Intercollegiate Department of Asian American Studies

The Claremont Colleges

Mission

Program

Courses

Faculty

Staff

Student

Representatives

Research Links

Library

Jobs/Internships/Volunteering

Press Release

Photos

Contact

Click on the IDAAS logo in the top left corner of this page to read the story behind the logo.

The mission of the Intercollegiate Department of Asian American Studies is to examine through various academic disciplines the experiences of people of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage in the Americas. The Asian American Studies curriculum helps to unify an important area of intellectual investigation and enhances appreciation of particular disciplines in the humanities and the social sciences. The department is committed to excellence in teaching and scholarship and is a vital information resource for students and researchers. Moreover, its faculty endeavors to create an intellectual climate which fosters cross-cultural dialogue. 

Established in 1998, the IDAAS offers a rich academic program to all students at The Claremont Colleges (Claremont McKenna, Harvey Mudd, Pitzer, Pomona and Scripps). Interdisciplinary in both research and teaching initiatives, the IDAAS promotes collaborative projects with other departments at the Colleges, and with scholars at other institutions. 

The department’s curriculum includes courses in art, history, literature, psychology, sociology and interdisciplinary areas. These courses are designed to accommodate the needs of both majors and non-majors. Asian American Studies courses provide significant preparation for students pursuing careers in a variety of fields, including education, social work, public policy, law, medicine, business and international relations.