AST 102 Introduction to Japanese II (JPN)
Instructor: Nathan Patton
Prerequisite: AST/JPN 101 w/ C or higher or Permission of Instructor
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
Continued emphasis on Japanese oral/aural communication skills and an introduction to the Japanese written language.
1 Course
AST 104 Introduction to Japanese IV (JPN)
Instructor: Nathan Patton
Prerequisite: AST/JPN 103 w/ C or higher or Permission of Instructor
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
Completion of the two-term intermediate level of Japanese language instruction; continued practice of reading, writing, listening, and speaking, fully integrated with culture.
1 Course
AST 123 History of Japan (HIS)
Instructor: Robert Foster
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
Japan has developed from an isolated chain of islands at the edge of East Asia into a modern economic giant. Through close reading of documents, focused analytical writing, open discussion and lecture, we will examine the complexity of the culture that gave rise to Zen Buddhism, the samurai, and Japan’s current position as one of the world’s most powerful economies. Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
1 Course
AST 204 Yoga (HHP)
Instructor: Stephanie Woodie
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. Partially fulfills Physical Education requirement.
1/4 Course
AST 205 Tai Chi (HHP)
Instructor: Martha Beagle
Prerequisite: HLT/PEH 100 or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
Because of its movement and mind/body focus, the benefits of Tai Chi on dynamic balance, relaxation, 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) style 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. Partially fulfills Physical Education requirement.
1/4 Course
AST 240 Kinship and Gender in Southeast Asia (SOC/WGS) Instructor: Gordon Gray
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or waiver
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2019)
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 International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
1 Course
AST 260 Buddhism (REL)
Instructor: Jeffrey L. Richey
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or waiver
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2019)
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 Hinduism (REL)
Instructor: Jarrod Brown
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or waiver
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
This intensive survey course explores the Vedic religious traditions of South and Southeast Asia, also known as “Hinduism.” Vedic religions will be explored through engaging primary texts, scholarship, ritual practices, philosophy, art and performance in both historical and contemporary contexts. Major movements in the Vedic tradition, important texts in both Sanskrit and vernacular languages, local traditions in both India and Southeast Asia, religion among diaspora communities, art and architecture, gender and identity, and contemporary issues will all be explored. 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 323 Seminar in Japanese History (HIS)
Instructor: Robert Foster
Prerequisite: AST/HIS 123 or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically alternate years (next offered Spring 2019)
This course examines the transition of Japan from a semi-feudal, warrior-dominated shogunate in the early nineteenth century, to a twenty-first century constitutional monarchy. As Japan opened to the West in its desire to remain uncolonized, the Japanese were confronted with the tension between maintaining traditions and adopting Western ideas. Through the term we will use a variety of sources (literature, film, secondary historical works, etc.) to examine this issue. Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
1 Course
CHI 102 Introduction to Chinese II
Instructor: Jianfen Wang
Prerequisite: CHI 101 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
Continued emphasis on Chinese oral/aural and written communication skills.
1 course
CHI 104 Intermediate Chinese IV Instructor: Jianfen Wang
Instructor: Jianfen Wang
Prerequisite: CHI 103 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor
Offered: Typically every Spring Term
Continued emphasis on Chinese oral/aural and written communication skills.
1 course
EDS 286-JW Intro to Foreign Language Learning and Teaching
Instructor: Jianfen Wang
Prerequisite: Two terms/one year of foreign language study
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
This course intends to help students develop (1) an inter-disciplinary understanding of the role language plays in human communication, (2) basic skills of teaching English to speakers of other languages, and (3) a better knowledge of the English language. This will be achieved through reading, talking, and hands-on activities, including making, implementing and evaluating lesson plans and course materials, observing language learners, reporting and reflecting on teaching and observations.
1 course