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Major
A major in Asian Studies consists of a total of eight courses, three of which must be at the 300 level or higher. Students must take courses from at least four disciplines, including two Asian Studies courses: ASST 250, and ASST 350 (or approved interdisciplinary substitutes), which vary by topic each term.
All Asian Studies majors must satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
1) An Independent Study off Campus (NSOC) with an Asian focus.
2) Study in an Asian country
3) A Career Study off Campus (CSOC) with an Asian focus, or
4) An independent research project or honors thesis in Asian Studies.
Students must also demonstrate competency with an Asian language by either completing 4 semesters of study or testing at the equivalent level. Up to three language skills courses may count toward the major but only courses above the 201 level or its equivalent. Language house or conversation classes cannot count toward the total number of credits.
It is recommend that students choose a focus when designing their major plan: e.g. regional (East Asia, South Asia), or thematic (religion, politics, language and literature, history and society). We strongly advise our majors to participate in a structured international experience in Asia (study abroad, internship, Janterm) before graduation. However, a minimum of 2 credits must come from full credit courses taken at Austin College, and if the student takes fewer than 4 courses at Austin College for their major, only 1 course credit may come from a Janterm.
Minor
A minor in Asian studies consists of a minimum of six course credit units including Asian Studies 250 or 350 or an approved substitute (such as ASST 101/301), two courses numbered 300 or above, and courses from at least three disciplines.
A minimum of 2 credits must come from full credit courses taken at Austin College, and if a student takes fewer than 3 courses at Austin College, only 1 course credit may come from a Janterm. No more than two course credit units in language study will count toward the minor. Language house or conversation classes cannot count toward the total number of credits. Although there is no specific language requirement for the minor, we strongly recommend that students take classes in an Asian language as part of their studies. Students wishing to pursue Asian studies beyond the minor, however, need proficiency in an Asian language.
It is recommend that students organize coursework in their Asian studies minor to stress a theme, such as Asian culture or social systems; or a geographical concentration, such as East Asia or South Asia. It also is recommended that students pursue a senior research project tying together their course experiences and interests.
Disciplinary courses approved for Asian Studies are listed collectively in the course schedule each semester.
250 Intermediate Topics in Asian Studies
Interdisciplinary subjects such as religion and violence, politics and literature, or gender issues in Asia. May be repeated when topic varies. No prerequisites. (Each fall)
260 Intermediate Directed Study (Variable course credit)
350-450 Advanced Topics in Asian Studies
Interdisciplinary subjects such as religion and violence, politics and literature, or gender issues in Asia. May be repeated when topic varies. Prerequisites: ASST 250 or equivalent. (Each spring)
460 Advanced Directed Study (Variable course credit)
490 Independent Study
491 Asian Studies Honors Thesis
492 Independent Study Off-Campus/NSOC
For specific information on courses offerings please link to
Courses
