AST 102 Introduction to Japanese II (JPN)

Instructor: Nobuko Patton

Prerequisite: AST/JPN 101 with a grade of C or higher or permission of instructor.

Continued emphasis on Japanese oral/aural communication skills and an introduction to the Japanese written language.

AST 123 History of Japan (HIS)

Instructor: Robert Foster

Japan has developed from an isolated chain of islands at the edge of East Asia into a modern economic giant. Through close reading of documents, focused analytical writing, open discussion and lecture, we will examine the complexity of the culture that gave rise to Zen Buddhism, the samurai, and Japan’s current position as one of the world’s most powerful economies. Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.

AST 204 Yoga (PED)

Instructor: Stephanie Woodie

Prerequisite: PEH 100

(Please contact instructor for course description.)

AST 205 Tai Chi (PED)

Instructor: Martha Beagle

Prerequisite:PEH 100 or permission of instructor

Because of its movement and mind/body focus, the benefits of Tai Chi on dynamic balance, relaxation, and sustained mental attention have been recognized by those who engage in all kinds of activities.  Students of Tai Chi will learn the Yang (short form) style of Tai Chi as well as the mind-body connection in accordance with the principles and techniques of Tai Chi to help enrich one’s life.  Tai Chi is scientifically designed to help all students maintain a healthy body through stretching, breathing and meditation.

AST 308 Themes in Asian Traditions: “Buddhism in Japan” (REL)

Instructor: Jeffrey L. Richey

Prerequisite: 1 previous AST course, or permission of instructor

Each time that it is offered, AST/REL 308 entails the close study of selected texts, practices, or experiences of one or more Asian religious traditions.  Ancient (538-1185 CE) and  medieval (1185-1603 CE) Japan was defined culturally, intellectually, and to a great extent, politically by Buddhism.  The legacies of this foundational influence still may be seen in Japan today.  This term’s section will explore three principal sects of Japanese Buddhism: Shingon 真言 (Esoteric), Jōdō　净土 (Pure Land), and Zen　禅 (Meditation).  Sources to be examined include scriptural, hagiographical, literary, and liturgical texts (in English translation) as well as calligraphy, films, paintings, ritual objects, and sculptures.  Fulfills Arts Perspective requirement.

AST 322 Seminar in Chinese History: “The Silk Road and China”(HIS)

Instructor: Robert Foster

Prerequisite: AST/HIS 122 or 123 or permission of instructor

The Silk Road is the ancient trade network that connected all parts of Eurasia.  Best known as the path by which silk from China entered Europe, it was the route that Marco Polo traveled in the 13th century from Venice to China.  Through literature, archaeology, art, and historical texts, this course examines the interchange of goods and ideas along the Silk Road.  We will discuss the historical development of the route, whether Polo actually made it to China, how the route enabled the spread of religions such as Buddhism, Islam, and Nestorian Christianity, and how the lure of the Silk Road’s legends encouraged modern adventurers to search for lost cities along its length.  Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.

CHI 102 Introduction to Chinese II

Instructor: Vanessa Chi-Jung Lee

Prerequisite: CHI 101 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor

Continued emphasis on Chinese oral/aural and written communication skills.

CHI 104 Intermediate Chinese II

Instructor: Vanessa Chi-Jung Lee

Prerequisite: CHI 103 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor, Completion of the two-term intermediate level of Chinese language instruction.

Continued development of Chinese oral/aural and written communication, fully integrated with culture.