Asian Studies Major

Major students are required to master at least one Asian language on the advanced intermediate level. In addition, students should have one semester, summer or short-term study-abroad experience or, with the permission of the Director, an alternative Asian American community experience in the local area. Because the field is vast, each student needs to work closely with the Director of the program and a faculty advisor to design an academic plan that meets individual interests and career goals. This plan should have a thematic emphasis or area emphasis, such as history and culture, politics, or East Asia. In consultation with the Director of the program and their advisor, students may also develop their own special area of emphasis.

Students are strongly advised to attend all events (such as lectures, films, and symposia) sponsored by the Barbara and Richard M. Rosenberg Institute for East Asian Studies, and participate in extracurricular activities related to Asia on campus or in the Asian American community at large.

Required Major Course Components (32 credit)

Students must take courses from at least three departments, with no more than 20 credits from any one department.  See the course list here.

Language Requirement

To qualify for admittance to the major, students must demonstrate proficiency in one Asian Language at the advanced intermediate-level. This can be fulfilled by successful completion of an Intermediate Level II Asian language course with an average grade of “B” or by passing the same level language test offered by the Modern Language Department.  The present language courses offered are Chinese and Japanese.

Study Abroad or a Local Asian American Community Experience

Students must complete either option A or B:

A.  A Semester, Summer or Short Term Study Abroad in Asia  (which must bear at least 4 credits)            
or
B. AS 500 – Asian American Community Experience (4 credits)

This course facilitates students’ exposure to Asian American communities and enhances their knowledge of diverse Asian cultures through research projects and service activities or an internship. Students will study under the guidance of the Director of the Major program and/or a faculty member as well as work with a community organization or service agency for a semester. They will engage in specific projects or an internship in collaboration with the assigned organization or agency to understand the cultural values and current issues relating to Asian populations. They will complete required hours as per the arrangement with the site and submit a comprehensive service/research report on their learning process and critical reflection of their experience at the end of the semester.

Asian Studies Minor

The Minor in Asian Studies requires 20 credits selected from the Required Major course list. Students must take courses from at least two departments.

Language Requirement

To qualify for admittance to the minor, students must demonstrate proficiency in one Asian Language at the advanced elementary level. This can be fulfilled by successful completion of an elementary Level II Asian language course with an average grade of “B” or by passing the same-level language test offered by the Modern Language Department. The present language courses offered are Chinese and Japanese.