AST 122 History of China (HIS)

Instructor: Robert W. 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 132 Religions of China

Instructor: J. L. Richey
Prerequisites: None
Offered: Typically every Fall Term

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 260 Buddhism (REL)

Instructor: J. L. Richey
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or waiver
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Fall 2021)

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 Bodies & Sexuality in South & Southeast Asian Traditions (WGS)

Instructor: Jarrod Brown
Prerequisites: GSTR 110
Offered: Typically as student and faculty interest allow

This course explores the themes of bodies and embodiment, sex and sexuality, and identity and gender in the intellectual traditions of South and Southeast Asia and contemporary South and Southeast Asian communities. The course will explore classical texts from Vedic religions, Buddhisms, and Islam, religious and philosophical scholarly work on those texts, as well as contemporary narratives and ethnographic of bodies, gender, sex and sexuality in South and Southeast Asian communities in which these texts may continue to have agency in communities for which these texts are “living.” We will come together to discuss the readings each week, and at two points in the semester students will lead a session on a selected reading.  Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
1 Course 

AST 286 The Silk Road (HIS)

Instructor: Robert W. Foster
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or waiver
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow

This course examines the cultures of East, Central, and South Asia that were linked by pre-modern trade networks that came to be known as the Silk Road. Using archaeological evidence, primary texts, and secondary analysis, the course emphasizes the flow of goods and ideas along these trade networks while also introducing cultural differences and key themes in the history of pre-modern Asia. Students will be introduced to the methods and practice of research based on the course materials. World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course

AST 401 Senior Seminar in Asian Studies

Instructor: J. L Richey
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 examples, 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

PSC 250 International Relations

Instructor: Lauren McKee
Prerequisite: PSC 100 or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically every Fall Term

A study of the various forces, assumptions, considerations, and actors that define national interests, shape international relations, and promote world order.
1 Course