At a Glance
I’m interested in this field of study. Can you tell me more about it?
Asian American studies at The Claremont Colleges offers a rigorous, multidisciplinary exploration of the history, society, and cultural production of Asians and Asian Americans in the United States, within both multiracial American and transnational contexts. Courses in the field include core Asian American studies (e.g., Asian American History, Contemporary Asian American Issues), literature, psychology, politics, sociology, history, media studies, and music. The major integrates theory and practice through community work and sustained and focused inquiry in your senior project or thesis. For more information, please visit idaas.pomona.edu.
What are some courses appropriate for first-year students interested in exploring this field of study?
We encourage you to explore the wide range of courses offered in Asian American studies during. In fall 2025, general introductory courses in Asian American studies include:
- ASAM 125: Introduction to Asian American History
- ASAM 126: Introduction to Pacific Islander History
- ASAM 115: Theory and Methods
- ENG 19 PO: Introduction to Asian American Literature
If I decide to major or minor in this field, are there certain courses that need to be taken in a specific sequence?
Most courses in Asian American studies do not have a prerequisite and can be taken in any sequence. However, we advise you to take ASAM 125: Asian American History early in your college career. Some courses cross-listed from other departments (psychology, politics, etc.) may require an introductory course in the discipline.
Can students who major or minor in this field complete a second major or minor (as a double major or a major/minor combination)? If so, what are some common pairings?
Asian American studies is an interdisciplinary field and can readily be paired with another major or minor. Students have completed combinations with psychology, politics, sociology, media studies, music, and computer science.
What other useful information should I know about this field of study?
At The Claremont Colleges, Asian American studies is offered by the Intercollegiate Department of Asian American Studies (IDAAS) and draws upon the expertise of faculty throughout all five undergraduate institutions. Asian American studies courses are open to all students at The Claremont Colleges.
About Asian American Studies
The major integrates theory and practice through community work and sustained and focused inquiry in the senior thesis. In consultation with an IDAAS adviser, students take core interdisciplinary courses in Asian American studies and select appropriate courses in a range of disciplines throughout the five Claremont Colleges. The program seeks to prepare students for various careers and graduate study.
You may petition the Committee on Academic Review for a self-designed interdisciplinary major or minor in Asian American studies. Courses should be chosen carefully, in close consultation with the student’s academic adviser and with regard to the resources of the Intercollegiate Department of Asian American Studies.
You may also petition to have course work completed in Asian American studies outside the IDAAS count as courses toward the self-designed major or minor. However, a majority of the courses must be chosen from the IDAAS curriculum.