Expanding multicultural studies

Last week, the University announced plans to add a program in South Asian studies. Following faculty approval on May 14, students will be able to receive a certificate in that area of study. In the wake of this addition, many students have discussed the potential need for other new programs. In particular, some feel that there is an underrepresentation of the experiences of ethnic minorities in the United States.

Currently, interest exists for potential programs focusing on the experiences of Hispanic Americans and Asian Americans. Enhanced academic offerings in both areas are likely to elicit substantial student interest and are of great social importance in contemporary America.

Enlarging the University's offerings in these areas would be an excellent step toward addressing these issues. Presently, only a handful of faculty are dedicated to teaching and researching such topics. Moreover, students wishing to focus on these areas are left without the institutional benefits that come with a department. For example, most programs have funding for thesis research and thesis prizes and can also help organize course and independent work for students.

Most importantly, the study of multicultural experience in America is integral to fulfilling the University's mission to act in the nation's service. To become leaders and work to serve others, it is necessary that Princeton students understand the ethnic history of the groups they represent and serve. Such an understanding is frequently omitted from our history and politics courses, which tend to focus on mainstream and predominantly white trends in America.

Though the expansion of these studies is beneficial, separate certificate programs do not need to be created. Instead, the University should work to expand the Program in America Studies. By adding professors dedicated to separate minority experiences to this program, separate tracks could exist within the program for the specific branch of American Studies the student wishes to pursue. The program would maintain its current requirements but also allow students to fulfill their requirements with new courses on the experience of various distinct and underrepresented ethnic and cultural groups. At the same time, students pursuing these studies would receive the benefits of an established program.

The new program in South Asian studies is a fantastic addition to the University's breadth of study. It has reminded many, however, that other worthy areas of cultural study may still be ignored. By expanding the efforts within the Program in American Studies to teach and research the experience of ethnic minorities in the United States, students can gain fresh insights into a vital element of America. Only then can a truly full picture of American society and people emerge.