Asian Studies, B.A.
Curriculum
Asian studies is an interdisciplinary program which explores the intersections of the social sciences, humanities and arts, in conjunction with Comparative Race and Ethnic Studies (CRES). Students who major in Asian studies develop their analytical skills and an in-depth knowledge concerning the history, politics, and culture of different Asian countries. Students are encouraged to develop linguistic proficiency in an Asian language, usually, but not limited to, Chinese or Japanese. Our core program faculty includes experts on China, Japan, mainland Southeast Asia, and the Asian-American experience. The program reflects both the geo-political importance of Asia and the increased interest in Asian and Asian-American identity issues.
Language
Students are required to gain a functional level of literacy in the language of their area of specialization. Students specializing in China or Japan must complete at least the equivalent of intermediate Chinese or Japanese at Clark plus at least one semester in China or Japan as part of Clark’s Study Abroad Program. A student studying Southeast Asia is required to study a major Southeast Asian language, either through locally available instructors or as part of a Study Abroad Program. Asian language courses above the beginning level (101-102) can be counted as part of the required 12 courses for the major. Students specializing in China or Japan must take at least three courses on countries or regions of Asia different from their country of specialization.
This language requirement can be fullfilled at Clark by taking:
CHIN 103 – Intermediate Chinese I and CHIN 104 – Intermediate Chinese II
or
JAPN 103 – Intermediate Japanese and JAPN 104 – Intermediate Japanese II
Minor requirements
The minor requires six Asian studies courses: three may be selected from language courses, and the other three must be selected from non-language courses. In addition, two of the non-language courses must be 200-level courses and one course must include a significant research component. Students minoring in Asian Studies are encouraged, though not required, to take at least one year of Chinese or Japanese language, and to study abroad one semester in Asia.
