APA studies-the concentrated study of the experiences of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the Americas-is a legitimate academic endeavor, entirely distinct from the Asian Languages and Civilizations major currently offered at Amherst and one in which students ought to be able to participate in and receive recognition for. The other four colleges agree and have accepted, or
are in the process of accepting, the program. The argument advanced by the College for not recognizing the certificate-that Amherst did not have enough professors in the field to make a meaningful contribution to the program-is flawed in two ways.
First, the whole idea underlying the certificate programs is to allow students in the five colleges to engage in a program of study that none of the institutions can offer on its own as a major. The fact that Amherst does not offer enough classes in APA studies (it currently offers only two) to make for a meaningful program would seem a powerful argument for, rather than against, allowing Amherst students interested in the field to pursue a five college certificate.
Secondly, the recognition of such a program would provide a real incentive to the College to increase the number of courses offered in APA studies and to dedicate more FTEs to the study of the Asian- and Pacific Islander-American experience. We have not recognized the APA studies certificate for the better part of a decade and we are no closer now than we were then to having a significant APA studies program at Amherst.
Those interested in pursuing African studies, international relations and Latin American and Caribbean studies have the opportunity to receive a five college certificate for their efforts. The same should be available for those interested in APA studies.