Director’s Message

Welcome to the Center for Asian Studies! 

Given the nature of UT Dallas and the communities that we serve, a concept related to science and engineering provides a uniquely appropriate metaphor to introduce our mission. Torque refers to the enhancement of power that results when forces converge at the correct angle. We foster the productive convergence of Asian and Western perspectives, ideas, and ideals across the spectrum of human endeavor from the natural sciences and engineering to the creative and performing arts, from economic and commercial interaction to the humanities and the desire to endow our lives with deeper meaning.  

Our mission, stated succinctly, is to promote greater mutual knowledge of Asia and Asian America in the belief that the understanding emerging from this knowledge will benefit everyone who is a member of or connected with the Asian community. To achieve our mission, the Center for Asian Studies provides academic opportunities, offers cultural events, and supports research projects conducted by faculty members and students. Since our founding in 2019, we have intensified our interest in Asian American studies and in the social, economic and philosophic implications of issues emerging from developments in technology. 

We also act as a catalyst, collaborating with partners within The University of Texas at Dallas, in the community, and internationally to support initiatives that bring together the arts and humanities with science and advanced technology. A perfect example is the exhibition “Rare Earth: The Art and Science of Chinese Stone” that we partnered with the Crow Museum of Asian Art and UTD’s Department of Sustainable Earth Systems Sciences to create. 

I invite you to support and participate our efforts on behalf of Asian studies. Read about our activities elsewhere on this site. Attend our events. Learn an Asian language in one of our community classes. Serve on an advisory council or committee. Add your force to the ones fostering mutual understanding and productive interaction in our globally interconnected world. 

  

Thank you! 谢谢你！धन्यवाद! ありがとう！감사합니다! 

Dr. Dennis M. Kratz 
Founding Director