New Directions in Asian American Religions: A C3 Symposium - CANCELED

Fri, March 13th, 2020
9:00 am - 3:30 pm

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Asian American studies is a vibrant area of inquiry in the U.S. academy. How does religion matter for Asian American studies? How do scholars of religion engage with topics, theories, and methods in Asian American studies? What questions, issues, and concerns should be at the forefront of the study of Asian American religions as we enter the third decade of the 21st century? In the morning of this day-long symposium, four early-career scholars will convene on the Williams campus to share new work on Asian American religions from a variety of perspectives and approaches. In the afternoon, two senior scholars will reflect on the morning papers and future directions in the study of Asian American religions.

This symposium is organized by the Williams College Department of Religion and the Office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Inclusion with generous support from the Creating Connections Consortium (C3). Audience Q&A to follow each presentation. All are welcome.

 9am – 12:45 pm Paper Presentations

“Deconstructing the Diaspora: New Approaches to the Study of Hinduism in the Caribbean,” Prea Persaud

“Is Caribbean Hinduism an Asian American Religion?” Rupa Pillai

“Mobile Masculinities: Jats and Religious Authority in the Sikh Diaspora of the Pacific Northwest,” Sasha Sabherwal

“An Alternative to the Westernization Paradigm,” Lena Verchery

2pm Senior Scholars in the Field Respond

Khyati Joshi (Farleigh Dickinson University) and Tat-siong Benny Liew (College of the Holy Cross) will respond to the morning papers and open up a broader conversation on the future of the study of Asian American religions.

The first event of this symposium is a performance of Meena’s Dream on Thursday, March 12 at 7 pm on the CenterStage of the ’62 Center. Please join us!

Photo by Jati Lindsay. World Premiere of Meena’s Dream at Forum Theatre January 2014.

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