Program: Asian Studies Major - University of San Francisco

2024-2025 Catalog

Apr 01, 2025

Our programs advance understanding of the increasingly powerful countries of Asia by focusing not only on the structures of society - its histories, laws, economies, and governments - but also on the religious, philosophical, artistic, and intellectual foundations for these structures.

We emphasize the relationship between natural and man-made environments, as well as the USF’s commitment to social justice, ethics, and human rights.

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 (16 units)

Students take one Gateway course from each of the following areas at the very beginning of their degree program. These gateway courses may “double-count” to meet other University requirements. Two of these gateway courses must be completed before taking ANST 300.

History Gateway Courses (4 units)

Philosophy or Religious Studies Gateway Courses (4 units)

Politics Gateway Courses (4 units)

POLS 369 - Asia Advocacy/Activism

Art or Literature Courses Gateway Courses (4 units)

Asian Studies Proseminar (4 units)

This course is required for all majors.

ANST 300 - Asia: Pasts & Futures

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.

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. The requirement is typically satisfied by ANST 398. 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

ANST 398 - Directed Reading & Research

Language Study

The first three semesters of language study fulfill the language requirement for the College of Arts and Sciences and thus are not included in the total number of units required for the Asian Studies major. Language classes beyond the third semester may count toward the major as electives upon consultation with the program director.

Degree Planner

First-Year

Fall	Units
Asian Language - Course 1	4
Art or Literature Gateway Course: CHIN 195 - FYS: First-Year Seminar or JAPN 195 - FYS: First-Year Seminar	4
Core: Rhetoric and Composition	4
Core - A1: Public Speaking	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
Asian Language - Course 2	4
HIST 130 - East Asian Civilizations or HIST 135 - Indian Civilizations	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Total Semester Units	16

Sophomore Year

Fall	Units
Asian Language - Course 3	4
Philosophy/Religious Studies Gateway: PHIL 220 - Asian Philosophy or THRS 365 - Religion and Globalization	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
Politics Gateway: POLS 369 - Asia Advocacy/Activism	4
Elective	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Total Semester Units	16

Junior Year

Fall	Units
Asian Studies Proseminar: ANST 300 - Asia: Pasts & Futures	4
Elective	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
Elective	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Total Semester Units	16

Senior Year

Fall	Units
Elective	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Total Semester Units	16
Spring	Units
Capstone Seminar	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Core/Minor/Second Major	4
Total Semester Units	16

*This information is subject to change, the degree planner is a sample, and students should consult with the department for any updated information.

*One advantage of pursuing an Asian Studies major is that many of our gateway courses and electives fulfill the University’s core requirements. This opens up exciting opportunities for double majors and minors. Moreover, we recognize credits earned while studying abroad (approval required) in Asia through USF approved programs. Students are encouraged to consult with their advisor to tailor the best schedule for their degree objectives, as there are various pathways to complete the major.