
• AAS 210 History of Asians in America (3)
• AAS 220 Survey of Asian American Literature (3)

2. Upper Division Requirements

Select five of the following (15 Units):

• AAS 321 Asian American Fiction (3)
• AAS 325A-B* Asian American Creative Studies Workshop (3)
• AAS 340 Asian American Women (3)
• AAS 345 Contemporary Issues in Asian American Studies (3)
• AAS 350 Asian American Personality and Mental Health (3)
• AAS 360 Asian American Immigration-Global Perspective (3)
• AAS 361A-Z Asian American Experience of Selected Groups (3)
• AAS 450 Asian American Child and the Schools (3)
• AAS 495 Advanced Seminar in Asian American Studies (3)
• AAS 497 Senior Thesis (3)

* Only one course in the AAS 325A-B series may be applied to the minor. Elective in Asian American Studies or related fields may be substituted for the above required courses with prior approval of the minor advisor and the Chair of the department.

Total Units Required for the Minor: 24

General Education Overlap

A. Option A: Standard Major

For Option A, the following courses may be counted for the Standard Major and General Education:

• Critical Thinking, AAS 201
• Arts and Humanities, AAS 220 or 321
• Social Sciences, AAS 210 or 350
• Title 5, AAS 347ifelong Learning, AAS 390
• Comparative Cultural Studies, AAS 100,340, 345, or 360

B. Option B: Double Major/Single Subject Waiver

For Option B, the following courses may be counted for the Double Major and General Education:

• Arts and Humanities, AAS 220 or 321
• Social Sciences, AAS 210 or 350
• Title 5, AAS 347
• Lifelong Learning, AAS 230 or 390
• Comparative Cultural Studies, AAS 100, 340 or 360

C. Minor: The following courses may be counted for the Minor and General Education:

• Arts and Humanities, AAS 220 or 321
• Social Sciences, AAS 210 or 350
• Lifelong Learning, AAS 230
• Comparative Cultural Studies, AAS 100, 340 345, or 360

Course List

AAS 097. Developmental Reading (3)

Three units University credit; no credit toward graduation. Intensive study of basic reading skills, focusing on the type of reading students do in college. For students whose reading score on the English Placement Test requires them to complete this course before taking AAS 098 or its equivalent. (Crosslisted with CHS , ENGL, and PAS 097) (Credit/No Credit Only)

AAS 098. Developmental Writing (3)

Three units of University credit; no credit toward graduation. Intensive study of basic writing skills for students whose scores on the English Placement Test requires them to complete this course or its equivalent. (Crosslisted with CHS, ENGL, and PAS 098) (Credit/No Credit Only)

AAS 100. Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)

Survey of research on Asian Pacific American experiences, including: history, community life, language experience, arts, education, politics, and economics. Emphasizes research on Americans of Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Island ancestry. Available for Section B of the Multicultural Credential Requirement for Credential Candidates. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies)

AAS 151. Fundamentals of Public Speaking (3)

Prerequisites: EPT score of 151 or better or EPT and a grade of “credit” in AAS 097/098 or equivalent. This course is an introduction to public speaking and oral communications processes, with particular emphasis on issues related to Asian American Studies and Asian Pacific American communities. In addition to basic skills, students will be introduced to Asian Pacific American figures who have used oral communication as a way to address issues related to race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, identity, and community. Students will be required to deliver a variety of speeches. The course will include intensive practice in public speaking, logical reasoning, and critical reasoning. Students are required to attend 15 hours of public speaking events outside of the classroom. Crosslisted with CHS 151, PAS 151 and COMS 151. (Available for General Education , Oral Communication)

AAS 155. Approaches to University Writing (3)

Prerequisite: EPT score of 151 or better, or EPT and a grade of Credit in 097 and/or 098, or equivalent. Expository prose writing with a focus on both content and form. Specific emphases shall include the exercise of logical thought and clear expression, the development of effective organizational strategies, and the appropriate gathering and utilization of evidence. Includes instruction on diction, syntax, and grammar, as well as the elements of prose style. Students receive credit for only 1 course chosen from AAS, CHS, ENGL, and PAS 155 (Crosslisted with CHS, ENGL, and PAS 155) (Available for General Education, Analytical Reading/Expository Writing) (IC)

AAS 201. Race, Racism, and Critical Thinking (3)

Preparatory: Completion of the GE sections Analytical Reading/Expository Writing and Mathematics. Introduction to the process of critical thinking through the lens of race-based theories and selected historical and contemporary discourse of African-Americans, Asian Americans, European Americans, and Latinos on race relations and multiculturalism in American society. Examines contemporary social issues through the use of scholarly studies and a range of cultural “texts” in order to explore the effects of race and racism on the relationship between language and logic, processes and form of reasoning, and practices of critical reflection. Also examines intersection of race, gender, and class. (Available for General Education, Critical Thinking)

AAS 210. History of Asians in America (3)

Introduction to the history of Asian Americans in the United States from the 1800s to the present. Students review the historical forces affecting immigration of the following communities: Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander. Analysis of problems resulting from limited access to the social, political, and economic institutions of American society. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences)

AAS 220. Survey of Asian American Literature (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Survey of Asian American literature from the late 19th century to the present. Introductory study of prose fiction and non-fiction, poetry, and drama written by Americans of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, Southeast Asian, South Asian, and Pacific Island ancestry. Regular writing assignments required. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities)

AAS 230. Asian Americans and the Media (3)

Study of the effects of mass media on the history and development of Asians in America. Particular attention to Asian American images in film, television, the internet, and advertisements. (Available for General Education, Lifelong Learning)

AAS 296A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Asian American Studies (1-3)

Experimental courses in Asian American Studies with course content to be determined.

AAS 321. Asian American Fiction (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of Asian American fiction written by Americans of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, South Asian, and Southeast Asian ancestry. Regular writing assignments required. (Available for General Education, Arts and Humanities)

AAS 325A. Asian American Creative Studies Workshop: Literary Arts (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Intensive practice in the writing of poetry and prose fiction. Includes analysis of published Asian American writings and a series of writing exercises and/or writing assignments that culminate in a portfolio of no fewer than 4,000 words. Offers perspectives on the shifting definitions of “Asian American” and on the Populist/Activist and Academic/ Literary approaches that have helped shape the contours of Asian American creative writing. Students participate in the written and oral critiques of each other’s work.

AAS 325B. Asian American Creative Studies Workshop: Performance Arts (3)

Involves the study and practice of Asian American performance with particular emphasis on adapting, scripting, and performing personal, family, and community-based narratives. Students gain competencies in the analysis, performance, and criticism of Asian American dramatic and non-dramatic, non-traditional texts, including (auto) biographies, memoirs, diaries, oral histories, and narrative accounts drawn from everyday life.

AAS 340. Asian American Women (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Multidisciplinary analysis of women in the diverse Asian Pacific American communities. Study of the historical, social, political, and economic factors which have impacted the role and status of Asian Pacific American women in American society. Regular writing assignments required. Available for Gender and Women’s Studies Minor, Ethnic Studies and Diversity. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies)

AAS 345. Contemporary Issues in Asian Studies (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Critical analysis of contemporary issues confronting Asian Americans in the U.S. Emphasis placed on social and economic issues such as immigration, education, employment, health, and inter-ethnic and intra-Asian conflict. Regular writing assignments required. Available for Section B, Multicultural Requirement for Credential Candidates. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies)

AAS 347. Asian American Politics and the Law (3)

Prerequisites: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended: Prior completion of an AAS course. Advanced course on the legal and political history and contemporary struggles of Asian Americans. Overview of American political system through the examination of basic texts, including the U.S. Constitution. Examines the history and formation of Asian communities in the U.S., the evolution of their participation in the political process through the lens of immigration, citizenship policies and laws, civil rights reform laws, state laws and municipal ordinances, and contemporary legal and political issues. Meets GE Title 5 requirements in areas (2) and (3) covering the Constitution and California state and local governments.

AAS 350. Asian American Personality and Mental Health (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Analysis of psychological issues from an Asian American perspective. Specific topics include the impact of minority status on personality development, cross-cultural comparisons of and Asian Americans, and introduction to problems in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health problems in Asian Americans. Available for Section B of the Multicultural Requirement for Credential Candidates. (Available for General Education, Social Sciences)

AAS 355. Biracial and Multiracial Identity (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Interdisciplinary studies the socio-historical realities, identities, and political maintenance of people with multiple racial and ethnic heritages; examines the binary racial structure of the U.S., social and legal customs of racial designation and membership; focuses on multiracial populations such as Creoles, mulattos, mestizos, Black-Indians, Eurasians, Afroasians, Amerasians, etc.

AAS 360. Asian American Immigration-Global (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Examines Asian immigration to the U.S. from a world systems perspective. Examines immigration process and the implication of this process for contemporary interest in the Pacific Rim. Topics include origins of Asian immigration, major U.S. immigration legislation, demographic structure of contemporary Asian immigration, and cr oss-cultural comparisons of other world groups. Regular writing assignments required. (Available for General Education, Comparative Cultural Studies)

AAS 361 A-Z. Asian American Experience of Selected Groups (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of lower division writing requirement. Intensive study of the immigration/incorporation history and experience of a specific Asian Pacific American sub-group. Each course examines the nexus between historical events and contemporary issues facing a particular Asian Pacific American community and their experiences in various sectors of American society: labor, family, politics, education, and cultural preservation and community formation. (A) Filipino American Experience, (B) Vietnamese American Experience, (C)Chinese American Experience, (D) Korean American Experience, (E) Japanese American Experience, (F)South Asian American Experience. For courses on other groups, please consult with department office.

AAS 390. Asian American Communities: Field Practicum (3-3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Recommended Corequisite or Preparatory: Concurrent enrollment in AAS 345 or other related course. Field study, observation, and participation in selected community institutions and agencies to be conducted under supervision and after preparatory instruction to acquaint the student with field and service learning techniques. Some sections of this course may offer a community service opportunity with activities relating to concepts and theories presented. Check the schedule of classes for the community studies designation. May be repeated once for credit. (Available for General Education, Lifelong Learning)

AAS 396A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Asian American Studies (1-3)

Experimental topics in Asian American Studies with course content to be determined.

AAS 417. Equity and Diversity in School (3)

Prepares teacher candidates to examine principles of educational equity, diversity, and the implementation of curriculum content and school practices for elementary/secondary students. Focuses on the history and culture of a specific ethnic experience and a comparative analysis is made with other ethnic groups in California. Engages students to examine, critique, and reflect on their personal biases regarding children of color. (Cross listed with ELPS, PAS, CHS, ARMN 417)

AAS 420. Asian American Literary Self-Representations (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Preparatory: AAS 100. Examines self-representations in Asian American literary studies. Addresses how self-representations in Asian American literature commonly work within and across a variety of literary genres. Attention paid to the aesthetic, cultural, socio-historical, and publishing factors that have shaped non-fictional self-representations.

AAS 430. Asian American Popular Culture (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Preparatory: AAS 100. Critical analysis of representations and images of Asian Americans and popular culture, emphasizing the production, consumption, and use of popular culture by and about Asian Americans in the U.S. Surveys theories and methods for studying popular culture, especially in terms of the differential impact of race, gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation.

AAS 450. Asian American Child and the Schools (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Study of the development of the Asian American child with particular emphasis on bicultural and bilingual issues which may influence educational progress. Culturally relevant socialization patterns of children from Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, and Southeast Asian backgrounds examined. Intended for students interested in teaching and human services. Regular writing assignments required. Available for Section A of the Multicultural Requirement for Credential Candidates.

AAS 453. Asian American Families (3)

Prerequisite: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Overview of the demographic, social, cultural, structural, and historical aspects of Asian American families in the United States. Comparative family features among Asian American ethnic groups and other cultural and ethnic groups in America examined. Parenting styles, communication styles, values, traditions, and beliefs examined across ethnic backgrounds, class, and immigration histories. Available for Section B of the Multicultural requirement for Credential Candidates.

AAS 455. Asian American Sexuality (3)

Preparatory: Completion of the lower division writing requirement. Explores the personal, social, and political identities of Asian Americans as expressed form the lens of sexuality; interdisciplinarily examines current topics in Asian American sexuality, such as gender roles, cultural beliefs and sexual mythology, sexual practices, media images, literary representations, sexual violence and abuse, sex-related health, sex work and commodification, and sexual orientation.

AAS 495A-Z. Selected Topics in Asian American Studies (3)

Preparatory: AAS 100 or 210 or instructor consent. Intensive study of selected themes and issues in Asian American Studies. Topics change from semester to semester. May be repeated for credit with instructor consent.

AAS 496A-Z. Experimental Topics Courses in Asian American Studies (1-3)

Experimental topics in Asian American Studies with course content to be determined.

AAS 497. Senior Seminar in Asian American Studies (3)

Prerequisite: senior standing or instructor’s consent. An integrative seminar serving as a capstone to the degree major in Asian American Studies. Provides a general review of the theories, methods, and substantive conclusions covered in Asian American Studies courses and provides guidance and assistance in the writing of the senior thesis.

AAS 499A-C. Independent Studies (1-3)

Prerequisite: Limited to upper division students with written permission from the department chair and the sponsoring faculty person. No more than 3 units of Independent Study may be applied to the Minor in Asian American Studies.