Major in Asian Studies- 37 credits
The Major in Asian Studies is designed to equip students with a working knowledge of an Asian language through the intermediate level or beyond, and a balanced understanding of how Asian cultures may be understood through the arts and humanities as well as through social sciences. In addition to in-depth study of a particular language and its culture, Asian Studies Majors develop a familiarity with other Asian cultures and perspectives, and gain experience in using library resources for research on Asia. Finally, through close consultation with the faculty advisor, Asian Studies Majors develop a structure and direction for study abroad and/or work overseas in Asia, during college and following graduation.
Declaring the Major
When declaring the Major, students meet with a faculty advisor in Asian
Studies, and submit a brief Personal Statement of Intent.
Language Study - 16 credits
Each Major is required to complete at least two years of language study in either Chinese or Japanese. Students with a high degree of language proficiency in these or other Asian languages may take 16 credits in other Asian Studies courses.
Electives - 21 credits
Each Major is required to complete, by advisement, at least 9-12 credits in the Social Sciences category (AS-SOC) and 9-12 credits in the Arts & Humanities category (AS-ARTS), for a total of 21 credits. **
Among these 21 credits, students are required to take:
(a) at least 3 credits in an area of Asia beyond China or Japan,
and
(b) at least 3 credits in Asian Studies Perspectives courses.
** Note: Some courses may be used to fulfill either AS-SOC or AS-ARTS; for a full listing of course offerings with notations indicating which Asian Studies Requirements they fulfill, see Courses.
Study Abroad and Transfer Credit
Asian Studies Majors are encouraged to immerse themselves in their primary Asian language of study and deepen their perspective on the culture through study abroad. Up to 16 transferred credits from study abroad and study at other institutions may be applied toward the Major. For details, visit our Overseas Study page and our Planning Tips for Study Abroad.
Applying to Graduate
When applying to graduate, students submit a short Exit Essay reflecting upon their intellectual development, along with one or more examples of their best written work, and complete the paperwork for graduation application.
» Visit the Student Advising Handbook Web site
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