2018-2019 Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2018-2019 Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Asian Studies Major


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Program Learning Outcomes


Students will:

  • articulate fundamental issues and themes for the study and understanding of Asian cultures and societies
  • analyze both a specific region of Asia and an Asia-related topic using interdisciplinary perspectives and methods, including information in either Chinese, Japanese, or Tagalog
  • demonstrate understanding of how topics related to social justice such as human rights, environmental sustainability, and ethical consideration impact both people and policy within Asian societies

Major Requirements (40 Units)


All courses used to satisfy major requirements must be taken for letter grades and passed with grades of C or better.

Gateway Courses


Students are advised to take gateway courses at the very beginning of their degree program because these courses provide a comprehensive introduction to the two geographical areas (East Asia and South Asia) covered by the major. These gateway courses may  “double-count” to meet the University’s Core requirements. 

1 in History, 1 in Philosophy or Religious Studies, and 1 in Politics

Upper Division History Elective (4 Units)


Complete 4 units in HIST 300:499

Capstone Project (4 Units)


The Asian Studies major is completed through the Capstone Project in the final year of the major. Students will converge on the study of selected issues and topics, to be determined by the professor (or professors) in charge. Topics and themes providing  interdisciplinary and inter-regional breadth for all majors in Asian Studies include the following: 

  • Cinema of India/China/Japan/SE Asia
  • Migration and Immigration
  • The Changing Family in Asia
  • Contemporary Asian Writers
  • Inter-Asian Political Relations
  • Asian Popular Culture
  • Asian Ways of Dying, Death, and Salvation
  • Rural-urban Migrations
  • Environmental Issues
  • Technological Change in Asia

Electives (16 units)


Four courses, chosen in consultation with an adviser, will help students focus on and develop intermediate expertise in particular regions, countries, or topics. The major encourages a multi-disciplinary approach to the student’s specific area of interest.

Sample Curriculum


2nd Year


  • Intermediate Language Study: Chinese or Japanese
  • POLS 113 - Introduction to International Politics

4th Year


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