The Armenian Studies Program

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 and Dr. Ronald Suny became its first holder. In 1987, the Manoogians endowed a second position, the Marie Manoogian Chair in Armenian Language and Literature and Dr. Kevork Bardakjian became its first holder. In 1988, Professor Bardakjian founded the Summer Armenian Language Institute in Yerevan. The Summer Program offers introductory courses in Classical, Eastern and Western Armenian. In 1994, Professor Suny resigned from his position and Dr. Stephanie Platz was appointed to the Chair (1997-2000). Following two years of one-semester teaching, Dr. Gerard Libaridian was appointed in 2003 the Visiting Alex Manoogian Professor of Modern Armenian History.

In 1997, Professor Bardakjian moved the Marie Manoogian Chair from the Slavic to the Department of Near Eastern Studies, which became the home Department for the ASP. From 1995 to 2007, Professor Bardakjian was Director of the ASP. On September 1, 2007, Professor Libaridian became the Director of ASP. A Steering Committee, made up of faculty from the University of Michigan, helps the Director run the ASP. An Advisory Council, appointed by the University of Michigan and the Alex and Marie Manoogian Fund, supports the activities of the ASP.

The Armenian Studies Program is the umbrella structure for the two Chairs and the Summer Armenian Institute in Yerevan, and coordinates their activities, organizes lectures, symposia and conferences and outreach programs for the community. The Program offers a wide range of courses on all periods of Armenian language, literature, history and culture. Occasionally, specialists are invited to teach areas not covered by the chair-holders. The ASP offers graduate degrees and undergraduate concentration (both minor and major) in Armenian Studies.