Professor Tan

E.K. Tan is an Associate Professor of Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies in the Department of English at Stony Brook University. He specializes in postcolonial studies, diaspora studies, and the intersection of Asian and Anglophone literature. Professor Tan’s comforting presence and approachable demeanor creates an inclusive and supportive classroom environment where students feel encouraged to engage, explore diverse perspectives, and grow academically and personally.

What made you pursue your current profession?

I used to dream of becoming a journalist. Most people from my nation of Singapore would not choose to go to Taiwan to study, but I did. When I was in college in Taiwan, I double majored in Chinese Studies and English Literature. I met a bunch of professors in the English Department who I am good friends with today, and one of them, Kate Liu, got her PhD from Stony Brook, which inspired me to be something different. She saw potential in me, so I got my Masters Degree and eventually got my PhD, and I decided that I love learning so much that I want to stay in a classroom, even as a professor. I’m learning every single day. I’m also from a working-class family and a first-generation college student. There are so many people out there who are just like me, and if I can be that person to share my journey as an educator, that would be fulfilling my life mission in a way. 

What’s the most fulfilling part of your career?

This career allows me to be so in touch with my passion. It makes me feel so content that I can inspire generations of students that I come across. Even if there are students who are not getting what I’m teaching at that moment, there may be a time in the future when my teachings can help them solve some struggles in life. 

What inspired you to specialize in your current field?

Because I come from a culture that has a colonial history, I am very sensitive to other foreign cultures that have had an impact on colonial structures as well. I love postcolonial literature because it’s all about figuring out national and cultural identities. Still, I also got frustrated with postcolonial studies because I realized it is always about national identity and the nation’s struggle. I started wondering about the individual. That led me to learn more about the diaspora gradually. It’s more focused on the individual and community. 

What has been your favorite research project you’ve worked on?

One of my articles that came out in September is called “Parasite: Conceptualizing a Sinophone Approach and Ethics,” and many people wondered why an academic essay has this concept called parasite. I’m using the concept of parasite to name the type of work that scholars like myself do. We are Sinophone studies scholars who question the political authority of a place like mainland China or any state, national or corporate power that continues to influence, shape or even suppress local and regional Sinophone communities. I talk about how mainland China uses its power to silence people, particularly protesters in Hong Kong, and how the protests continue to persevere because you can never fully suppress minority voices. They will find a way to latch onto the main body power and persist to be a nuisance to that  power. Unfortunately, at the moment the dissent voices in Hong Kong are void of an outlet due aggressive national security policies imposed on its people. 

What classes have you taught at Stony Brook? Do you have any favorites?

I’ve taught a lot of different classes. In my former Department, Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature, I taught history, genre, film theory, intro to cultural studies, cultural theory, and all sorts of stuff. For undergraduates, my current class has been my favorite (EGL 492.01: Global Asias and Anglophone Literature). I’ve taught versions of Anglophone literature coursesbefore, but it’s always been broader in terms of geographical scope. This class is more focused on historical events in Asia in the 20th century, and I love it. It gives the class a more focused direction and allows us to think of literature as closely linked to how we understand the world as a whole through the intrinsic connection between relatable human experiences and history.