The Freeman Foundation has granted $2 million to Claremont McKenna and Pitzer colleges to support new initiatives in Asian Studies over a four-year period, especially toward the development of new courses in the political economy of Asia.
Together, the colleges have nearly 40 faculty members out of 223 with an interest in Asian Studies and both schools offer interdisciplinary majors in Asian Studies. Despite this, there is a lack of courses in Asian political economy. The grant will provide financial incentives for faculty to develop new courses and modify existing ones. "The recent Asian currency and financial crisis is but one illustration of the importance of political economy considerations for the global economy," said Thomas Willett, professor of economics at CMC. "This grant will allow us to greatly expand our teaching and research in this area and to emphasize its importance not just for Asian specialists but for all of us who live in an increasingly interdependent world."
The grant will fund new research seminars; a proposed visiting scholar program; travel opportunities for students and faculty to study in Asia; community seminars and lectures; and outreach to local schools. The grant also will support lectures by Asian students from Claremont Graduate University. These students, in addition to sharing knowledge about their native countries, will participate in research teams.
"Trade links between the Inland Empire and Asia have expanded considerably in recent years, and China's recent admission to the WTO signals Asia's growing importance in world affairs," said Jim Lehman, professor of economics at Pitzer. "The Freeman Grant, which gives the colleges crucial support for new courses, student and faculty research, and scholarly exchange, will allow us to leverage some of the path- breaking work we already have under way, for example in our study-abroad program in China and in our outreach to area high schools via the Claremont International Studies Education Project."
Similar to the existing Freeman Visiting Scholars program at CMC, the proposed joint visiting professorship program will bring two visiting scholars to the colleges to work on Asian issues, ensuring a range of knowledge in many areas of economics. These visiting professors will also serve as consultants for faculty in the design of new courses and course components.
Based in Stowe, Vt., the Freeman Foundation was developed by Houghton "Buck" Freeman, whose father, Mansfield Freeman, helped found American International Group (AIG). Born in China during World War I, Houghton Freeman returned to the United States when the Communists took over. After the death of his father in 1992, Freeman established the private, philanthropic Foundation for the purpose of strengthening bonds between the U.S. and the countries of East Asia. The Foundation grants about $50 million each year to various organizations, including those that foster greater Asian-American appreciation and understanding.