Co-ordinator
Edward Y.J. Chung
Co-ordinating Committee
Mian B. Ali, Economics
Ian Dowbiggin, History
Philip G. Davis, Religious Studies
Scott Lee, Modern Languages
Henry Srebrnik, Political Science
Asia is the home of the most ancient and longest-lived civilizations the world has witnessed and of most of the world's present population. Moreover, recent history would be impossible to write without frequent reference to Asia. Many of the momentous events of modern times can be evoked by the names of Asian countries: Japan, China, Israel, India, Pakistan, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq. The resolution of many of today's pressing issues requires an understanding of the needs and interests of the Asian peoples.
Requirements for a Minor in Asian Studies
A minor in Asian Studies consists of twenty-one (21) semester hours of credit taken from the list of approved courses. Asian Studies 201 and 202 are compulsory for the Minor. At least three semester hours of credit must be taken from any two of the four groups of Asian Studies electives. Students must take at least six semester hours of elective credit outside of their major area of study.
Asian Studies Core Courses
201 INTRODUCTION TO WEST ASIA
This course is an historical introduction to the peoples and cultures of West Asia. It explores the major cultural, intellectual, institutional, social, and religious features of the Middle East, central Asia, and the Indian subcontinent, covering each region's traditions and historical development. The course also deals with modernization and the impact of Western ideas, values, and institutions on modern West Asia. This is a required course for the Minor in Asian Studies.
Cross-listed with History (cf. History 291 )
Three hours a week.
202 INTRODUCTION TO EAST ASIA
This course is an historical introduction to the peoples and cultures of East Asia. It explores the major cultural, intellectual, institutional, social, and religious features of China, Japan, and Korea, covering each region's traditions and modern developments. This course also introduces Taiwan, Hong Kong, and the impact of Western ideas and institutions on modern East Asia. This is a required course for the Minor in Asian Studies.
Cross-listed with History (cf. History 292 )
Three hours a week
209 SPECIAL TOPICS
Creation of a course code for Special Topics offered by Asian Studies at the 200 level.
309 SPECIAL TOPICS
Creation of a course code for Special Topics offered by Asian Studies at the 300 level.
409 SPECIAL TOPICS
Creation of a course code for Special Topics offered by Asian Studies at the 400 level.
451-452 DIRECTED STUDIES
These courses may be offered to meet particular student needs or take advantage of special faculty expertise.
Three hours a week per course
NOTE: Directed Studies courses from other disciplines with an Asian focus may be accepted for credit towards the Minor with the approval of the Coordinator of Asian Studies. (See Academic Regulation 9 for Regulations Governing Directed Studies.)
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ASIAN LANGUAGE COURSES
101 INTRODUCTION TO [A SELECTED LANGUAGE] I
This course provides an introduction to the language in question, through the study of pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar. It includes numerous oral drills, frequent written exercises, short oral presentations and simple readings.
Three hours a week
102 INTRODUCTION TO [A SELECTED LANGUAGE] II
This course is a continuation of 101. It provides further study of vocabulary and grammar and introduces aspects of civilization.
Three hours a week
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Asian Studies Electives
Language Courses (see above 101 and 102)
Peoples and Cultures
Sociology/Anthropology 212 - Peoples of South Asia
Religion and the Arts
Religious Studies 221 - Buddhism East and West
Religious Studies 242 - The Hindu Religious Tradition
Religious Studies 251 - Japanese Religion and Culture
Religious Studies 261 - Religion and Philosophy in China
Religious Studies 321 - Women in Eastern Religions
History and Politics
Political Science 343 - Comparative Politics of South Asia
Political Science 363 - Comparative Politics of the Middle East
PREREQUISITES: The Departments of Political Science, Religious Studies, and Sociology/Anthropology accept Asian Studies 201/202 as substitute prerequisites for any of their courses on this list.
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