Asian Studies Minor

Asian Studies

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Discover the history, politics, languages, cultures of Asia.

The Asian Studies Minor is a multi-disciplinary course of study through which students engage with the history, politics, languages, cultures, and other aspects of Asian peoples, societies, and countries. In the program, students gain knowledge in core areas while exploring their own areas of interest. At its core, the program provides students with the analytical tools to (a) evaluate Asian ways of experiencing and understanding the world, (b) develop a nuanced understanding of how “Asia” as a conceptual framework relates to specific geographical and historical realities, and (c) build a rigorous interdisciplinary and regional studies foundation for future work as global citizens and agents of social justice around the world.

Explore sample courses in this program.
AS-101 Introduction to Asian Studies
Introduction to Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to interdisciplinary approaches to the study of Asian societies and cultures, using sources from different genres and disciplines to examine the social, cultural, historical, religious, and philosophical dimensions of Asian societies.
3 credits
AS-401 Practicum in Asian Studies
In this course, students will apply Asian studies knowledge and skill base through a hands-on activity, such as an internship in an Asian country or locally in an Asia-focused organization, or to a practical issue or challenge relevant to Asian studies in a real-world setting, such as an internship in an Asia-focused think tank.
3 credits
HI-236 Modern Far East History I
The cultural, political, and economic roots of modern East Asia, focusing on China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. Counts for Middle East / Asia in the history major.
3 credits
HI-251 Roots of China’s Rise: Reform, Revolution and Reinvention
Examines the modern historical roots of China’s rise as an international power, from the decline of its last imperial dynasty through the tumults of 20th-century social movements to its recent emergence as a global economic power. Counts for Middle East / Asia in the history major.
3 credits
HI-255 Faculty-Led Study Abroad: China Cultural Immersion
Experientially based immersion in the culture and society of China, consisting of language study, visits to historical and cultural sites, cultural immersion activities in local life, and the opportunity to engage with Chinese students. Counts for Middle East / Asia in the history major.
3 credits
HI-318 Ethnic Identities in China
This course examines the modern history of ethnic identity formation in China and its frontiers and borderlands. It explores how China’s own history of territorial expansion and political subjugation driven by ethnic minority rule shaped Chinese concepts of ethnic unity and diversity. The intersecting trajectories of European imperialism and Chinese ethnic nationalism will also be discussed, with the goal of situating the construction of ethnic categorization in China to global processes of colonialism and nationalism. Counts for Middle East / Asia in the history major.
3 credits
HI-334 Environmental Crisis and Management in China
This course examines the history of the relationship between Chinese society and culture, economic development, state power, scientific theories, and the environment. Recent media reports have highlighted a worsening environmental crisis in China while at the same time reporting on China as a new leader in the development of alternative energy sources. Government, domestic and international non-governmental organizations, urban and rural activists, scientific studies and discourses, and evolving political ideologies are addressed. Counts for Middle East / Asia in the history major.
3 credits
HI-335 Imperial Crossroads of Modern East Asia
Examines East Asian history at the crossroads of Chinese, Japanese, Russian, and Korean colonial and nationalist movements in a region called Manchuria, presently China’s northeast border with Russia, Korea, and Mongolia. Counts for Middle East / Asia within the history major.
3 credits
HI-337 Travels in Asia
Travels in Asia examines modern East Asian history through the lens of Chinese, Japanese, European, and American travel narratives from the 17th through the 20th centuries. Counts for Middle East / Asia in the history major.
3 credits
PH-170 Introduction to Asian Philosophy
Introduces and surveys the major philosophical traditions in East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. This course studies the different worldviews and conceptions of human nature and the good life from these philosophical perspectives, and where possible, makes comparisons with Western philosophies.
3 credits
PH-171 Buddhist Philosophy
Introduces and surveys the history and development of the major Buddhist traditions and their interpretation of core Buddhist philosophies as they move outward from India.
3 credits
PH-172 Chinese Philosophy
Surveys the philosophies of ancient China, including Taoism, Buddhism, Legalism, and the development of the Confucian tradition in China.
3 credits
PH-276 Contemporary Asian Philosophy
Surveys contemporary developments in Asian philosophy, the continued relevance of ancient Asian philosophies in contemporary Asia, and Asian philosophical responses to the Western tradition.
3 credits
PO-221 Asian Politics
This course provides students with an analysis of select political systems of the countries of Asia. Students have the opportunity to learn about major theories in comparative politics, which are applied to the understanding of countries in the Asian region. Topics include communist and post-communist transitions, democratization, social movements, and economic reform.
3 credits

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