Asian Studies

Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary major and minor that encourages, facilitates, and recognizes the study of Asia, broadly defined as the region from the Arabian peninsula to the Philippines, including but not limited to the present states of China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Burma, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and the Central Asian Republics of the former Soviet Union. Courses may also include the study of Asian diasporas.

Asian Studies students prepare themselves for graduate study or professional work by studying the language, history, culture, and politics of the region and its diasporas. Currently, departments including Art and Art History, Economics, English, History, Languages and Linguistics, Philosophy, Political Science, Theology and Religious Studies offer Asian Studies courses. Students are encouraged to study abroad in an Asian country as part of their university program. The program offers a limited number of scholarships in support of such study. The major includes a 2-semester Immersion experience that may include intensive language study, an internship or work experience, study abroad, or independent, guided research.

Students are required to register and consult with the Director of the Asian Studies program, and may earn a major or minor in Asian Studies.