Selected publications from Asian American Studies faculty
Be in community.
Join the Asian American Studies Program for study breaks, professional development events, sessions on post-grad, and more.
Award-winning faculty.
Analyze and understand Asian American racial formation, history, literature, culture, and social concerns.
The Asian American Studies Program is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on the scholarship and experiences of Americans, Pacific Islanders, and immigrants to the United States from Asian and Asian American heritage groups. The program sheds light on Asian American experiences and concerns, both historically and in contemporary times.
The program offers a certificate in Asian American Studies, and a HMoob American Studies emphasis. Throughout the academic year the program fosters community through gatherings, speaking events, study breaks and more.
2026 Asian American Media Spotlight
Sponsored by the Asian American Studies Program and Cinematheque at UW–Madison, the Asian American Media Spotlight is a free event open to the public. View two films and participate in Q&A’s with directors this October.
Declare a Certificate in Asian American Studies
With 12 credit hours, students will develop a sustained intellectual focus on Asian American racial formation, history, literature, culture, and social concerns. Students have the opportunity to emphasize in HMoob American Studies.
History
In 1988, PAWA members Wendy Ho and Peggy Choy submitted a proposal for the creation of an Asian American Studies Program to then Chancellor Donna Shalala. Submitted under the name “Asian Coalition”, an alliance of Asian American faculty, staff, students, the Asian American Student Union, and community members, the proposal demanded that the university commit resources for the serious scholarly inquiry of Asian American experiences. The coalition demanded the establishment of an Asian American Studies Program within the College of Letters and Sciences.
Bridges, a newsletter.
Created by faculty, staff, and students within the Asian American Studies program at UW–Madison, this newsletter explores recent developments in the field of Asian American studies.
Become a Student Ambassador:
The Asian American Studies Ambassadors promote the positive and inclusive experiences of students during their time in the program. If you love sharing your enthusiasm and experiences, consider applying.
Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Student Center
Focused on the experiences of APIDA students, this center hosts academic, professional, and social programs throughout the year to enhance the student experience, support student success, and foster a sense of belonging.
Events
News
Fill the Hill 2026
The Asian American Studies program at UW–Madison invites you to join us as we fill Bascom Hill with pink flamingos and raise funds for our program. Donating to Asian American Studies will aid our teaching, research, and student programming. “As an Anthropology student, the Asian American Studies program has allowed me to explore elements of…
COURSES
Topics
The Asian American Studies program offers courses on the impact of colonialism, war, capitalism, Hmong American culture, literatures, and beyond.
Dr. Lisa Ho
Academic Advising
Receive guidance on your plan of study, find career support, mentorship, and more through individual meetings with our academic advisor.
FACULTY AND STAFF
People
In addition to Asian American Studies, our award-winning faculty specialize in topics of English, History, Dance, Hmong American Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, Communication Arts, and Anthropology.
Connect with us.
Find the Asian American Studies program on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest news and events for students and community members.