Asian Studies

Courses

Please note that the frequency of course offerings is subject to change without notice, because of changes in faculty availability, sabbaticals and leaves, and other circumstances. Please consult the latest Schedule of Classes (and supplement) and/or the Department Chairperson to determine if a course will be offered during a certain term or year, especially if Progress Toward Graduation is a factor.

Class Schedule

AST 101

Intro to Japanese I (JPN)

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

AST 102

Intro to Japanese II (JPN)

Prerequisite: AST/JPN 101 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

Continued emphasis on Japanese oral/aural communication skills and an introduction to the Japanese written language.

1 Course

AST 103

Intro to Japanese III (JPN)

Prerequisite: AST/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

AST 104

Intro to Japanese IV (JPN)

Prerequisite: AST/JPN 103 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

Completion of the two-term intermediate level of Japanese language instruction; continued practice of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, fully integrated with culture.

1 Course

AST 122

History of China (HIS)

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

AST 123

History of Japan (HIS)

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

Japan has developed from an isolated chain of islands at the edge of East Asia into a modern economic giant. Through close reading of documents, focused analytical writing, open discussion, and lecture, we will examine the complexity of the culture that gave rise to Zen Buddhism, the samurai, and Japan's current position as one of the world's most powerful economies. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

AST 186

Special Topics

Prerequisites: Determined by instructor

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course designed to meet the particular interests of student and faculty. Topics vary from year to year. See course description in the "Schedule of Classes."

1/2 to 1 Course

AST 229

Modern Imperialism (HIS)

Prerequisite: HIS 102, AST/HIS 122, AST/HIS 123, OR GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2009)

This course is a selective exploration of imperialism using a comparative historical perspective. Beginning with a reflection on the meanings of "empire," the course explores the rise of European empires during the "high colonialism" of the 19th and 20th centuries. This course then will explore the expansion of European colonialism and regional responses--including local resistance, national revolutions, and the development of the Soviet and Japanese empires. After examining the dynamics of imperial decline between 1919 and 1945, the course will conclude by considering the status of empires in the post-World War II period. World Culture (Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

AST 231

Religions-India&Tibet(REL)

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2009)

A study of the principal religious traditions of South Asia: Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, and Sikhism. 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

AST 232

Religion of China & Japan(REL)

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered in Fall 2008)

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

AST 248

Islamic Art&Architecture (ART)

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2009)

A study of Islamic art and architecture in the Middle East, North Africa, and Spain. Arts Perspective and Religion Perspective.

1 Course

AST 250

Indian & SE Asian Art His(ART)

Prerequisite: GSTR 210

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

A survey of the religious art (Buddhist, Dravidian, Hindu, Islamic, Jain) of India and Southeast Asia. Arts Perspective and Religion Perspective.

1 Course

AST 260

Buddhism (REL)

Prerequisite: GSTR 110

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2010)

A study of the history and diversity of Buddhist traditions, from the time of the Buddha in 5th-century BCE India to contemporary Buddhist communities in Asia and the West. Special attention will be given to the problems and prospects of Buddhism in relation to contemporary issues, such as gender and sexuality, ecological change, and the relationship between religion and politics. Religion Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

AST 286

Special Topics

1/2 to 1 Course

AST 308

Themes in Asian Tradition(REL)

Prerequisite: One AST course

Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2009)

A close study of selected texts, practices, or experiences of one or more Asian religious traditions. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic varies from that studied previously.

1 Course

AST 322

Sem in Chinese History (HIS)

Prerequisite: AST/HIS 122 or123; OR junior standing

Offered: Typically every Spring Term

The goal of this course is two-fold. Through examining a key period in Chinese history, students both will develop a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and a better understanding for the various methodologies that historians employ in analyzing complex societies. By reading key primary documents and secondary material from important historians, students will develop a picture of the way social, economic, political, and cultural issues interact and shape the period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from those studied previously. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

AST 323

Sem in Japanese History (HIS)

AST 323 Seminar in Japanese History (HIS)

Prerequisite: AST/HIS 122 or123; OR junior standing

Offered: Typically alternate Fall Terms (next offered Fall 2009)

The goal of this course is two-fold. Through examining a key period in Japanese history students will develop both a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture and a better understanding for the various methodologies that historians employ in analyzing complex societies. By reading key primary documents and secondary material from important historians, students will develop a picture of the way social, economic, political, and cultural issues interact and shape the period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from those studied previously. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.

1 Course

AST 386

Special Topics

1/2 to 1 Course

AST 390A

Independent Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 390; senior standing for 490

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by the student. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 390/490A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 390/490B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

AST 390B

Independent Study w/o ALE

1 Course

AST 395

Internship

Prerequisite: Sophomore, junior, or senior standing

Offered: Typically every term

An experiential learning experience individually designed for students with a special academic interest requiring integration of classroom learning with practical experience. Includes on-campus seminars with academic sponsors, as well as non-classroom experience. One to three course credits in one 14-week term or one course credit in Short Term may be taken in Internships. Requires the approval of two faculty sponsors and the Program assumes the responsibility for determining credit allowance. The Coordinator of Internships gives final approval for Internship proposals. This course may be used to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) requirement.

1 to 3 Courses

AST 397A

Team Initiated Study

Prerequisite: Sophomore or junior standing for 397; senior standing for 497

Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course initiated, directed, and organized by two or more students who have a similar interest in the topic proposed. All such courses are to be supported by a faculty sponsor, second reader, academic adviser, Program Director, and possibly others. Course proposals must meet the approval of the Coordinator of Advising (the Academic Program Council liaison). Will be registered by the Office of Academic Services as 397/497A if approved to meet the Active Learning Experience (ALE) or as 397/497B if approved as non-ALE.

1 Course

AST 397B

Team Initiated Study w/o ALE

1 Course

AST 398

Directed Study

Prerequisites: Will vary, but always will include permission of instructor

Offered: Typically on a limited basis as student interest and faculty availability allow

A course organized and directed by faculty and approved by the Program Director to meet the particular interests and/or needs of specific students.

1 Course

AST 401

Senior Sem-Asian Studies (HIS)

Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor

Offered: Typically every Fall 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

AST 486

Special Topics

1/2 to 1 Course

AST 490A

Independent Study

1 Course

AST 490B

Independent Study w/o ALE

1 Course

AST 495

Internship

1 to 3 Courses

AST 497A

Team Initiated Study

1 Course

AST 497B

Team Initiated Study w/o ALE

1 Course

AST 498

Directed Study

1 Course