Global Asian Studies

Global Asian Studies (GLAS) engages in the interdisciplinary study of Asia, as well as transoceanic and transnational Asian diasporas. With its emphasis on diasporas, transnationalism, and comparative ethnic/racial studies, Global Asian Studies aims to better understand the globalized world we live in, and redress some of the shortcomings of a limited focus on either area studies (Asian studies) or ethnic studies (Asian American Studies) alone.

Global Asian Studies also includes new immigration patterns and historical shifts in U.S. and global racial formations, including lslamaphobia, new Orientalisms, and anti-Black, as well as anti-Arab/Muslim, racisms. Anchored by an intersectional, social justice, and community-engaged framework, the pedagogical and intellectual work of Global Asian Studies promotes an understanding of Asia and Asian diasporas as complex nexuses of knowledge and power, shaped and reshaped over time and space.

An education in Global Asian Studies can open up a variety of careers in the arts, business, education, government, health sciences, international affairs, public policy, media relations, politics, and social services.

GLAS is now offered as a Major and a Minor!

Below is a sample of how UIC alumni have applied their GLAS major to a professional path!

• Art Healing Fellow, KAN-WIN
• Behavior Therapist, Action Behavior Center
• Case Manager, Community Counseling & Crisis Center
• Community Organizer, Vietnamese Association of Illinois
• Facilities Manager, Kraft Heinz
• GIS Coordinator, DePaul University
• Senior Data Analyst, Chicago Public Schools
• Service Delivery Specialist, Vizient, Inc
• Student Mentor, UIC Asian American Resource and Cultural Center
• UX Designer, Develop for Good

In addition to the foundation set of skills and competencies you will gain in any liberal arts and science major, there are also unique skills and perspectives you gain from your GLAS major. Review the list below to learn more:

• Ability to research and understand social, political, economic, and cultural histories of Asian peoples in a variety of contexts around the globe.
• Competence in understanding and addressing the particular needs and issues of Asian immigrant and diasporic communities in the United States and other places.
• Ability to utilize skills and knowledge in activism, engaged research projects, community initiatives, and educational and public policy.
• Ability to engage in public discourses on racial and economic equity, social justice, feminism, and gender and sexual rights in local, national, and transnational contexts.
• Acquire a broad perspective on Asia that is informed by perspectives of Asian American studies, Asian studies, race and ethnic studies, gender and sexuality studies, and migration and diaspora studies.
• Develop critical thinking and analysis that is informed by multiple, interdisciplinary frameworks of thought, including criminology, history, sociology, cultural studies, political science, gender studies, education, psychology, healthcare, science, and technology

There are many work place settings, industries, and career areas you can apply your major based on your professional interests. What type of setting or career focus appeals to you?

• Arts, Media, and Communications
• Business and Entrepreneurship
• Cultural and Museum Studies
• Education
• Government, International Affairs, and Public Service
• Healthcare, Global Health, and Wellness
• Law and Legal Services
• Marketing, Advertising, and Public Relations
• Social Services
• Tourism and Travel
• Writing and Editing