Asian Studies Minor

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 and Asian culture. 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. Students minoring in Asian Studies are eligible to apply to study abroad for a semester or year through: the UMW Korea Exchange Program at Sungshin University in Seoul; the UMW partner program with Lingnan University in Hong Kong; the UMW partner program with Beijing Language and Culture University in China. After consultation with their academic advisors, students may contact the relevant program director for more information. Information on these and other study abroad opportunities in Asia is available from the Center for International Education.

Requirements for the Asian Studies Minor

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

Chinese 101 and 102 – Beginning Chinese I & Beginning Chinese II
Chinese 201 and 202 – Intermediate Chinese I & Intermediate Chinese II
Art History 118 – History of Asian Art

Art History 224 – Arts of Japan & Korea

Art History 270 – Topics in Non-Western and Non-Eurocentric Art (with approved topics)

Art History 356 – Global Modernisms in East Asian Art

Art History 357 – Contemporary Asian Art

Art History 470 – Seminar: Special Studies in Art History (with approved topics)
English 353 – Asian American Literature
English 364 – Contemporary Asian Novel
Geography 307 – Geography of Asia
History 141 and 142 – Asian Civilization I & Asian Civilization II

History 300 – Topics in History (approved topics)

History 324 – Chinese History Through Film

History 364 – History of Japan
History 365 and 366 – History of China I & History of China II
History 368 – Gender in Chinese History
History 390 – The United States and Vietnam

History 466 – Cultural History of Late 20th Century China

IDIS 350 – Study Abroad (with approved topics)

Japanese 101 and 102 – Beginning Japanese I & Beginning Japanese II

Japanese 201 and 202 – Intermediate Japanese I & Intermediate Japanese II

MDFL 201 – World Literature in Cultural Context
Philosophy/Religion 283 – Hinduism
Philosophy/Religion 284 – Buddhism
Philosophy 440 – Studies in Asian and Comparative Philosophy

Religion 101 – Introduction to World Religions

Religion 210 – Islam

Religion 298 – Ethics of Religion & Violence
Religion 331- Special Studies in Religion (with approved topic)
Religion 383 – Yoga In Theory, History, & Contemporary Practice

Religion 384 – Death & Rebirth in Tibetan Buddhism
Political Science 354A – Politics of South Asia
Political Science 366 – Government and Politics of China
Political Science 367 – East Asia in World Affairs
Independent Study (in any appropriate discipline, with approved topic)
Internship (with approved topic)