AST 122 History of China (HIS)

Instructor: Robert Foster
Prerequisite: None
Offered: 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: 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 204 Yoga (HHP)

Instructor: Nashwa Cahill and Stephanie Woodie
Prerequisite: HLT/PED 100 or permission of instructor
Offered: Every fall and 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 205 Tai Chi (HHP)

Instructor: Patrick Dillon
Prerequisite: HLT/PED 100 or permission of instructor
Offered: Every fall term

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

Instructor: Gordon Gray

Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or waiver
Offered: 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 (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 and Methods Course requirement for Asian Studies major or minor.
1 Course

AST 243 The Silk Road (HIS)

Instructor: Robert Foster
Prerequisite: None
Offered: Every other year

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. Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement and Methods Course requirement for Asian Studies major or minor.
1 Course

AST 249 Topics in Asian Art (ARH)

Instructor: Ashley Elston
Prerequisite: None
Offered: Every other years

Designed to examine a key period or significant topic in Asian art and architecture, the course explores key tenets of this religiously and culturally diverse region through artistic expression. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from that studied previously. Fulfills Arts Perspective and International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
1 Course 

AST 325-J Topics in Asian Studies: Japanese Film & Literature

Instructor: J. L. Richey
Prerequisites: AST/HIS 243 or AST/HIS 229 or AST/SOC/WGS 240 or PSC 250 or permission of instructor
Offered: Every other year

Through examining a key theme in Asian Studies, students will develop both a deeper appreciation for an aspect of Asian culture and a better understanding for the various methodologies that scholars of Asia employ in analyzing complex societies. By reading key primary documents and secondary material, students will develop a picture of the interrelated issues connected to the theme of the seminar. Students will also engage in individual research projects related to the course’s chosen theme. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from those previously studied. This Japan-focused section of AST 325 will explore key themes, motifs, and narratives in Japanese film and literature from ancient times to the present.  Fulfills International (Non-Western) requirement.
1 Course

AST 401 Senior Seminar in Asian Studies

Instructor: J. L. Richey
Prerequisite: One 300-level AST course and senior standing, or permission of instructor
Offered: 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 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: 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: 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: Every fall term
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: Every fall term
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: Carlos Poggio
Prerequisite: PSC 100 or permission of instructor
Offered: Every fall term
A study of the various forces, assumptions, considerations, and actors that define national interests, shape international relations, and promote world order. Fulfills Methods Course requirement for Asian Studies major or minor.
1 Course