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The Armenian Studies Program (ASP) is built on the solid foundation of courses offered by the two endowed chairs in Armenian studies: The Alex Manoogian Chair in Modern Armenian History (1981) and the Marie Manoogian Chair in Armenian Language and Literature (1987). The program offers graduate student, post-doctoral, pre-doctoral and visiting scholar fellowships; graduate and undergraduate student research support; specialized symposia, workshops and conferences; and public lectures and outreach programs. These events are designed to encourage the understanding within the University community and the larger public of the history, culture, politics and economy of Armenians in Armenia and in the Diaspora. The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, offers undergraduate concentration and minor in Armenian studies; MA and PhD degrees are offered through the University’s centers for regional studies and departments.
History
The origins of the Armenian Studies Program (ASP) at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, lie in the Armenian language and later history classes taught beginning in 1976 by a number of known scholars and teachers. In 1981, Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Marie Manoogian endowed the Alex Manoogian Chair in Modern Armenian History (Department of History) and Professor Ronald Suny became its first holder. Professor Stephanie Platz held the position from 1997 to 2000, and Professor Gerard Libaridian has occupied it since 2001.
Alex (1901-1996) and Marie (1903- 1993) Manoogian
In 1987, the Manoogian family endowed a second position, the Marie Manoogian Chair in Armenian Language and Literature and Dr. Kevork Bardakjian has held that position since that time. In 1997 the Marie Manoogian Chair was moved from the Slavic to the Department to the Department of Near Eastern Studies.
Ronald Suny Kevork Bardakjian
Professor Ronald Suny directed the program, officially established in 1981, until 1995. From 1995 to 2007, Professor Kevork Bardakjian was Director of the ASP, followed by Professor Gerard Libaridian who has been directing it since 2007.
Current Director Gerard Libaridian
ASP is one of the 18 units of the International Institute of the University; a Steering Committee guides its programming and budgeting policies while a smaller Executive Committee supervises the implementation of programs.
Ms. Ingrid Peterson has been ASP Administrator since 2009.
The activities of the Program are currently supported by a number of endowments and major gifts from the Manoogian Simone Foundation (New York) and the Alex and Marie Manoogian Foundation (Taylor, Michigan).
Left to right- Marie Manoogian, Ronald Suny, Kevork Bardakjian
Governance
Director
Kathryn Babayan, Director, Program in Armenian Studies; Associate Professor of Iranian History & Culture
Executive Committee Members, 2012 - 2013
- Kathryn Babayan, Director, Program in Armenian Studies; Associate Professor of Iranian History & Culture
- Kevork Bardakjian, Marie Manoogian Professor of Armenian Language and Literature
- Ronald Suny, Charles Tilly Collegiate Professor of Social and Political History
Steering Committee Members, Members, 2012-13
- Prof. Kathryn Babayan, Director, Program in Armenian Studies, Associate Professor of Iranian History & Culture
- Prof. Kevork Bardakjian, Marie Manoogian Professor of Armenian Language and Literature
- Prof. Michael David Bonner, Professor of Near Eastern Studies
- Prof. Geoff Eley, Professor of History
- Prof. Gottfried Hagen, Associate Professor of Turkish Studies
- Prof. Ara Sanjian, Associate Professor of Armenian and Middle Eastern History
- Prof. Ronald Suny, Charles Tilly Collegiate Professor of Social and Political History
- Prof. Juan Cole, Director, Center for Middle Eastern and North African Studies; Richard P Mitchell Collegeate Professor of History
- Prof. Olga Maiorova, Director, Center for Russian East European, and Eurasian Studies; Associate Professor Slavic Languages and Literatures
