The University of Pittsburgh's Department of Anthropology is offering a four-week "Asian American Identity and Place" course during Summer 2025.
To be Asian American means different things to different individuals and groups and certainly from one part of the country to another. Being someone who is of Asian American background does not necessarily result in expertise. According to the Pew Research Center, only one of every four Asian Americans are well informed about Asian American issues in the U.S. with half of those who feel extremely in the know having learned about the topics through college.The course description for ANTH 1737, a Special Topics in Cultural Anthropology course led by Dr. Jessica Sun and Lynn Kawaratani this term, reads:
In this first-time experiential class students will interactively explore Asian American identity and its relationship to place. Help us shape what directions and focus the course will take in future iterations as we dive into the topic together. It’s opportunity to self-explore one’s relationship to the topic while doing so with others within the class. Take advantage of this opportunity while you still can learn more about Asian American identity.
What does it mean to be Asian American? Does it differ socially or individually? Does it depend on place? We invite students to explore Asian American identity nationally and locally.The 3-credit course will meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from May 14 through June 10. Those with questions can contact Jessica Sun at jhs39 at pitt.edu
We will connect with organizations, speakers, and businesses in Pittsburgh and bring in a national perspective through virtual visits and lectures. Discussions will include topics related to religion, immigration, nationality, poiltics and others. This is an opportunity for students to construct their own understanding of what it means to be Asian American.
