Date: Friday, May 13, 2016 Time: 9AM to 4:30PM
Place: CUNY Graduate Center
365 Fifth Avenue, Concourse Level, Manhattan
Free Admission
Light Breakfast & Lunch Provided
Why “resurgent realities”? What exactly are the realities for Asian American communities and AA Studies today? Why East Coast Asian American Studies? And what are the new realities of Asian Pacific communities including anti-Asian, anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim movements; conflicts within our own communities over new “tiger Mom” models; and class and economic struggles juxtaposed against gender and religious beliefs? What new models for AA Studies can the East Coast offer?
The symposium will cover:
1. THE STATE OF AA STUDIES ON THE EAST COAST TODAY
To draw together both established and emerging scholars and leaders in the field of Asian American Studies and affiliated fields to lay out the “state” of the field on the East Coast. Is the field still viable, or is it being replaced by diasporic, global, or China Studies? Can we co-exist with increased competition for funding and the struggle of universities to secure international students and funding?
2. EAST COAST MODELS FOR AA STUDIES
East Coast campuses have developed new models both at public and private institutions including CUNY, NYU, Columbia, U-Penn, and University of Maryland. For example, U-Mass has integrated the Southeast Asian community within AA Studies teaching and curriculum, and mentors at the K-12 level. On the other hand, groups belonging to the South Asian diaspora may see themselves as “a part, but yet apart” from AA concerns and curriculum. The huge ethnic diversity within the Asian community presents us with new majorities and new minorities. These issues challenge us to transform and develop AA Studies on the East Coast.
3. STRATEGIES FOR SUPPORTING EAST COAST AA STUDIES
To develop a strategic plan that argues the case on both intellectual political, and demographic terms for more state and academic funding for AA Studies, including hiring of faculty and staff, support of research and publications, and supporting and working with East Coast Student Unions and groups. This strategic plan would be sent to New York legislators, as well as to well-placed educators and administrators within the NY region’s educational infrastructure.
