Session A (August 12-October 2, 2020)
AST 204 Yoga (HHP)
Instructor: Nashwa Cahill
Prerequisite: HLT 100 or WELL 101 or permission of instructor
Offered: Online in fall 2020
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 205 Tai Chi (HHP)
Instructor: Patrick Dillon
Prerequisite: HLT 100 or WELL 101 or permission of instructor
Offered: On campus in fall 2020
Because of its movement and mind/body focus, the benefits of Tai Chi on dynamic balance, relationship, 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) site 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.
1 Course
AST 286 Hindu & Buddhist Philosophy (PHI)
Instructor: Jarrod Brown
Prerequisite: GSTR 210 or waiver
Offered: Online in fall 2020
This course is a survey of the philosophical traditions of Vedic (“Hindu”) and Buddhist South and Southeast Asia. Students will be introduced to some of the major schools of thought, central primary texts, important thinkers, and contemporary philosophical discussions through exploring and reflecting upon the debates between Vedic and Buddhist philosophers on topics such as the nature of the self, theories of consciousness, metaphysics, and philosophy of language. Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
1 Course
AST 401 Senior Seminar in Asian Studies
Instructor: J. L. Richey
Prerequisite: Senior standing, or permission of instructor
Offered: Online in fall 2020
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:On campus in fall 2020
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: Online in fall 2020
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: On campus in fall 2020
Introduction to Japanese as it is spoken in Japan today. Development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills along with a basic understanding of Japanese culture.
1 Course
Session B (October 5-November 24, 2020)
AST 122 History of China (HIS)
Instructor: Robert Foster
Prerequisite: None
Offered: Online in fall 2020
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: Online in fall 2020
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 240 Kinship and Gender in Southeast Asia (SOC/WGS)
Instructor: Gordon Gray
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or waiver
Offered: On campus in fall 2020
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 (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 Methods requirement for Asian Studies major/minor. Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
1 Course
CHI 101 Introduction to Chinese I
Instructor: Jianfen Wang
Prerequisite: None
Offered: Online in fall 2020
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
HHP 248 (World Dance)
Instructor: Nashwa Cahill
Prerequisite: GSTR 210 or permission of instructor
Offered: Online in fall 2020
Explores dance of African and Asian nations in cultural context and in the context of dance of other countries. The goal of the class is to increase understanding and appreciation of the diversity of ways in which individuals, communities, and groups define themselves in movement, and to develop awareness of dance as a form of cultural expression. At the conclusion of the course, students will examine ways in which African and Asian dance styles have influenced American dance and culture. The class will include dancing, video viewing, interviews with international students, reading, and writing of research and analysis papers. Fulfills Arts Perspective and World Culture (Non-Western) component of the International Perspective.
1 Course
JPN 101 Introduction to Japanese I
Instructor: Nathan Patton
Prerequisite:None
Offered:On campus in fall 2020
Introduction to Japanese as it is spoken in Japan today. Development of speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills along with a basic understanding of Japanese culture.
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:On campus in fall 2020
Continued development of Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills along with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
1 Course
PSC 250 International Relations
Instructor: Lauren McKee
Prerequisite: PSC 100 or permission of instructor
Offered: Online in fall 2020
A study of the various forces, assumptions, considerations, and actors that define national interests, shape international relations, and promote world order. Fulfills Methods requirement for Asian Studies major/minor.
1 Course