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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of studying Asia?

The Asian Studies Program offers CSB/SJU students a unique opportunity to prepare themselves for personal and professional involvement with the newly-dawned Asian Century. Students will develop important intercultural skills as well as gain insight into various aspects of Asia's diverse and fascinating societies and cultures. Through course work and extra-curricular activities dealing with Asia, students will leave CSB/SJU prepared personally and professionally for life in the new global economy.

Can I major in Asian Studies?

CSB/SJU does not offer a stand alone Asian Studies Major. However, an individualized Asian Studies major can be designed in consultation with the student’s academic advisor and the Asian Studies advisor, and must be approved by the History Department chair. The following are the course requirements for the individualized major:

  1. HIST 200, HIST 389, and HIST 399
  2. Three History courses in addition to the courses in point 1, two of which must be at the Upper Division Level.
  3. Four other Asian-related courses chosen from any department, including History.

Note: the choice of courses must be coherent with the plan designed in consultation with the student’s advisors. The first three semesters of language are not eligible.

What are the requirements for Asian Studies Minors?

The minor requires completion of 22 to 24 credits from among the following courses, of which at least 10 to 12 credits are of upper division. The following are the course requirements:

1. One of the following:

HIST 114 East Asia Before 1800
HIST 115 East Asia Since 1800
HIST 116 South Asia Before 1500
HIST 117 South Asia Since 1500

2. One of the following:

HIST 315 Islam in South Asia Confronting Modernity
HIST 316 China in Revolution, 1800-1949
HIST 317 The People’s Republic of China
HIST 319 Modern Japan, 1868-Present

3. Four of the following:

ART 208 Non-Western Art Survey
ECON 316 Asian Economies
ENGL 385 Literature of the Indian Subcontinent
MCLT 315 Chinese Literature in Translation
MCLT 319 East Asian Literature in Translation
PHIL 272 Asian Philosophy
POLS 346 Asian Politics

Note: Courses taken while studying abroad at Southwest University and at Bunkyo Gakuin University also count toward the minor.

For more information, see the Asian Studies curriculum.

What can I do with a Minor in Asian Studies?

OUTLOOK FOR FIELD

Asian studies, like other branches of the liberal arts, provides both skills for making a living and learning as a life-long endeavor. Students who minor in Asian Studies have the choice of many professional opportunities, examples include the following:

  • Foreign Correspondent
  • International Sales
  • Translator
  • International Student Advisor
  • Interpreter
  • Bilingual Editor
  • Customs Inspector
  • Journalist
  • Travel Agent
  • International Business
  • ESL Teacher
  • Immigration Agent
  • Embassy Personnel
  • Market Research
  • Study Abroad Coordinator
  • English Teacher Abroad
  • Importer/Exporter
  • Government Agent
  • Peace Corps Volunteer

Do I have to satisfy language requirements for the Asian Studies Minor?

There are no language requirements for the Asian Studies Minor. However, students interested in Asia are strongly encouraged to take Japanese or Chinese language.

Who do I contact if I want to minor in Asian Studies?

To apply for a minor in Asian Studies, you must contact Professor P. Richard Bohr. For general questions about the major/minor, please contact Rachel Sherman Johnson, Coordinator of Asian Studies.

Where are the study abroad destinations for Asian Studies program?

In Japan, our study abroad site is located in Tokyo, at Bunkyo Gakuin University. In China, our study abroad site is located in Sichuan province, outside of Chongqing at Southwest University. There are also annual May Term courses that visit China and Japan.

Can non-Asian Studies majors or minors study abroad in Asia?

Yes, there is no course or language requirement for study abroad in Asia. However, students interested in Asia are strongly encouraged to take Japanese or Chinese language and other Asian Studies courses to prepare for their study abroad experience.

Where can I get more information about Asian Studies?

You may contact the Director of Asian Studies, Professor P. Richard Bohr, or the Coordinator of Asian Studies, Rachel Sherman Johnson.