Cornell University Asian American Studies Program - Ithaca, NY

Introduction

The Cornell University Asian American Studies Program (AAS), housed in the vibrant and historic 420 Rockefeller Hall, is a beacon for academic exploration and cultural understanding. Established in 2005, the AAS program offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to the study of Asian Americans, providing students with a nuanced understanding of the diverse experiences, histories, and contributions of Asian Americans in the United States.

Main Services

• Undergraduate Program: The AAS offers a minor program that allows students to explore the rich history and contemporary issues facing Asian Americans. Students can choose from a variety of courses spanning across disciplines such as history, literature, sociology, anthropology, and political science.
• Graduate Program: In collaboration with the Department of Anthropology, the AAS offers a graduate minor in Asian American Studies. This program enables graduate students to broaden their academic pursuits by incorporating Asian American studies into their research and coursework.
• Courses: The AAS program offers a diverse range of courses, including "Asian American History," "Asian American Literature," "Asian American Experiences in the U.S.," and "Asian American Activism and Social Movements."
• Faculty: The AAS program benefits from a dedicated and accomplished faculty, including professors of history, literature, and cultural studies who bring their expertise and passion to the classroom.
• Student Life & Community: The AAS program fosters a vibrant community through student life events, guest lectures, and workshops. The program also supports the Cornell Asian and Asian American Center (CAAA), which serves as a hub for students, faculty, and staff interested in Asian and Asian American issues.
• Resources & Support: The AAS program provides resources for students, including an internship database, ECAASU scholarship information, and anti-racism resources. It also offers support for undocumented and DACA students through the Cornell Undocumented Students Support Services.

Location and Access

The Cornell University Asian American Studies Program is located in the heart of the Cornell University campus, at 420 Rockefeller Hall, 231 Feeney Wy, Ithaca, NY, United States. Rockefeller Hall is a historic building, constructed in 1925, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building is easily accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking available nearby.

Public transportation is readily available in Ithaca, with the TCAT bus system providing frequent service to the Cornell campus. The closest bus stop to Rockefeller Hall is the "Cornell University, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences" stop, served by routes 10, 14, and 31. Additionally, the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) is approximately a 10-minute drive from the campus.

Featured Characteristics

• Interdisciplinary Approach: The AAS program draws on a wide range of disciplines, offering students a holistic understanding of Asian American experiences and histories.
• Community Engagement: The AAS program is deeply engaged with the local and broader community, hosting events and workshops that foster dialogue and understanding.
• Dedicated Faculty: The AAS program boasts a committed and accomplished faculty, many of whom are renowned in their fields and dedicated to student success.
• Historic Setting: Rockefeller Hall, the home of the AAS program, is a historic building that offers a unique and intellectually stimulating environment for students.

Practical Information

• Contact Information: You can reach the AAS program by phone at 6072553320 or via email at [email protected].
• Website: The AAS program's website, asianamericanstudies.cornell.edu, is a comprehensive resource, offering information on courses, faculty, events, and more.
• Office Hours: The AAS program's office is typically open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours may vary. It's always a good idea to check the website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information.

While the AAS program at Cornell University does not yet have reviews on Google My Business, the program's impact on students is evident in their personal statements and testimonials. One student noted, "The AAS minor has provided me with an academic framework to better grapple with my own Desi identity. I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to learn about the rich history of Asian Americans in the U.S., racial solidarity, and grassroot resistance against colonial power structures. I know that the perspectives and concepts I have come across in my Asian American studies classes will continue to inform how I see and interact with the world around me." This testimonial highlights the transformative power of the AAS program, which empowers students to engage with their own identities and the broader world in meaningful ways.