Welcome to Asian American and Diaspora Studies Program (AADS) at Duke.
AADS was established in 2018 after decades of student demand for a program devoted to the study of Asian American history and experiences. Courses offered by AADS are open to all Duke students, and our courses, events, and other programming enrich the exceptional education that Duke offers to everyone, regardless of their background. In February of 2022, Duke established an exciting new minor in AADS, and students are welcome to contact me to learn more about the minor.
At its core, the field of Asian American Studies helps us better understand history, literature, the arts, anthropology, gender, health, law, and ethics by including the stories and perspectives of Asian Americans, who are often left out of general explorations of these subjects. Asian American Studies can also be utilized as a method of critique that examines broader topics of migration, empire, indigeneity, war, and transnationalism. It is in this sense that the program includes the term “diaspora.” The idea of diaspora underscores the global interconnectedness of people, culture, and capital and invites relational work within and beyond the U.S.
At Duke, 30% of students identify as Asian or Asian Americans, and the 2020 Census shows that people of Asian descent continue to be the fastest growing population in the U.S. Just as Asian American history is essential to understanding U.S. history, we must deepen our investment in studying and teaching the complexities of Asian America today to prepare for our shared future.
From its beginning, Asian American Studies has centered students: learning, teaching, and sharing their vision for the future. My goal as the Director of AADS is to honor the student work that brought this program into existence at Duke. By creating new courses, spreading awareness of what we offer, and building coalitions across universities, I hope that Duke can become a leader in Asian American Studies programs in the South. I invite you to join us by taking our classes, participating in our events, and offering your support. I look forward to seeing you around campus!
Sincerely,
Susan Thananopavarn
Director of Asian American & Diaspora Studies
Lecturing Fellow in the Thompson Writing Program