Faculty: Munson, Chair; Cai (Chinese Studies), MacLauchlan (Japanese Studies), Paris (Japanese Studies), Wen (Chinese Studies).
In this ‘Pacific Century,’ Asia has never played so crucial a role on the world stage, as the forces of globalization bind the world’s people together in new and unexpected ways. An Asian Studies major lays the groundwork for a career – perhaps a lifetime – of specialized engagement with this captivating part of the world: language, popular culture, art, society, religion, economy, philosophy, and history are all facets of a core curriculum that leads students towards careers as journalists, public policy experts, government analysts, teachers, and so much more. Majors are also enriched by a travel experience to Asia, made possible through the college’s January term travel courses; strong relationships with colleges such as Kansai Gaidai, in Japan; and ISEP, which places accepted students in exchange programs all around the world.
These courses focus on areas of Asian Studies not specifically covered in the general curriculum. The topics considered will change with each offering. Offered as needed.
This course introduces East Asian visual culture from premodern times to contemporary periods. Students will learn the art history and visual discourses in China, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea through the following topics: ancient aesthetics, modern fashions, popular visual media, war and propaganda, sports, and avant-garde movements. All lectures, discussions, and assignments will be in English. This course fulfills the AOK requirement in Arts and Literature (arts) and CAR in non-western culture. C21:AE,HU,NW.
Curriculum: AE,HU,NW
These courses focus on areas of Asian Studies not specifically covered in the general curriculum. The topics considered will change with each offering. Offered as needed.
The course is a basic introduction to the cultures of China, Japan, and to a limited extent, Korea. We will discuss the histories of these civilizations from their beginnings to the present, touching briefly upon the major cultural, political, and social developments of each region. Evaluation will be determined on the basis of short quizzes, exams, and a research project. C21:GE,HU,NW.
Curriculum: GE,HU,NW
An examination of major issues facing contemporary East Asian politics, society, and culture. Through news articles and analysis, audio and video documentaries, blogs, and other diverse media, students will explore such topics as China's economic rise, the influence of Japanese popular culture on Asia and the world, freedom of speech and internet censorship, the future of Tibet and Taiwan, and the success and failures of the "Asian educational model." By the end of the course, students should be versant in the fundamental issues facing the East Asian region, and able to articulate well-informed responses to these questions both orally and in writing. ASTU 290 is recommended but not required. C21:GE,NW,SS.
These courses focus on areas of Asian Studies not otherwise covered in the curriculum.
A culminating research project completed in conjunction with a regularly scheduled major course, as a special topics project, or as a significant research project outside of a class. Offered yearly. C21:CS.
Curriculum: CS
Qualified students may combine their classroom knowledge with practical experience in internship placements; placements in Asia will be considered. Students will complete a project mutually agreed on by the student, the supervisor, and the instructor. Open to juniors and seniors with the permission of the Asian Studies program. Application required; see Internship Program. C21:EL.
Curriculum: EL