Prerequisite: Permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

Introduction to Japanese as it is spoken in Japan today. Speaking and listening comprehension will be emphasized.

1 Course

Prerequisite: JPN 102 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

Continued development of Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.

1 Course

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

China has one of the foundational civilizations in human history. It gave rise to social structures, political systems, and philosophies that deeply influenced the development of East Asia. Through close reading of documents, focused analytical writing, open discussion, and lecture, students will develop their own understanding of the evolution of China from its Neolithic origins to its present status as a world power. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: GSTR 100 or GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered in 2008-2009)

A study of the principal religious traditions of East Asia: Buddhism, Confucianism, Shinto, and Taoism. The course includes readings in the classical primary texts of each tradition as well as attention to ritual and practice. Religion Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

Prerequisite: Senior standing, or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

Through common readings and independent work, students will explore various views of Asia, past and present, from within Asia and from without. Through the common readings, students will deal with central questions regarding geographic visions of Asia, the reality or unreality of ?Asia,? key issues for the region, etc. Through regular presentations of ongoing individual projects, students will learn from each other about diverse Asia-related issues. For example, one day, students might all read an address written by the President of the American Association of Asian Studies, followed by individual presentations on aspects of Shinto religion, followed by the politics of the partition of India, followed by current concerns with North Korea. The course is intentionally open-ended and free-flowing both to encompass specific student interests and to develop the ability to think broadly about Asia.

1 Course

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow.

Introduction to Chinese as it is spoken in China today. Speaking and listening comprehension will be emphasized and the Chinese written language introduced.

1 Course

Prerequisite: SOC 100 or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Fall Term

Study of cultural influences upon family functions, structures, and behaviors, focusing on the recognition and understanding of cultural similarities and differences. Covers topics such as cross-cultural interrelationships among economy, government, religion, and family; kinship systems and patterns of marital residence; cultural variations in power distribution and sex roles; differences in childrearing patterns; universal shifts from ?traditional? families; and variations in roles of aging family members. African Americans?, Appalachians?, and Women?s Perspective and World Culture (Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course