AST 122 History of China (HIS)
Instructor: Rebecca Bates
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 130 Studies in World Art: Arts of East Asia (ARH)
Instructor: Ashley Elston
Prerequisite: None
Offered: Typically alternate years
This course will consider the visual arts of East Asia from prehistory to the present. Moving from China eastwards through Korea to Japan, the course will explore the connections between the different rich visual cultures of East Asia as well as the ways in which East Asian art and architecture has interacted with global culture. A variety of types of art, including architecture, sculpture and painting, will be covered. In order to understand the meaning and importance of these monuments and art objects for the people who created them, the course will approach artworks in terms of their cultural and historical contexts, with reference to pertinent political, social, religious, and cultural institutions. Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
1 Course
AST 132 Religions of China (REL)
Instructor: Jeffrey L. Richey
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Typically alternate years
A study of the principal religious traditions of China: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. The course includes readings in the classical primary texts of each tradition as well as attention to ritual and practice. Fulfills International (Non-Western) and Religion Perspective requirements.
1 Course
AST 204 Yoga (HHP)
Instructor: Nashwa Cahill
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 308 Themes in Asian Tradition: Daoism (REL)
Instructor: Jeffrey L. Richey
Prerequisite: 1 previous AST course or Permission of Instructor
Offered: Typically alternate years
A close study of selected texts, practices, or experiences of one or more Asian religious traditions. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic varies from that studied previously. This term’s iteration of the course will focus on the history and diversity of Daoist traditions, from their roots in ancient China to contemporary expressions of Daoism in Asia and the West, with an emphasis on art, literature, and ritual. Known in antique romanization as “Taoism,” Daoism is among East Asia’s most influential, complex, and mysterious traditions. In China, where it originated, it became an alternative to both the indigenous Confucian tradition and the imported Buddhist tradition, even though it (like its practitioners) mingled freely with both. In Korea, Japan, and Việt Nam, it became entangled with popular religion to the extent that it disappeared into traditions such as Korean shamanism, Japanese Shintō, and the Vietnamese new religious movement known as Cao Đài. Across the East Asian diaspora, it remains present wherever concerns about aesthetics, balance, health and longevity, the natural world, the siting and arrangement of buildings and rooms, and sexuality arise. This course entails study of Fulfills International (Non-Western) and Religion Perspective requirements.
1 Course
AST 401 Senior Seminar in Asian Studies
Instructor: Jeffrey L. Richey
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
CHI 103 Intermediate Chinese III
Instructor: Jianfen Wang
Prerequisite: CHI 102 with a grade of C or higher or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically every Fall Term
Beginning of the two-term intermediate level of Chinese language instruction. Continued development of Chinese oral/aural and written communication skills.
1 Course
JPN 101 Introduction to Japanese I
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
JPN 103 Introduction to Japanese III
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