Asian Studies
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
106 Asian Civilizations
(3 s.h.) Survey history of East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia from early 1600s to present.
200 Introduction to Asia
(3 s.h.) A three- to four-week travel study of historical and cultural sites in Japan, Korea, or elsewhere in Asia.
212 Asian Religions
(3 s.h.) A study of the historical religions and philosophies of India, China, and Japan. Cross listed as REL 212.
242 Modern Korea
(3 s.h.) Study of the emergence of the modern Korean state from the end of the Yi dynasty through the present division of the country.
244 Modern Middle East
(3 s.h.) Modern political, economic, and cultural history of Middle East from 1800 to present. In-depth studies of Egypt, Israel-Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and current “War on Terror.” Preceded by a brief study of Islamic and Jewish history civilizations.
246 Modern Japan
(3 s.h.) A study of Japanese cultural, political and economic history from the 19th century. Preceded by a brief introduction to its early history.
247 India and Pakistan
(3 s.h.) Political, economic, and cultural history of British India and India, Pakistan and neighboring regions since the late 1700s, preceded by a brief introduction to Hinduism and Islam.
248 Southeast Asia
(3 s.h.) Modern political, economic, and cultural history of SE Asia with an emphasis on Malaysia-Singapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, Burma, and Cambodia.
250 Traditional China
(3 s.h.) Study of Chinese culture and history through 1644.
251 Asian Women
(3 s.h.) Study of the social, cultural, political, and religious roles of Indian, Chinese, Korean, Middle Eastern, Southeast Asian and Japanese women past and present. Focus on degree of “choice” in the lives of Asian women.
253 Modern China
(3 s.h.) Chinese political, economic, and cultural history from the 17th century to the present with an emphasis on 20th-century developments. Emphasis also on Taiwan.
255 Survey of South Asian Art
(3 s.h.) This course covers the art, architecture, and culture of South Asia. Focus on India and its artistic tradition and its influence in Southeast Asia and the rest of the continent. Recommended background: AS/REL 212 and sophomore standing.
257 The Chinese Century?
(3 s.h.) A study of China’s recent transformation into a major economic and political power. Includes studies of contemporary Chinese society, foreign policy, politics, religion, and culture.
270 Australia and New Zealand
(3 s.h.) Comparative analysis of the history and cultures of Australia and New Zealand including native peoples. Cross listed as SOC 270.
275 Buddhism
(3 s.h.) A study of the teachings of the original Buddha and of the Hinayana (Theravada) and Mahayana schools of Buddhism, followed by analysis of the socio-political role of Buddhism in contemporary Asia. Cross listed as REL 275.
277 Colloquium
(1–3 s.h.) Colloquia are one-time special courses that focus on specialized areas or themes in Asian studies.
278 Hinduism
(3 s.h.) A general introduction to the many distinct yet interrelated religious traditions of South Asia that are labeled “Hinduism.” Study of the development of traditional Hinduism, its evolution in modern times and its socio-political role in contemporary Asia. Cross listed as REL 278.
287, 387 Internship
(1–3 s.h.) An internship in Japan or elsewhere in Asia, or with an Asian-related company or organization in the United States.
320 Peacemaking: Gandhi and Nonviolence
(3 s.h.) For course description, see PHIL 320 in the Philosophy listing.
400 Senior Requirement
(3 s.h.) A required course for Asian studies majors, who meet as a class to prepare individual research papers. Weekly sessions guide students through a step-by-step process from introduction of topic to completion of a 25–30 page paper. Students work in a seminar format, discussing as a group the weekly progress of each student.
