Groups at the University of Pittsburgh are gathering information to advocate for the creation of an Asian American Studies minor or certificate program.
The Asian Student Alliance's University Affairs Committee (UAC) is hoping to create an Asian American Studies Program that will be accompanied by an Asian American Studies Certificate. Unlike the Asian Studies Certificate that is granted through the Asian Studies Center, which focuses on topics and issues in Asia, the Asian American Studies Program and Certificate will focus mainly on Asian American issues and topics. This means the certificate will focus moreso on issues in America that concern and affect Asian Americans. Examples of possible topics include (1) affirmative action, (2) the model minority myth, (3) representation in Western/American media; and (4) Asian American history. The University Affairs Committee is looking to record responses from individuals that will show why an Asian American Studies Program at the University of Pittsburgh is important and necessary. Select testimonials will be included in a larger presentation that will be shown to University of Pittsburgh faculty and staff.Those interested in sharing their thoughts and testimonials are invited to complete this Google Doc.
