Institutional History of Asian and Asian American Studies
This section documents the history of Asian studies and the history of Asian American studies as independent yet interrelated disciplines at Dartmouth College. It is important to recognize how intertwined Asian studies and Asian American studies are while acknowledging their inherent differences. Though this archival project focuses on Asian American studies, the future institutionalization of an Asian American-specific program or department will hinge on the support of the faculty of Asian studies and those in the current ASCL program, and will be built upon the existing Asian studies initiatives. We document both subjects as a result.
“We’re very confident that this premier institution has the capability and expertise to build Asian American studies, and we need to make sure that it happens.”
Maanasi Shyno, in an interview with The Dartmouth
President Phil Hanlon speaking to the Pan Asian Community on July 10th, 2013.
The Distinction Between Asian and Asian American Studies
Though there is considerable overlap between the two academic fields, Asian and Asian American studies are fundamentally different disciplines that address and research issues that are sometimes unrelated to one another. We have documented the history of Asian studies since its institutionalization and founding in the mid-70’s as a crucial step toward the development of Asian American studies and other related topics, and to provide context for one challenge the College and its faculty face with regard to Asian American studies—how should it be administered?
The Department of African and African American Studies is an example for how Asian American studies could be integrated into the existing ASCL program and formed as a department, but a valid point is made that African studies, such as examining the economy of African nations in the modern day, can be too far removed from African American studies, such as mapping oppression systems in the deep South. In a similar vein, because Asian and Asian American studies can be drastically different, some faculty associated with the ASCL program have expressed concerns as to how such a department would function. One goal of the current ASCL program is to create a better foundation in South and Southeast Asian studies, including Indian Ocean studies, as well as various other topics such as Sino-African relations. On the other hand, Asian American studies often include examining Asian diaspora and understanding historical contexts for the oppression of Asian Americans, including the Japanese internment camps and policy acts excluding people of Asian descent.