Asian Studies is the interdisciplinary study of the language, literature, culture, history, society, politics, philosophy, religion, and traditions of the rich and diverse countries of Asia. Courses in more than 10 academic disciplines contribute to this minor program. The Leidecker Center for Asian Studies, established in 1998, annually sponsors lectures, workshops, concerts, conferences, and cultural events to promote awareness and understanding of Asia. These activities augment the curricular offerings of the minor.
Study abroad is not required for the Asian Studies Minor, but it is both recognized and encouraged. Asian Studies Minor students are eligible to apply to study abroad for a semester or year through any of the approved programs listed in the Center for International Education website under Asian Studies. After consultation with their academic advisors, students may contact the relevant program director for more information and are encouraged to work closely with the staff at the Center for International Education.
Minor Requirements
Twenty-four (24) credits including two semesters (6 credits) or the equivalent of an Asian language (the language credits apply to one language, taken in sequence; the language may be taken at UMW or at an outside institution or as part of a study abroad program for transfer credit); six additional non-language courses, representing at least two different academic disciplines, of which a minimum of 9 credits must be at the 300 level or above. A maximum of 6 credits Individual Study and/or Internship may count toward fulfilling the minor requirements.
Asian Studies Course Offerings
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CHIN 101 & CHIN 102 | Beginning Chinese I and Beginning Chinese II | 6 |
| CHIN 201 & CHIN 202 | Intermediate Chinese I and Intermediate Chinese II | 6 |
| ARTH 118 | History of Asian Art | 3 |
| ARTH 224 | Arts of Japan and Korea | 3 |
| ARTH 270 | Topics in Non-Western and Non-Eurocentric Art (approved topics) | 3 |
| ARTH 356 | Global Modernisms in East Asian Art | 3 |
| ARTH 357 | Contemporary Asian Art | 3 |
| ARTH 470 | Seminar: Special Studies in Art History (approved topics) | 3 |
| ENGL 353 | Asian-American Literature | 3 |
| ENGL 364 | Contemporary Asian Novel | 3 |
| HIST 141 & HIST 142 | Asian Civilization I and Asian Civilization II | 6 |
| HIST 300 | Topics in History (approved topics) | 3 |
| HIST 324 | Chinese History through Film | 3 |
| HIST 364 | History of Japan | 3 |
| HIST 365 & HIST 366 | Late Imperial China and Modern China | 6 |
| HIST 368 | Gender in Chinese History | 3 |
| HIST 390A | The United States and Vietnam | 3 |
| HIST 466 | Cultural History of Late 20th Century China | 3 |
| IDIS 350 | Study Abroad (approved topics) | 1-6 |
| JAPN 101 & JAPN 102 | Beginning Japanese I and Beginning Japanese II | 6 |
| JAPN 201 & JAPN 202 | Intermediate Japanese I and Intermediate Japanese II | 6 |
| MDFL 201 | World Literature in Cultural Context | 3 |
| PHIL/RELG 283 | Hinduism | 3 |
| PHIL/RELG 284 | Buddhism | 3 |
| PHIL 440 | Studies in Asian and Comparative Philosophy | 3 |
| RELG 101 | Introduction to World Religions | 3 |
| RELG 210 | Islam | 3 |
| RELG 298 | Ethics of Religion and Violence | 3 |
| RELG 331 | Special Studies in Religion (approved topics) | 3 |
| RELG 384 | Death and Rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism | 3 |
| PSCI 354A | Politics of South Asia | 3 |
| PSCI 366 | Government and Politics of China | 3 |
| PSCI 367 | East Asia in World Affairs | 3 |
| Independent Study (in any appropriate discipline, with approved topic) | ||
| Internship (with approved topic) | ||