Asian Pacific American Studies
Karen Kuo
About this opportunity
The BA program in Asian Pacific American studies prepares students to address issues of justice, equity and access at the intersections of citizenship, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, and class and culture, and to identify actions and solutions based on community experiences and community-based research across multiple disciplines.
Students have the opportunity to work with a dedicated faculty committed to community-engaged research and student-centered learning. Interdisciplinary faculty members have expertise in critical ethnic studies, diaspora and globalization, U.S imperialism and settler colonialism, social networks, immigration, interracial and inter-ethnic relations, and the health and well-being of Asian Pacific American families and communities.
Thesis
The Honors thesis is an excellent opportunity to gain experience conducting research or creating an applied learning project with the help and mentorship of an ASU faculty member.
The thesis requires commitment and planning with your faculty committee. To take full advantage of this opportunity, we strongly encourage honors students to begin planning their project by the Fall of their junior year. This would ideally involve meeting with the Faculty Honors Advisor to discuss your topical interests, identifying an appropriate thesis advisor and committee, and formulating a brief project proposal and plan in collaboration with your advisor. Starting early is especially important for students who would like to conduct research during the summer before their senior year.
Academic Preparation
Before embarking on the thesis, we strongly recommend gaining a foundation in relevant course work. Students are encouraged to ask for honors enrichment contracts in their courses, get to know the faculty, explore research and internships, and consider travel programs. These experiences can all lead to a thesis topic idea.
Recommended Timeline
The typical timeline is for the student to begin their project by recruiting a Thesis Director in the late spring semester of their junior year. Once the thesis prospectus has been developed, the fall semester of the Senior year is spent on conducting appropriate research, then the spring semester is devoted to analyzing the results of the research, writing the thesis and presenting the results to the committee members at the thesis defense.
Other Honors Opportunities
The School of Social Transformation provides opportunities for students to:
- Apply your knowledge Work with our dedicated internship to build your practical and professional experience with an internship in a social justice field.
- Work on a semester-long research project Work side-by-side with faculty on research ranging from refugee support to human rights.
- Join a club ASU has over amazing clubs and organizations.
- Work with a faculty mentor Our professors are dedicated to student academic and professional success, and hold weekly office hours for drop-in appointments.
- Study Abroad Explore travel opportunities for a week, a summer, semester, or academic year
- Create Change Changemaker Central @ ASU empowers students to apply their education, expertise and passion for positive social progress by tackling local and global challenges.
College
The College of Liberal Arts and SciencesCampus
Tempe