Learn and celebrate Asian American history and culture. Your knowledge will enhance your major and prepare you to serve your local community in your future career.
Why Minor in Asian American Studies?
A minor in Asian American studies will help you get a more complete view of American history. You'll better understand Asian American culture and experiences. You'll study the experience of immigration and dual identities. You'll celebrate Asian American contributions to art and media.
You'll also practice your critical thinking skills and research through class discussions and projects. With your knowledge, you'll learn how to best serve Asian Pacific American communities.
Why Study Asian American Studies at CSUN?
Bigger and Better
CSUN's Department of Asian American Studies offers one of the most extensive curricula in the CSU system. Our more than 30 courses examine a wide range of topics, including politics, race, history and identity. You'll be able to study the topics that interest and affect you.
Engage the Community
Go beyond the classroom through our field practicum class. We'll help you connect to partners in the local community to observe and take part in their work. They include:
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Research Coalition
- API Equality-LA
- Chinese Historical Society
- Japanese American Citizens League
- Thai Community Development Center
You'll gain real-world skills and contribute meaningfully to local Asian American communities.
Study Abroad
We encourage our students to study abroad through CSU International Programs or CSUN’s campus-based exchange programs. You'll be able to live and learn in Japan, China, Korea or Taiwan. You'll see interactions between Asian influence and Western culture up close. You'll work closely with a department advisor to coordinate your studies.
What You'll Learn
Develop your critical thinking and research skills while studying the Asian American experience. The minor will give you a broad view of the field while allowing you to choose some of your classes. You'll learn about Asian American social, economic and political history. You'll also be able to study the contributions of Asian Americans to art and media.
You'll choose from our core courses. They include:
- Introduction to Asian American Studies
- Contemporary Issues in Asian American Studies
- Race, Racism and Critical Thinking
- History of Asians in America
- Survey of Asian American Literature
- Asian Americans and the Media
For the rest of your upper-division requirements, you can choose from courses such as:
- Asian American Studies: Field Practicum
- Asian American Politics and the Law
- Asian American Families
- Biracial and Multiracial Identity
Helping you to thrive.
Visit the Glenn Omatsu House, home of the Asian American Studies Pathways Project (AASPP). Study on our computers and use our free printers. We even have free scantrons and other school supplies. See how else we support our Asian, Pacific Islander and Desi American students.