Students interested in graduating with distinction in Asian American Studies -- also known as our Honors Program -- complete original work with the support of two small seminars and individual faculty mentorship. Given our department’s commitments to scholarship, community, the arts, and interdisciplinarity, the honors project may consist of an academic research paper, a community studies project, or an artistic endeavor. Students may also see if their project is eligible to receive an Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities grant.
Requirements for distinction in the major can be met in either of two ways:
- Two courses in the ASAM 180 series; an ASAM 199 independent study with a faculty advisor to produce original academic, creative, or community work.
- One course in the ASAM 180 series AND completion of ASAM 200 (graduate seminar, on condition of instructor approval); an ASAM 199 independent study with a faculty advisor to produce original academic, creative, or community work.
The honors program is designed to support students in developing skills and tangible work products–such as artistic portfolios, writing samples, or work experience–for graduate school or the workforce. Students must have a GPA of 3.5 or above in ASAM courses in order to register for the Honors Program. Students must earn a "B+" or better in those courses counting toward the Honors Program to graduate with distinction.