AST 101 Introduction to Japanese I (JPN)
Instructor: Nobuko Patton
Prerequisite: None
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
Introduction to Japanese as it is spoken in Japan today. Speaking and listening comprehension will be emphasized.
AST 103 Introduction to Japanese III (JPN)
Instructor: Nobuko Patton
Prerequisite: JPN 102 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
Continued development of Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills.
AST 186 History of South Asia (HIS)
Instructor: Uma Ganesan
Prerequisite: Determined by instructor
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
An introduction to the history of South Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh). Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
AST 250 Indian & Southeast Asian Art History (ARH)
Instructor: Eileen Mckiernan Gonzalez
Prerequisite: GSTR 210
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered in 2013-14)
A survey of the religious art (Buddhist, Dravidian, Hindu, Islamic, Jain) of India and Southeast Asia. Fulfills Arts and Religion Perspective requirements.
AST 401 Senior Seminar in Asian Studies
Instructor: Rebecca Bates
Prerequisite: Senior standing, or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
Through common readings and independent work, students will explore various views of Asia, past and present, from within Asia and from without. Through the common readings, students will deal with central questions regarding geographic visions of Asia, the reality or unreality of “Asia,” key issues for the region, etc. Through regular presentations of ongoing individual projects, students will learn from each other about diverse Asia-related issues. For example, one day, students might all read an address written by the President of the American Association of Asian Studies, followed by individual presentations on aspects of Shinto religion, followed by the politics of the partition of India, followed by current concerns with North Korea. The course is intentionally open-ended and free-flowing both to encompass specific student interests and to develop the ability to think broadly about Asia.