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Explore a region of inspiration and influence.

The scope of Asian Studies is broad, covering some of the world’s oldest cultures. Through hands-on learning and study abroad opportunities, you’ll explore firsthand the history, politics, economics, and cultures of the eastern, southeastern, and southern regions of Asia.

Leading to a bachelor of arts degree, the Asian Studies major is multidisciplinary, challenging your fluency in the social sciences, humanities, arts, and business. From immersing yourself in post-World War II Japanese literature and film to studying the rapid economic growth of China, you’ll learn about the traditions, languages, and historical contexts that shape emerging Asian countries — and will impact the entire world.

Catalog Requirements for:

Major
Minor

Why Choose Asian Studies at Clark?

  • Declare a focus in one of three areas — China, Japan, or the combined region of East, South, and Southeast Asia — and complete a minor (or a second major) in another department that complements your area of interest.
  • Complete immersive study abroad and internship experiences in China, Japan, and/or Vietnam, through one of several programs with leading institutions in those countries.
  • Gain functional literacy in a language relevant to your area of focus; Clark offers courses in Chinese and Japanese.
  • Asian studies is one of seven undergraduate programs affiliated with Clark’s Center for Gender, Race and Area Studies, a community of faculty and students who study diverse, disadvantaged, or marginalized societies and populations, with an emphasis on promoting social justice.

Asian Studies

Featured Courses

JAPN 280

Memory and National Identity in Post-War Japanese Fiction and Film

Since its defeat in WWII, Japan has moved from atomic desert to economic powerhouse. Explore how the work of Japanese artists has reflected memories of post-war trauma and engaged issues of national identity.

GEOG 107

PLS

Miracles of Asia: Economic Growth in Global Contexts

Why are many Asian countries (think China, India, and Japan) major players in global affairs? Through readings and class discussions, you’ll explore the reasons behind their rapid economic rise and sudden crises.

HIST 286

The Vietnam War

The ubiquitous presence of living Vietnam War veterans is a reminder of a defining moment in American history. Dig into the history and culture of Vietnam and its fraught relationships with France and the U.S.

ID 235

Trafficking: Globalization and Its Illicit Commodities

Illegal trafficking — people, animals, and controlled substances — continues to thrive around the globe. Explore the opportunities and dilemmas faced by those who study and try to eliminate these shadow economies.

View All Courses

The Asian Studies Path

Twelve courses are required to complete the Asian studies major. You’ll choose a specialization in one of three areas: China, Japan, or the combined region of East, South, and Southeast Asia, and complete a minor (or a second major) in another department that complements your area of focus.

Attaining a level of functional literacy in an Asian language relevant to your area of specialization is a key component of the Asian studies major. You accomplish this by taking language courses, and by studying abroad for at least one semester — a full year is strongly recommended — through one of four programs:

  • Kansai Gaidai University near Osaka, Japan
  • CET Language Program in Beijing, China
  • CET Internship Program in Shanghai, China
  • CET in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Asian studies is one of seven undergraduate programs affiliated with Clark’s Center for Gender, Race and Area Studies, a community of faculty and students from a variety of disciplines who study diverse, disadvantaged, or marginalized societies and populations, with an emphasis on promoting social justice.

Dr. Lee Gurel ’48 Asian Studies Award
The Dr. Lee Gurel ’48 Asian Studies Award is given to an outstanding graduating senior for academic excellence in Asian studies.

Skills you will learn include:

  • Proficiency in an Asian language
  • Resilience, persistence, and the creativity required to understand, live in, and negotiate an unfamiliar culture
  • Ability to integrate your new knowledge of Asian history and culture into a deeper understanding of liberal education

During your junior year, you might be accepted into the Asian studies honors program. Joining the program means you’ll work closely with a professor to create a thesis on a topic of your choice. Examples of recent honors thesis topics are:

  • Scar Literature of the Chinese Cultural Revolution
  • Cinema of the Defeated: The Postwar Crisis of Masculinity in 20th Century German and Japanese Films
  • Horror, Eros, and Fantasy in Modern Japan

Building your foundation

The Clark Experience

We structure our curriculum around Liberal Education and Effective Practice (LEEP), which connects classroom learning with action through world and workplace experiences.

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“I wanted to be open to learning all that I could about a different and unique way of life. It’s part of my Chinese-American identity that I never had the opportunity to fully explore and learn about before.”

Etta Scott-Smith ’18
minor in Asian studies

Explore the Asian Studies Program

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