Asian Studies

Scott Langton, Director

The Asian Studies program introduces students to different aspects of Asian societies and cultures through interdisciplinary study. Through examination of the many cultures of ancient and modern Asia from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, students develop an appreciation for diversity as well as a deeper awareness of themselves and western culture in the context of the larger world.

A major in Asian studies consists of a total of eight courses, three of which must be at the 300 level or higher. Students must take courses from at least four disciplines, including two Asian Studies courses: Asian Studies 250 and 350 (or approved interdisciplinary substitutes), which vary by topic each term. All Asian Studies majors must satisfy at least one of the following requirements:

1) An Independent Study Off-Campus (ISOC) with an Asian focus.
2) Study in an Asian country
3) A Career Study Off-Campus (CSOC) with an Asian focus, or
4) An independent research project or honors thesis in Asian Studies. Students also must demonstrate competency with an Asian language by either completing 4 semesters of study or testing at the equivalent level. Up to three language skills courses may count toward the major but only courses above the 201 level or its equivalent. Language house or conversation classes cannot count toward the total number of credits.

It is recommended that students choose a focus when designing their major plan: e.g., regional (East Asia, South Asia), or thematic (religion, politics, language and literature, history and society). It is also strongly advised that majors participate in a structured international experience in Asia (study abroad, internship, January term) before graduation. However, a minimum of three credits must come from full-credit courses taken at Austin College, and if the student takes fewer than four courses at Austin College for a major, only one course credit may come from a January term.

A minor in Asian studies consists of a minimum of six course credit units including Asian Studies 250 or 350 or an approved substitute, two courses numbered 300 or above, and courses from at least three disciplines. A minimum of two credits must come from full-credit courses taken at Austin College, and if a student takes fewer than three courses at Austin College, only one course credit may be earned during a January term. No more than two course credit units in language study will count toward the minor. Language house or conversation classes cannot count toward the total number of credits. Although there is no specific language requirement for the minor, it is strongly recommended that students take classes in an Asian language as part of their studies. Students wishing to pursue Asian studies beyond the minor, however, need proficiency in an Asian language.

It is recommended that students organize coursework in their Asian studies minor to stress a theme, such as Asian culture or social systems; or a geographical concentration, such as East Asia or South Asia. It also is recommended that students pursue a senior research project tying together their course experiences and interests.

Disciplinary courses approved for Asian Studies are listed collectively in the course schedule each term.

250 Intermediate Topics in Asian Studies
Interdisciplinary subjects such as religion and violence, politics and literature, or gender issues in Asia. May be repeated when topic varies. No prerequisites. (Each fall)

260 Intermediate Directed Study
(Variable course credit)

350-450 Advanced Topics in Asian Studies
Interdisciplinary subjects such as religion and violence, politics and literature, or gender issues in Asia. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites: Asian Studies 250 or equivalent. (Each spring)

460 Advanced Directed Study
(Variable course credit)

490 Independent Study

491 Asian Studies Honors Thesis

492 Independent Study Off-Campus/ISOC