Asian Studies MIN
Program Purpose
Curricular Structure
Program MAP:
Catalog Description: The Asian Studies major is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers and advanced study in the specialized field of a particular Asian tradition not provided by a major in one department. The program provides an opportunity for students to acquire working competence in a particular Asian language, a broad knowledge of Asian civilization, and a more specialized knowledge of one tradition in Asia. The major is useful to those contemplating careers in academic areas, private industry, or government service. International business and government services are particularly interested in persons who have a strong background in China Studies.
As evident from the attached Asian Studies Map Sheet, the Asian Studies curriculum is designed to meet stated Asian Studies program goals by requiring each student to complete specific courses relating to Asia in general in specific disciplines. Each student will acquire specific research and study methods unique to the study of Asia. In addition, each student will become familiar with the recent history of Asian civilization, Asian culture and humanities, and Asian international relations and politics.
Each student is required to specialize by developing competence in one Asian language. After completing the language component, students should be able to converse intelligently in the target language, and to read and write on a level permitting primary research. Elective coures allow students to further develop knowledge of the target language, or to further expand knowledge of Asia in general.
The curriculum encourages students to seek opportunities to study or work (through an internship program) in Asia and allows students to apply credit obtained through internship courses to the major or minor.