Asian Studies Archive 2019-2020
Asian Studies Major Archive 2019-2020
Degree Requirements - 126 credits
Students can earn a bachelor of arts degree with this major. See the requirements for the bachelor of arts degree.
Students can earn a bachelor of science degree with this major. See the requirements for the bachelor of science degree.
Major Requirements: 11-15 courses, 37-54 credits
Core Requirements: 3 courses, 6 credits
AS-100 Introduction to Asian Studies: Culture, People, Ideas
4
An interdisciplinary introduction to Asian Studies will touch upon the history, politics, economics, philosophy, geography, arts, and cultures of Asia. Sample topics include political economy, religious and cultural exchanges, international relations, Asian experience in America, and the role of Asia in the twenty-first century. Students will develop conceptual frameworks for exploring the subjects covered by the Asian Studies curriculum.
AS-511 Professional Development for Asian Studies
Instructor consent required
1
Students will reflect on their college career and develop a personal strategy for attaining professional goals. They will understand ethical guidelines and professional conventions by examining the differences between American work culture and Asian work culture; by applying this understanding to a transnational/diverse professional world. Students will understand what the job market and graduate school opportunities are like for Asian Studies graduates.
CAS-201 College to Career: Explore Your Options And Find Your Path
CAS 101. CAS students only. SBS students by special permission. Restricted to the following majors: Art History, Asian Studies, Biology, Economics, English, French, History, Humanities, International Economics, Music History, Philosophy, Physics, Radiation Science, Spanish, and Undeclared. Instructor consent required for all other majors.
1
This course engages students in the early stages of career planning. Students will explore their interests, skills, values, and strengths, which will allow them to begin setting appropriate goals for professional development. Once students understand themselves in relation to the world of work, they will learn how to research careers and employment paths that fit with their goals.
Electives (7 courses, 27-28 credits)
Choose seven courses from at least three departments, with no more than 20 credits from any one department. Some Seminar for Freshmen courses may qualify with the approval of the Program Director.
ARH-203 Arts of Asia
4
Surveys painting, sculpture, and architecture in Asia from prehistoric times to the modern era, including the Middle East, India, China, Korea, and Japan. Emphasizes the connection between visual arts, belief systems, and historical contexts with a focus on Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam as well as secular literature.
AS-220 Chinese Food in America
4
There are more Chinese restaurants in the U.S. than MacDonald's, Burger Kings and KFC'S combined. This course examines the unique American phenomenon of Chinese food from a historical and anthropological viewpoint. Students will gain a better appreciation and understanding of the subject through the course and will probably never look at local Chinese takeout the same way afterwards
AS-510 Independent Study
1.00- 4.00
Works directly with a faculty member on an agreed topic related to Asia or an Asian language. Past topics include: intermediate Chinese and Japanese; Asian popular culture.
AS-H555 Senior Honors Thesis
Students must be in the CAS Honors Program, have a 3.5 overall grade point average, and a 3.7 grade point average in the major. Registration must be approved by the Asian Studies Director.
1.00- 8.00
Students will work with an Asian Studies advisor to undertake a research project that will produce a 25-page paper that is suitable for an undergraduate academic conference in Asian Studies or relevant disciplines. Students must be in the CAS Honors Program, have a 3.5 overall grade point average, and a 3.7 grade point average in the major. Registration must be approved by the Asian Studies Director. May be taken in the fall and/or spring in the senior year.
CHIN-211 Survey of Chinese Literature and Culture I
3
This is an introductory and interdisciplinary course on Chinese civilization and traditional Chinese literature. It will provide the student with a brief introduction to the cultural legacy and literature of China from the archaeological origins of Chinese civilization to the present time. The diverse origins of China's civilization are stressed as topics in political, social, and economic history are explored, with a focus on developments in language, literature, and art. This course is a good introduction to further study of Chinese history and culture and, in particular, provides a valuable context for themes treated in Modern China.
CJN-281 Asian Popular Culture
4.00
Students critically analyze Asian popular culture since the 1980s using a cultural ethnographic approach. Students apply the lenses of gender, identity, globalization, and business strategies to examine pop phenomena such as Korean Wave, Cool Japan, and Cantonese popular music.
CJN-293 Hong Kong Cinema
4.00
By examining the film texts of Hong Kong auteurs such as John Woo, Wong Kar-wai, Tsui Hark, Andrew Lau, and Alan Mak, the course examines issues such as film genres, colonization/decolonization, transnational political economy, the Greater Chinese media market, and the diaspora.
EC-410 Urban Economics: Asian Megacities in Comparative Perspective
Take EC-101
4
More than half of the world population lives in urban areas. This course sets out to explain the existence, growth, geographic patterns, and impact of cities, and the effects of public policy on urban form, structure, and activity. It addresses the urban issues of transportation, congestion, housing, crime, poverty and inequality, governance, and the environment, and asks how planning and policy can tackle these. The context of these discussions is the megacities of Asia: 24 of the world's 37 megacities (those with ten million or more inhabitants) are in Asia, where they are home to almost 500 million people. The choices made by these cities will be considered in comparative perspective, including with Boston, New York, Paris, and London.
ENG-362 Asian-American Literature
WRI-102 or WRI-H103
4
An introduction to selected Asian-American writers with an emphasis on socio-cultural issues, such as race, gender and ethnicity. Authors include Bulosan, Hwang, Jen, Kingston, Lee, Mukherjee, Odada, and Tan.
GVT-389 Politics of China
4
Introduces China studies as a subfield of comparative politics. Covers topics such as history, political structure, communist revolution, political and economic development, authoritarian resilience, current issues, and foreign policy. Compares China with other countries in and outside of Asia.
GVT-411 Politics of North and Southeast Asia
Junior Status required
4
Examines cultural and historic backgrounds, political systems, political and economic development, and international relations of countries in North and South East Asia. Provides with the understanding of the main regional trends and offers case studies of some of the political systems in the region. Applies the concepts and theories learned in the previous international relations, comparative politics courses and other social science courses. * I do not include specific country names to make the description flexible for changes. In my class, I cover countries such as China, North and South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, and Burma.
HST-103 Cultures and Social Transformations in Asia
4
Presenting the major trends relevant to social, cultural, and economic transformations that can be seen in Asia today. Especially, students will explore the following trends: the Diaspora of the Chinese and Indian People; the hold of Traditional Religious Beliefs in a Modernizing Asia such as the influences of Buddhism and Islam; the preservation of Martial Values and in Militarism in Asia; Issues related to Gender and Sexuality; Pop Culture among young people in Asia.
HST-115 Introduction to Chinese History and Culture
4
Discusses Chinese civilization from its origins to its recent rise as a world power. Spark students' interest in China and enable them to relate Chinese history and society to their lives and careers.
HST-250 A History of Martial Arts in Movies
4
Outlines the history of Chinese martial arts in five movies, highlighting Chinese views of violence, personal loyalty, government, and justice.
HST-251 Modern East Asia
4
China, Japan, and Korea - East Asia's critical players - share many historical influences, but each has a distinct culture, and they competed with each other for much of the twentieth century, proud of their achievements but feeling threatened by their neighbors. Lectures interspersed with movies and documentaries to show how East Asia has developed in the past one-hundred-plus years.
HST-252 The Rise of China: Through Films, Media, and History
4
Discusses the rise of China as the world's largest economy and its impact on our life through films, media, and history.
HST-256 Exploring Asia
4
In this course each student will select a topic about Asia that they wish to study. Virtually any topic, to be approved by the professor, is acceptable. The goal will be to write a five to seven page paper about that topic by the end of the course. As a class, we will work together through each step of the process of defining a topic, gathering materials about it, and organizing and reporting the final paper.
HST-260 Asian Peoples and Cultures
4
Introduces the peoples of Asia and the cultures they have created. Particular attention is paid to the lives of the common people in both historical and contemporary times. By understanding the richness and complexities of daily life in Asia, we will understand the continuities and discontinuities brought on by social, cultural, and economic changes. We will gain an appreciation of our fellow human beings in Asia.
HST-348 Samurai: History, Literature & Film
4
Explores the history of samurai and its cultural meaning for Japanese society. It examines not only how the samurai class developed into a major political force, but also how it has been represented by literatures and films in different eras.
PHIL-261 Eastern Philosophy
4
The exposition and critical evaluation of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Islam. Special attention is given to foundation principles as well as to the similarities and differences of each of these philosophies to basic ideas in Western philosophy. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered alternate years. C b
PHIL-262 Buddhism
4
An historical survey of Buddhist philosophy. We will explore Buddhist origins, central teachings, devotional and meditational practices, ritual and institutions as developed from classical to modern times. Special attention given to the philosophical diversity of the Buddhist world view. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered alternate years. C b
PHIL-267 Chinese Philosophy
4
A survey of the main developments in Chinese Philosophy. The course begins with the early dynastic concept of humanism and then turns to Confucius and Mencius. Having developed the central Confucian doctrines, students next examine the Taoist response to Confucianism in the writings of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu. The course then considers Zen Buddhism, which is called Ch'an Buddhism in China, where it originated. In particular, students study the concept of sudden enlightenment before turning to the Neo-Confucian scholars.
PSYCH-247 Asian Perspectives on Health and Work
4
Examines theoretical and empirical approaches that provide insight into Asian viewpoints on socialization practices, family systems, health/well-being, cultural traditions/values, and spiritual philosophy/literature. Explores the diversity among Asian cultures in terms of language, history, religion/spiritual faith, and healthcare practices, all of which play a significant role in shaping the psychological characteristics, interpersonal relationships, and work dynamics of Asians and Asian immigrants.
RS-112 Introduction to World Religions: Eastern Traditions
4
This course will examine a variety of Eastern religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism. Possible connections to be explored will be the impact of these traditions on others, such as Pacific Islands and African religion, as well as the growing place of Eastern religion in the West. This course will explore the history and structure of each tradition, while attempting to recognize the similarities and the differences among them. Attention will be given to the reading of original texts when available. Requiring students to observe religious ceremonies will enhance practical understanding of many of the above traditions. Normally offered every year. Cultural Diversity B
SF-190 Asia in America Fiction and Fact
4
With a focus on some selected ethnic groups from Asia," ""Asia in America"" studies the history and current status of Asian Americans in Boston and other parts of the country. We will examine the major reasons why these immigrants chose to leave their home country as well as their expectations and experiences here in America. We will also discuss the issues Asian immigrants have faced in this adopted ""home"" as well as the connections and conflicts among different ethnic groups or even within the same ethnic group due to political and socio-economic reasons. The course will include some level of community engagement\"
SF-1145 Emergence of Southeast Asia
4
Explores the eleven countries and 600 million people of Southeast Asia starting with foundations- geography and environment- and then looking at the human imprint, in the form of the history, religions, and cultures of the region. An examination of contemporary issues related to demography, politics, and (especially) economics.
Note: AS-510 and AS-H555 must be taken for a minimum of 4 credits to count as a major elective.
Students who choose the following courses and complete some specific reading and writing assignments may count them toward the Asian Studies major requirements. However, students need to consult the instructor and get the approval of the Asian Studies program director no later than the first week of the class.
CJN-216 Intercultural Communication
4.00
An examination of communication variations and cultural viewpoints and their impact on cross-cultural communication. A special emphasis is placed on rituals and message patterns in non-Western cultures.
CJN-385 Globalization of Media and Telecommunications
4.00
A critique of the circulation of media goods and ideologies from both a cultural and political/economic perspective. Topics include global Hollywood, the images of Muslim women in transnational media, the information society, and global social movements.
EC-141 Development Economics
4
"Why do so many countries remain so poor? Why have some (e.g. the Asian ""tigers"") grown so rapidly? Why have most of the countries of Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union been slow to ignite economic growth? These questions are addressed by looking at domestic factors (government policies\"
EC-151 Economic & Human Geography
4
The study of how economic and human activity is distributed across space, the reasons for these spatial distributions, and the processes that change the spatial organization of economic activity over time. Topics include: maps, map projections, and geographic information systems; population geography; the organization and location of cities, towns and villages; transportation and communication policy; industrial location; the geography of world trade; and geographic features of economic development. The course takes a global perspective, and draws on cases and examples from all over the world. Cultural Diversity B
EC-430 International Trade Theory & Policy
EC 101 and EC 102
4
This course examines theories of international trade. The policy implications of each theory are explored and the effect of trade on the welfare of the nation is examined. Also the development of trade blocs and the the political economy of trade are studied. Normally offered every year.
EDUC-315 Strategies for Working With English Learners
4
This course examines the specific needs and challenges of the various language and cultural groups in schools. Topics include: theories of 1st and 2nd language acquisition, strategies for teaching academic content, modifying instruction in the mainstream classroom, creating classroom cultures that invite all students into learning, the role of advocacy and professional collaboration in ESL, and analysis of policies related to assessment and placement of English Language Learners.
EDUC-316 TESOL Practice
Take EDUC-315
4
Students will have opportunities to put the theories and techniques learned in EDUC 315- Strategies for Working with English Learners into practice. Students will be placed in various Suffolk University sites or classrooms where they will work to meet the specific needs and challenges of educating various language and cultural groups. Students will be required to spend 30 hours working in their placements. Students will attend a weekly seminar where connections between theory and practice are explored, experiences are shared, and Teaching & Service Portfolios will be created.
HST-150 Empires & Globalization in World History II
4
This is the second of the two-course series of Empires and Globalization in World History. Course discusses the origins and development of globalization and capitalism from the perspective of economic history. Major issues include state-making, wars, and the rivalry among early modern empires, economic development, the Industrial Revolution and the formation of the global trade system. The specific topics may change every year due to new academic developments and publications.
SOC-228 Cultural, Global and Social Perspectives
4
Contemporary migration patterns as well as our work and daily life bring us into direct contact with people from different geographical locations with different values and ways of life. As a result, we are faced with the challenge of gaining a better understanding of cultural differences and diverse perspectives. We will discuss racial, ethnic and cultural groups and focus on using sociology as a way to understand some of the larger patterns of immigration, identity, intergroup relations, discrimination and structural oppression. In this course, you will increase your awareness and appreciation of diversity and examine cultural difference from a sociological perspective.
SOC-329 Sociology of Globalization
Prerequisite: SOC 113 or SOC 116.
4
Globalization is shrinking the world. How and why did this happen? This course will explore global change and the global processes which effect key social institutions: culture, the economy and politics. Students will study the processes of globalization and its impact on our lives and people around the globe.
SOC-357 Global Health and Healing
4
An examination of how different cultures understand health and illness. Healing approaches from Asia, Africa and the Americas will be explored.
WGS-325 Global Women's Fiction
4
Explores of various cultural worldviews in order to reveal and assess the voices of women from around the world as they respond to important global issues such as sexual violence and gendered oppression. Topics include: national citizenship, sexual politics, legal discourse, aesthetic representation, literary movements, genre, constructions of femininity, sexual identities, and representations of gender in relation to race and class and international cultures, and the relationship of self-image to the body politic.
Language Requirement (0-4 courses, 0-16 credits)
To qualify for the major, students must demonstrate one of the following:
- Proficiency in one Asian language at the advanced-intermediate level. This can be fulfilled either:
- By successful completion of an Intermediate Level II Asian language course through study abroad or outside courses with an average grade of “B”
- Or by passing the same level language test offered by the World Languages & Cultural Studies Department.
- Basic knowledge in two Asian languages at the elementary level. This can be fulfilled by successful completion of two Basic Level I Asian language courses with an average grade of “B” or by passing the same level language test offered by the World Languages & Cultural Studies Department.
Study Abroad or an Internship (1 course, 4 credits)
Students must complete either option A or B:
A. A Semester, Summer or Short-Term Study Abroad in Asia (which must bear at least 4 credits)
B. AS-500 Asian Studies Internship
AS-500 Asian Studies Internship
4
Engages in an internship in a business or non-profit organization that deals with Asia or an Asian American community. Students may complete the internship either in Asia or in the U.S. Students will complete appropriate exercises and reports to document their learning. (1 course, 4-12 credits; can be taken multiple times in different semesters)
Note: AS-500 may not double count to fulfill major course requirements if taken as a substitute for study abroad.
Residency Requirement Policy: In the College of Arts and Sciences, a two-course (8 credit) residency requirement must be satisfied for completion of a minor and a four-course (16 credit) residency requirement must be satisfied for the completion of a major.
Asian Studies Learning Goals and Objectives
Learning goals and objectives reflect the educational outcomes achieved by students through the completion of this program. These transferable skills prepare Suffolk students for success in the workplace, in graduate school, and in their local and global communities.
Learning Goals | Learning Objectives |
---|---|
Students will... |
Students will be able to... |
Gain a general knowledge about the academic discipline of the study of Asia, and a substantial understanding about the chosen theme or area through courses in the concentrated area of study |
|
Understand the significance of Asia in relation to the U.S. and the world, both in the past and in the twenty-first century |
|
Demonstrate either intermediate-level competence in an Asian language or basic-level competence in two Asian languages in reading, writing, and speaking and develop cultural awareness and sensitivity to the language |
|
Directly experience Asian culture through study abroad or an Asian American community project |
|
Asian Studies Minor Archive 2019-2020
Minor Requirements: 5 courses, 17-20 credits
Language Course Options:
CHIN-101 Elementary Chinese I
4
Introduces Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin) with an emphasis on developing conversational skills by using authentic materials such as video, audio, and various print media that teach fundamental grammatical patterns and vocabulary in functional contexts. Basic reading and writing (in Simplified Characters) are also taught.
CHIN-102 Elementary Chinese II
CHIN 101 or Instructor's consent.
4
Continues to develop proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Modern Standard Chinese (Mandarin). Helps to develop listening comprehension skills with the use of authentic materials, such as print media, audio, and video materials. Advanced beginning level of reading and writing of Simplified Chinese characters is taught.
KOR-101 Elementary Korean I
4
Practice in both oral and written language skills. Class activities are organized around cultural themes. Weekly laboratory sessions required.
KOR-102 Elementary Korean II
KOR-101
4
A continuation of KOR 101. Continues to develop proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking Korean. Helps to develop listening comprehension skills with the use of authentic materials, such as print media, audio, and video materials. Advanced beginning level of reading and writing of Korean characters is taught.
Choose five of the following:
AS-100 Introduction to Asian Studies: Culture, People, Ideas
4
An interdisciplinary introduction to Asian Studies will touch upon the history, politics, economics, philosophy, geography, arts, and cultures of Asia. Sample topics include political economy, religious and cultural exchanges, international relations, Asian experience in America, and the role of Asia in the twenty-first century. Students will develop conceptual frameworks for exploring the subjects covered by the Asian Studies curriculum.
AS-220 Chinese Food in America
4
There are more Chinese restaurants in the U.S. than MacDonald's, Burger Kings and KFC'S combined. This course examines the unique American phenomenon of Chinese food from a historical and anthropological viewpoint. Students will gain a better appreciation and understanding of the subject through the course and will probably never look at local Chinese takeout the same way afterwards
AS-500 Asian Studies Internship
4
Engages in an internship in a business or non-profit organization that deals with Asia or an Asian American community. Students may complete the internship either in Asia or in the U.S. Students will complete appropriate exercises and reports to document their learning. (1 course, 4-12 credits; can be taken multiple times in different semesters)
AS-510 Independent Study
1.00- 4.00
Works directly with a faculty member on an agreed topic related to Asia or an Asian language. Past topics include: intermediate Chinese and Japanese; Asian popular culture.
CHIN-211 Survey of Chinese Literature and Culture I
3
This is an introductory and interdisciplinary course on Chinese civilization and traditional Chinese literature. It will provide the student with a brief introduction to the cultural legacy and literature of China from the archaeological origins of Chinese civilization to the present time. The diverse origins of China's civilization are stressed as topics in political, social, and economic history are explored, with a focus on developments in language, literature, and art. This course is a good introduction to further study of Chinese history and culture and, in particular, provides a valuable context for themes treated in Modern China.
CJN-281 Asian Popular Culture
4.00
Students critically analyze Asian popular culture since the 1980s using a cultural ethnographic approach. Students apply the lenses of gender, identity, globalization, and business strategies to examine pop phenomena such as Korean Wave, Cool Japan, and Cantonese popular music.
CJN-293 Hong Kong Cinema
4.00
By examining the film texts of Hong Kong auteurs such as John Woo, Wong Kar-wai, Tsui Hark, Andrew Lau, and Alan Mak, the course examines issues such as film genres, colonization/decolonization, transnational political economy, the Greater Chinese media market, and the diaspora.
ENG-362 Asian-American Literature
WRI-102 or WRI-H103
4
An introduction to selected Asian-American writers with an emphasis on socio-cultural issues, such as race, gender and ethnicity. Authors include Bulosan, Hwang, Jen, Kingston, Lee, Mukherjee, Odada, and Tan.
GVT-389 Politics of China
4
Introduces China studies as a subfield of comparative politics. Covers topics such as history, political structure, communist revolution, political and economic development, authoritarian resilience, current issues, and foreign policy. Compares China with other countries in and outside of Asia.
GVT-411 Politics of North and Southeast Asia
Junior Status required
4
Examines cultural and historic backgrounds, political systems, political and economic development, and international relations of countries in North and South East Asia. Provides with the understanding of the main regional trends and offers case studies of some of the political systems in the region. Applies the concepts and theories learned in the previous international relations, comparative politics courses and other social science courses. * I do not include specific country names to make the description flexible for changes. In my class, I cover countries such as China, North and South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, and Burma.
HST-115 Introduction to Chinese History and Culture
4
Discusses Chinese civilization from its origins to its recent rise as a world power. Spark students' interest in China and enable them to relate Chinese history and society to their lives and careers.
HST-251 Modern East Asia
4
China, Japan, and Korea - East Asia's critical players - share many historical influences, but each has a distinct culture, and they competed with each other for much of the twentieth century, proud of their achievements but feeling threatened by their neighbors. Lectures interspersed with movies and documentaries to show how East Asia has developed in the past one-hundred-plus years.
HST-260 Asian Peoples and Cultures
4
Introduces the peoples of Asia and the cultures they have created. Particular attention is paid to the lives of the common people in both historical and contemporary times. By understanding the richness and complexities of daily life in Asia, we will understand the continuities and discontinuities brought on by social, cultural, and economic changes. We will gain an appreciation of our fellow human beings in Asia.
HST-348 Samurai: History, Literature & Film
4
Explores the history of samurai and its cultural meaning for Japanese society. It examines not only how the samurai class developed into a major political force, but also how it has been represented by literatures and films in different eras.
PHIL-261 Eastern Philosophy
4
The exposition and critical evaluation of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Islam. Special attention is given to foundation principles as well as to the similarities and differences of each of these philosophies to basic ideas in Western philosophy. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered alternate years. C b
PHIL-262 Buddhism
4
An historical survey of Buddhist philosophy. We will explore Buddhist origins, central teachings, devotional and meditational practices, ritual and institutions as developed from classical to modern times. Special attention given to the philosophical diversity of the Buddhist world view. 1 term - 4 credits. Normally offered alternate years. C b
PHIL-267 Chinese Philosophy
4
A survey of the main developments in Chinese Philosophy. The course begins with the early dynastic concept of humanism and then turns to Confucius and Mencius. Having developed the central Confucian doctrines, students next examine the Taoist response to Confucianism in the writings of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu. The course then considers Zen Buddhism, which is called Ch'an Buddhism in China, where it originated. In particular, students study the concept of sudden enlightenment before turning to the Neo-Confucian scholars.
PSYCH-247 Asian Perspectives on Health and Work
4
Examines theoretical and empirical approaches that provide insight into Asian viewpoints on socialization practices, family systems, health/well-being, cultural traditions/values, and spiritual philosophy/literature. Explores the diversity among Asian cultures in terms of language, history, religion/spiritual faith, and healthcare practices, all of which play a significant role in shaping the psychological characteristics, interpersonal relationships, and work dynamics of Asians and Asian immigrants.
RS-112 Introduction to World Religions: Eastern Traditions
4
This course will examine a variety of Eastern religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Confucianism, Taoism, and Shintoism. Possible connections to be explored will be the impact of these traditions on others, such as Pacific Islands and African religion, as well as the growing place of Eastern religion in the West. This course will explore the history and structure of each tradition, while attempting to recognize the similarities and the differences among them. Attention will be given to the reading of original texts when available. Requiring students to observe religious ceremonies will enhance practical understanding of many of the above traditions. Normally offered every year. Cultural Diversity B
SF-190 Asia in America Fiction and Fact
4
With a focus on some selected ethnic groups from Asia," ""Asia in America"" studies the history and current status of Asian Americans in Boston and other parts of the country. We will examine the major reasons why these immigrants chose to leave their home country as well as their expectations and experiences here in America. We will also discuss the issues Asian immigrants have faced in this adopted ""home"" as well as the connections and conflicts among different ethnic groups or even within the same ethnic group due to political and socio-economic reasons. The course will include some level of community engagement\"
SF-1145 Emergence of Southeast Asia
4
Explores the eleven countries and 600 million people of Southeast Asia starting with foundations- geography and environment- and then looking at the human imprint, in the form of the history, religions, and cultures of the region. An examination of contemporary issues related to demography, politics, and (especially) economics.
Minor Programs Policy: A student declaring a minor may use no more than two courses from a major or double major combination to fulfill the requirements for the minor. No more than one course from one minor may count toward the fulfillment of a second minor. Students may not minor in a subject in which they are also completing a major. For more information, see the Minor Programs section of the CAS Degree Requirements page.
Honors Archive 2019-2020
To complete requirements for honors in the major, a candidate must
- Graduate with a major GPA of 3.6 or higher
- Graduate with an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Complete AS-H555
- CAS Honors Program students only: Present work from the senior honors experience at the Honors Symposium or Pecha Kucha event
AS-H555 Senior Honors Thesis
Students must be in the CAS Honors Program, have a 3.5 overall grade point average, and a 3.7 grade point average in the major. Registration must be approved by the Asian Studies Director.
1.00- 8.00
Students will work with an Asian Studies advisor to undertake a research project that will produce a 25-page paper that is suitable for an undergraduate academic conference in Asian Studies or relevant disciplines. Students must be in the CAS Honors Program, have a 3.5 overall grade point average, and a 3.7 grade point average in the major. Registration must be approved by the Asian Studies Director. May be taken in the fall and/or spring in the senior year.
Asian Studies Courses Archive 2019-2020
AS-100 Introduction to Asian Studies: Culture, People, Ideas
4
An interdisciplinary introduction to Asian Studies will touch upon the history, politics, economics, philosophy, geography, arts, and cultures of Asia. Sample topics include political economy, religious and cultural exchanges, international relations, Asian experience in America, and the role of Asia in the twenty-first century. Students will develop conceptual frameworks for exploring the subjects covered by the Asian Studies curriculum.
AS-220 Chinese Food in America
4
There are more Chinese restaurants in the U.S. than MacDonald's, Burger Kings and KFC'S combined. This course examines the unique American phenomenon of Chinese food from a historical and anthropological viewpoint. Students will gain a better appreciation and understanding of the subject through the course and will probably never look at local Chinese takeout the same way afterwards
AS-500 Asian Studies Internship
4
Engages in an internship in a business or non-profit organization that deals with Asia or an Asian American community. Students may complete the internship either in Asia or in the U.S. Students will complete appropriate exercises and reports to document their learning. (1 course, 4-12 credits; can be taken multiple times in different semesters)
AS-510 Independent Study
1.00- 4.00
Works directly with a faculty member on an agreed topic related to Asia or an Asian language. Past topics include: intermediate Chinese and Japanese; Asian popular culture.
AS-511 Professional Development for Asian Studies
Instructor consent required
1
Students will reflect on their college career and develop a personal strategy for attaining professional goals. They will understand ethical guidelines and professional conventions by examining the differences between American work culture and Asian work culture; by applying this understanding to a transnational/diverse professional world. Students will understand what the job market and graduate school opportunities are like for Asian Studies graduates.
AS-H555 Senior Honors Thesis
Students must be in the CAS Honors Program, have a 3.5 overall grade point average, and a 3.7 grade point average in the major. Registration must be approved by the Asian Studies Director.
1.00- 8.00
Students will work with an Asian Studies advisor to undertake a research project that will produce a 25-page paper that is suitable for an undergraduate academic conference in Asian Studies or relevant disciplines. Students must be in the CAS Honors Program, have a 3.5 overall grade point average, and a 3.7 grade point average in the major. Registration must be approved by the Asian Studies Director. May be taken in the fall and/or spring in the senior year.