Interview with Professor Darren Zook

On May 5, 2003, Janny My Yen Truong, a second-year Asian Studies major interviewed Darren Zook, a lecturer in Political Science and Asian Studies.

JT: What types of class have you been teaching?

DZ: Comparative Asian Politics, Human Rights, International Relations in Asia and the Pacific, Terrorism.

JT: What classes are you currently teaching?

DZ: Asian Studies 10A-Traditional Asian Cultures, Political Science 149 - Politics of Southeast Asia, Peace and Conflict Studies 135 - Regional Conflict in South Asia.

JT: How long have you been a professor?

DZ: 6 years at UC Berkeley, 1/2 year at Claremont College Southern California, 1/2 year at UC Davis

JT: What made you decide to become a professor? Why didn't you want to become a grade school teacher?

DZ: I felt that this would be a level where I would be most effective; where the contribution would work best. It's just the feeling I have.

JT: What are some of the obstacles you have faced to get where you are today? What is the process to become a professor?

DZ: As a graduate student, I learned discipline and how to ask the right questions and observe how the world works. If you have new and creative ideas, you have to go through extra effort to prove yourself in the face of resistance. When I try to introduce new ideas into the field, there are some people arguing against it, saying that new ideas would be ineffective. Hence, it is hard to introduce new ideas into the curriculum.

JT: How did you become interested in Asia? What is so exotic about Asia? What amazes you?

DZ: Before I went to graduate school, I had strong beliefs that there is no way to understand oneself without understanding something different. I also believe that self-centeredness, in terms of understanding of one's own culture/country, is one reason why we have cultural conflicts. It is also the choice I've made. I know that I have to choose something, so I have chosen my focus on Asia. I feel that much of Asia is disturbing and amazing, which makes it no different than America.

JT: What did you study in college? How did you do? How do you rate yourself?

DZ: As an undergraduate student, I had a double major in mathematics (theoretical/topography) and political science. I got my Ph.D in history. (giggles) I have never asked for an extension on any assignments. I feel that to become a successful student, you have to learn to have fun while you earn good grades.

JT: Which college(s) did you go to?

DZ: I went to the University of Texas in San Antonio for my undergraduate degree and U.C. Berkeley for my master's and Ph.D degrees.

JT: What countries have you lived in/visited?

DZ: Japan, Hong Kong SAR, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, France, Switzerland, England, Italy, Malaysia, Mexico and Canada.

JT: What languages do you speak?

DZ: (looking up the ceiling). It's hard to answer this question. Let's just say I've learned several Asian languages and European languages, such as French, German and Spanish.

JT: Why is it important to study Asia?

DZ: It's important to study many things. Asia, in terms of the population, economy and social/cultural diversity, is significant enough in itself. Asia consists of 1/3 of the world's population. Beyond that, Asian cultures have a huge influence in America. By understanding Asia, it is my way to understand America better. Asia just happens to be one of the many important areas we could study about.

JT: What are you researching now?

DZ: I've been working on several projects, such as issues dealing with human rights in Indonesia, and other projects on religion and civil society. I am also finishing a book on economic development and civil society in southern India. I have been starting another book on international law and decolonization in Asia. I have done some articles on issues regarding conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region, such as weapons of mass destruction and civil war in Sri Lanka.

JT: What do you think other Asian Studies majors will want to know? What kind of advice would you give them?

DZ: Asian Studies is a great major for exploring great interest in Asia. There are other things you can do in this department that you can't do in other departments. Asian Studies majors are able to talk to faculty/students to try to define and explore their own interests on an individual basis.

After graduating, I would recommend Asian studies majors use their major to their own advantage. When they have some idea of what they should do with their lives, take advantage of what they learn from that major. For example, if you are interested in Asian law, use your Asian Studies classes to explore this further in depth. Whatever you do, you just have to broadly define yourself and explore your own interest. There are things that you could do in this department that will make you attractive for graduate school and employment. For example, as an Asian Studies major, you would be able to study Asia comparatively in different fields and gain basic knowledge based on Asia.

JT: Do you recommend other Asian Studies majors consider becoming a professor? Why or why not? If so, what are the steps you think students should take?

DZ: Academia is one choice but not the only choice. If you know what you want to do in life, go for it! For an Asian Studies major, you are able to go onto many fields. The major is a good base for so many different fields, such as working in Asia.

As a student, I could have majored in Asian politics but unfortunately during those days, Asian Studies was defined as a disciplined major.

JT: What is your lifetime motto? (words of wisdom)

DZ: If you expect to find the answers to all your questions in your lifetime, then you are not asking big enough questions.

JT: Have you considered working in other job fields besides teaching? Like becoming a stunt comedian?

DZ: Sure, a comedian, musician or stuntman sounds like an option.

JT: How do you like teaching at UC Berkeley?

DZ: I love teaching here. UC Berkeley is a dynamic environment. The students are great. The atmosphere is full of energy.

UC Berkeley cannot be compared to other colleges I have taught in. I don't really like how UC Davis is in Central Valley because the weather there can be so hot. Smog in the Claremont college environment is too much to handle.

JT: How long are you planning to teach at UC Berkeley?

DZ: As long as they would have me.

JT: What classes are you teaching next semester?

DZ: Umm decisions are still pending and it will be determined later. If anyone of you would like to be in my class(s) next semester, my advice is to go check the electronic catalog by early August. Thank You!