AST 101 Introduction to Japanese I (JPN)

Instructor: Nathan 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.
1 Course

AST 103 Introduction to Japanese III (JPN)

Instructor: Nathan 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.
1 Course

AST 122 History of China (HIS)

Instructor: Robert Foster
Prerequisite: None
Offered: Typically every Fall Term

China has one of the foundational civilizations in human history. It gave rise to social structures, political systems, and philosophies that deeply influenced the development of East Asia. Through close reading of documents, focused analytical writing, open discussion, and lecture, students will develop their own understanding of the evolution of China from its Neolithic origins to its present status as a world power. Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
1 Course

AST 186 Chinese Myths and Legends

Instructor: Jianfen Wang
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

Students in this course will read and discuss popular Chinese myths to construct an understanding of Chinese people’s belief of their cultural origin. They will read (and watch contemporary adaptations of) and discuss the greatest Chinese legends to develop a historical perspective on the values cherished by the Chinese people. They will read and discuss scholarly writings on Chinese mythology and legends to practice critical thinking and interdisciplinary approaches to the study of Chinese myths and legends. They will adapt and perform the story of a mythic or legendary figure to experience how myths and legends can be creatively employed (adapted and/or interpreted differently) for contemporary purposes.  Fulfills International (Non-Western) and Religion Perspective requirements.
1 Course

AST 204 Yoga (HHP)

Instructor: Sarah Downs
Prerequisite: HLT/PEH 100 or Permission of Instructor
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
A study of the asanas (poses) included in the practice of Hatha Yoga. The focus will be on connecting breath with movement, developing ease and comfort in poses and developing skills in using yoga as a tool for increased self-awareness. The content will include basic history of yoga and asanas. Students will be required to purchase a yoga mat that they will keep throughout the term.
1 Course

AST 240 Kinship and Gender in Southeast Asia (SOC/WGS)

Instructor: Gordon Gray
Prerequisite: GSTR 210
Offered: Typically every fall term

Southeast Asia is perhaps one of the most fascinating, yet often misunderstood, areas of the world. For instance, during the 1970s, US academics and policymakers predicted that the area would be one of the world’s trouble spots. Southeast Asia, it was predicted, would be wracked with strife between its constituent countries. While there has been much internal strife (in Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia/Kampuchea, Indonesia, the Philippines), there have been few international incidents. Much of the basis for the aforementioned prediction is the array of peoples, religions, economies, and lifestyles that are located in Southeast Asia. This course seeks to introduce the students to this diversity through the issues that make up the title. Southeast Asia has certain social and cultural bonds that unify the area, and these too will be analyzed in this course. Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
1 Course

AST 260 Buddhism (REL)

Instructor: Jarrod Brown
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or waiver
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2018)
A study of the history and diversity of Buddhist traditions, from the time of the Buddha in 5th-century BCE India to contemporary Buddhist communities in Asia and the West. Special attention will be given to the problems and prospects of Buddhism in relation to contemporary issues, such as gender and sexuality, ecological change, and the relationship between religion and politics. Fulfills International (Non-Western) and Religion Perspective requirements.
1 Course

AST 286-JB Religions of South and Southeast Asia (REL)

Instructor: Jarrod Brown
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or waiver
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

This course explores the religious traditions of South Asia in a global context and the interrelations between those traditions. Vedic religions, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and Islam will all be explored through texts, ritual practices, art and performances in both historical and contemporary contexts. Particular emphasis will be placed on religious change and accommodation through exploring the spread of Vedic religions and Buddhism to Southeast Asia and the changes brought about by the advent of Islam. Early in the course students will select an emphasis to pursue throughout the semester which will culminate in a research paper.  Fulfills International (Non-Western) and Religion Perspective requirements.
1 Course

AST 401 Senior Seminar in Asian Studies

Instructor: Robert Foster
Prerequisite: Senior standing, or permission of instructor
Offered: Annually

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.
1 Course

CHI 101 Introduction to Chinese I

Instructor: Jianfen Wang
Prerequisite: None
Offered: Typically every Fall Term

Introduction to Chinese as it is spoken in China today. Speaking and listening comprehension will be emphasized and the Chinese written language introduced.
1 Course

THR 308 Seminar in Theatre History: “Traditional Japanese Theatre: Noh, Bunraku, and Kabuki”

Instructor: Shan Ayers
Prerequisite: THR 105

An advanced seminar in which students will study the theatres and play scripts with a focus on close reading, research, and writing. The focus of the seminar this term will be traditional Japanese theatre: Noh, Bunraku, and Kabuki. May be repeated for credit, provided the seminar topic differs from those previously studied.

1 Course