New York University: Asian/Pacific/American Institute and Asian/Pacific/American Studies

In response to student interest and the University's commitment to global excellence, A/P/A Institute and A/P/A Studies were founded at NYU in 1996.

Member since May 2005

Mission Statement

The Asian/Pacific/American Institute at New York University recognizes that as the world becomes connected at higher speeds on a certain level, international cultural connection, translation and a shared re-imagined space come increasingly into play. The Institute aims to promote discourse on Asian/Pacific America defying traditional boundaries, spanning Asia, to the Americas, through the Atlantic and Pacific Worlds; works to dispel socio-cultural and political misconceptions, provide cultural and scholarly connections, lead collections building, and encourage innovative research and interdisciplinary exploration; and whose goal is to serve as an international nexus of interactive exchange and access for scholars, cultural producers, and communities from New York to beyond. The A/P/A Institute serves the community with public programs based off research, cultural production and scholarship on contemporary issues facing Asian/Pacific American communities and discourse. The Institute provides a nexus for scholars, community leaders and artists who are working on advancing scholarship in the field and bringing theory into practice. Through public programs, publications and other resources, the A/P/A Institute establishes forums for dialogue and interaction between socio-cultural influencers and producers, the academy and the public.

The Asian/Pacific/American Studies Program offers New York University undergraduates a range of exciting courses exploring the histories, experiences and cultural production of Asian/Pacific Americans. A/P/A Studies classes cross boundaries between literature, history, film criticism, art history, urban studies, legal studies, and gender/sexuality studies and connect the lives and concerns of local communities to national and global dynamics. By questioning established notions of "Asian," "Pacific," and "American," the A/P/A Studies Program seeks to facilitate greater understanding of the past and present as a means to better interpret the future. Most notably, A/P/A Studies is historically re-framing Asian American history to include the first encounters of Asians and Americans, to the Manila-Acapulco trade in the mid-1600s. In addition to courses, the A/P/A Studies Program hosts curriculum development sessions which are also meant to re-think Asian, American and Asian American Studies. The sessions have addressed such topics as migration and diaspora, popular culture, pedagogy, experiential learning, and documentation. A/P/A Studies offers an Undergraduate Major and Minor and is part of the multi-disciplinary Department of Social & Cultural Analysis (SCA). Other SCA programs include Africana Studies, American Studies, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Latino Studies, and Metropolitan Studies.

About

A/P/A Institute and A/P/A Studies Program at New York University were founded together in 1996 and have since established a role and reputation in both the university and New York City settings for serving as a nexus for the various communities in which we live. From Program course offerings that take students into the city to research, explore, intern, and volunteer; to Institute public programs that bring community members and organizations together with faculty and students; we share as well as benefit from the wealth of resources that our many communities provide. The Nikkei community in New York City is a vast and vibrant one -- one with a rich history of culture, arts, organization, activism, and civic involvement. We are pleased to share this community with the global Nikkei community via Discover Nikkei.

Contact

A/P/A Institute
41-51 East 11th Street, 7th floor
New York, NY 10003

Web: www.apa.nyu.edu
Email: apa.institute@nyu.edu
Phone: (212) 998-3700

*****

A/P/A Studies
20 Cooper Square, 4th floor
New York, NY 10003

Web: apa.as.nyu.edu/page/home
Email: apa.studies@nyu.edu
Phone: (212) 992-9650

Images


"New York Nikkei Community Symposium" held at New York University, March 20, 2006: The New York Nikkei Community Symposium gathered community organization leaders and individuals wanting to learn more about the trends and interests of Nikkei youth in New York City. From left to right: Daniel H. Inouye, Maikiko James, Saki Mori, Yuka Lawrence, and Daichi Ebato representing the Youth Panel. Photo courtesy of A/P/A Institute

"The Triangle Project presentation" held at A/P/A Institute, NYU on May 8, 2007: A/P/A Institute hosted a discussion and performance of The Triangle Project -- a group of three veteran women performers: PJ Hirabayashi, Nobuko Miyamoto and Yoko Fujimoto. Photo courtesy of A/P/A Institute

"James Shigeta film festival" held at NYU Cantor Film Center, December 6, 2007: A/P/A Institute hosted a mini film festival featuring James Shigeta's best known and best loved films, including "The Crimson Kimono," "Walk Like a Dragon" and "Bridge to the Sun" from December 6-7, 2007. James Shigeta center, with A/P/A Institute staff. Photo courtesy of A/P/A Institute

Get updates

Sign up for email updates

Journal feed
Events feed
Comments feed

Support this project

Discover Nikkei

Discover Nikkei is a place to connect with others and share the Nikkei experience. To continue to sustain and grow this project, we need your help!

Ways to help >>

A project of the Japanese American National Museum


The Nippon Foundation