Asian Studies Program

In the age of global economy and digital communication, Pacific Rim nations have become America’s close partners in multinational business, diplomacy and cultural exchange. The most populated region of the world, Asia has developed some of the fastest and most productive economies. A growing demand exists for Americans to become familiar with Asian business, journalism, government, education, information technology and service.

BGSU is one of few Ohio universities to offer a bachelor’s degree in Asian Studies. Students gain a broad knowledge of the culture and societies of East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia; an in-depth knowledge of one of the East Asian countries (Japan, China, and Korea); and basic conversational and reading skills of an Asian language.

A message from the BGSU Asian Studies Program

March 30, 2021

In these days following the senseless murder of eight people, six of them Asian women, in Atlanta, the beatings of Asian Americans across the nation, including that of Vilma Kari on the sidewalk in broad daylight in Manhattan, others across the city and its subways, and others across the country—we remember the history of violence towards people of Asian descent by white supremacists in this country. In these days of anguish, frustration, rage, and fear—days filled with vigils and sadness—we in BGSU’s Asian Studies Program recognize the pain and grief, anger and desolation, being experienced by Asian Americans and Asians in America. The long-standing impact of racism in the United States affects all aspects of Asian lives, families, and communities, and by extension, all of us, whether we be Asian or Asian-allies.

These recent acts of violence are part of a growing list of Asian lives terrorized and/or cut short. The tragedy of these deaths feels even more devastating while the world continues to live under the coronavirus pandemic, which has only served to underscore the racial disparities in health and medical care in this country.

We condemn the ongoing devaluation of Asian lives, and the violence towards People of Color and their communities. The oppression, disrespect, and white violence are reprehensible violations of human rights, which in turn affect the mental health and well-being of all People of Color.

We condemn the violence against individuals in communities across the nation. We in the Asian Studies Program commit to standing up, to recognizing and calling out oppression and hate, implicit bias, and micro-aggressions, and to combating systemic racism in our communities, our classrooms, and wherever we encounter it.

These tragedies must stop. This violence and these murders must stop. The ongoing and systemic mistreatment, dehumanization, disrespect, traumatic aggressions, and blatant disregard for Asian lives must stop. We all have the right to be safe, to prosper, to live.  We must all do our part to empower one another, to be allies, to advocate, and to be present. For, in the words of Angela Y. Davis, “It is not enough to be non-racist, we must be anti-racist.” In Asian Studies we commit to using our platform in higher education to expand the scope of the predominantly Eurocentric teaching in our education system and to help shape a future that is inclusive, diverse, global, and respectful, for people of all colors, races, and creeds.

We see you. We hear you. We honor you. We support you.

We offer these resources to help guide us in creating a socially just and equitable society.