Minor in Asian Studies

(updated April 2009)

Coordinators: Sharon Wesoky, Department of Political Science; Guo Wu, Department of History

An interdisciplinary minor introducing diverse perspectives regarding Asian society. The minor includes courses in artistic forms, historical contexts, economic structures, religious practices, and political systems. Through this minor, students will acquire knowledge about the differences and similarities among Asian cultures as well as between Asia and the "West."

Requirements and Design

This minor will require 20 credits for its completion, composed as follows:

1. INTDS 220, "Asian Studies."
   An overview of some of the issues pertinent to encounters between "Asia" and the "West." In particular, the course examines the history and development of such encounters, from colonialistic notions of "Orientalism" to postcolonial critiques to contemporary visions of Asian-Americans. To this end, varying ideas of Asia as the "Other" are contrasted with ideas that Asia has had important influences on the "West." Specific topics vary from year to year, and could emphasize environmental, political, literary, or religious aspects. Course materials might include classic texts, scholarly works, memoirs, fiction, and films.
2. At least two courses (eight credits) in the Humanities Division (listed below). Four credits of this requirement may be taken in Chinese or other introductory-level Asian language.
3. At least two courses (eight credits) in the Social Science Division (listed below).
4. At least one course must be taken at the 300 level or above.

Notes:

1. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the core course, the minor may count toward either Humanities or Social Science divisional requirements.
2. For purposes of fulfilling requirements toward the minor, students may count only four credits of the courses listed below in italics.

Courses

Humanities

Communication Arts 351 - Media and Identity*
Dance and Movement Studies 110 - Yoga I
Dance and Movement Studies 111 - Ta'I Chi Ch'uan
Dance and Movement Studies 114 - Chinese Martial Arts
Dance and Movement Studies 120 - Meditation: Theory and Practice
Dance and Movement Studies 210 - Yoga II
Dance and Movement Studies 310 - Yoga III
Dance and Movement Studies 410 - Yoga Theory
Religious Studies 140 - Islam
Religious Studies 150 - Hinduism
Religious Studies 160 - Buddhism
Religious Studies 165 - Zen Buddhism and Japanese Culture
Religious Studies 170 - Religions of China
Religious Studies 212 -The Problem of the Self: East and West (prerequisite: at least one course in Philosophy or Religious Studies)

Social Science

Economics 251 - International Economics (prerequisites: one micro-based and one macro-based introduction to economics)
Economics 256 - Economic Development (prerequisites: one micro-based and one macro-based introduction to economics)
Economics 261 - Comparative Economic Systems (prerequisites: one micro-based and one macro-based introduction to economics)
Environmental Science 420 - Understanding Third World Environmental Problems (prerequisite: Environmental Science 110)
History 143 - Knights and Concubines: Facts, Fiction, and Film
History 242 - The History of Japan, 1600-2000
History 244 - Modern China, 1800-2000
History 246 - The History of Modern East Asia, 1800-Present
History 350 - East Asia and Europe: Commercial, Cultural, and Diplomatic Encounters, 1500-1900
History 351 - Asian Society and Culture Through Film
History 353 - Women and Revolution in China through Fiction and Film
History 587 - Mao's Cultural Revolution
Political Science 245 - The Politics of Third World Development
Political Science 228 - Government and Politics of China
Political Science 336 - Politics and Culture in the Asia-Pacific
Political Science 585 - US-Japan Relations (prerequisite: permission of instructor)

*Note regarding Communication Arts 351: this course rotates among different faculty and different topics in the Department of Communication Arts, and its topic varies. Please see its instructor and/or the Director of the Asian Studies minor regarding its availability and applicability to the Minor in Asian Studies.