Description

Purpose of grant:                     For the Asian Studies Development Program. Amount recommended:                A two-year grant of $225,000. Summary:                     The Asian Studies Development Program, a collaboration of the East-West Center (EWC) and University of Hawai’i, was launched in 1990 to enhance teaching about Asia at American two- and four-year colleges and universities. Established in consultation with groups including the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and National Association of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, ASDP programs are designed to help non-specialist educators infuse Asia content into the undergraduate curriculum and develop teaching expertise on Asia that is responsive to diverse student, institutional, and community needs.  To date, more than 2,500 faculty have participated in summer institutes in Honolulu, field seminars in Asia, workshops on the U.S. mainland, and an annual conference. HLF assisted ASDP in the late 1990s through two grants totaling $525,000. A grant would support two-week summer institutes, one focused on China (2022) and a second on Southeast Asia (2023), each involving faculty teams from five to seven institutions. ASDP would prioritize outreach to and recruitment from minority-serving schools, through networks such as the Black China Caucus, National Association for Black Engagement with Asia, and AANAPISI (Asian American Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions). The institute’s first week is devoted to history and culture and the second to contemporary issues, including a session on identity and inclusion. In addition to morning lecture/discussions on content and pedagogy, each would include film screenings, a museum visit, and an afternoon session on the Asian American experience. Faculty teams work collaboratively to develop teaching materials, design courses and course modules, and draft strategic plans for expanding Asian studies offerings at their institutions. As a cohort, the team members support each other and work with administrators and other faculty on their return to campus.  Post-institute workshops for the cohort bring relevant experts to three of the campuses each year. Designed in consultation with the teams and in response to student and community interests, they feature presentations for students, discussion of curriculum design and implementation, and meetings with faculty and administrators. Grant funds would cover a travel stipend for each of the 20 faculty participants per year; lodging; honoraria for presenters; consulting fees; and a portion of planning and administration. EWC would provide meeting space; university library, facilities and Internet access; and staff time. Participating institutions are responsible for travel costs in excess of the stipend and a contribution to help defray the costs of hospitality. Recommendation:                          That the Directors of the Henry Luce Foundation approve a two-year grant of $225,000 to East-West Center to support the Asian Studies Development Program.   https://www.eastwestcenter.org/ https://www.eastwestcenter.org/professional-development/asian-studies-development-program