In an increasingly diverse and global world, it is more important than ever to understand the complexities of our lives and societies. Asian Americans have a robust history in the United States and their experiences are integral to the fabric of American society. Asian American students also make up the largest racial minority at the University of Illinois. Our faculty are a dedicated group of scholars trained in a wide range of disciplines such as American studies, anthropology, education, English, history, and sociology, and offer students interdisciplinary knowledge and skills. 

Our courses provide a critical approach to the study of race, gender, sexuality, citizenship, empire, and globalization. Our students build a solid foundation of intellectual theory and praxis in Asian American studies, critical ethnic studies, and American Studies. Our courses examine historical and current issues affecting Asian Americans and explore a variety of methods of inquiry.  These courses encompass topics from Asian American pop culture and film to the effects of immigration law, violence against Asians and Asian Americans, and activism. While our courses focus on Asian Americans, they aim for students to build an intersectional analysis of the United States and the world at large. Our curriculum encourages students to develop their own ideas and research, and allows them to pursue a variety of intellectual paths and interests.