Steven Pau is a graduate of the Class of 2014, receiving Bachelor’s degrees in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (AMES) and a unique, self-designed major titled “Japanese Culture and Language Studies (JCLS).” During the 2013-14 year, Steven has worked on a number of projects across campus to better his own and others’ understanding of the construct of identity as a social and political entity. His research for his Honors Thesis titled “Deconstruction and Reconstruction of Self Identity: A Critical Analysis of Zainichi Korean Identity” has been influential in shaping his goals for the future as a university professor and researcher. Pulling from his own heritage, he examines the history of Japanese colonization and the Korean minority group it ultimately created in contemporary society, examining discourses of identity and the difficulties Koreans in Japan face creating their own identity today. He is working to have excerpts of his thesis published in academic journals within the year. Another project Steven is extremely proud of is the William and Mary Issues of Identity Conference, a conference dedicated to examining how identity is shaped through race, gender, sexual orientation, and class constructs in society. He hopes that this conference will encourage the campus to not simply accept multiculturalism and diversity, but actively work toward promoting them. Steven’s deep interests in the cross-section of nationalism and identity, critical race theory, and the way in which these discourses have shaped contemporary East Asia will serve as the core of his research at Duke University in the pursuit of a Master of Arts in East Asian Studies. Following his three-year program at Duke, Steven plans to pursue a Doctorate and become a professor at a reputable university in order to give back to the community and honor the professors that helped him succeed.
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