Session A (January 13-March 5, 2021)

AST 100 Introduction to Asian Studies

Instructor: Robert Foster
Prerequisite: None
Offered: online in spring 2021

Through a series of regional case studies, this course introduces the geography, history, and major themes of Asian Studies. Students will learn about the development and interaction of the major cultures of Asia. By the end of the course, the student should be able to identify major regions, nations, and cities in Asia; be able to define key cultural themes within these various regions both historically and in the present; and demonstrate that they grasp basic skills required for research in a number of disciplines that contribute to Asian Studies. Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement AND Introductory Course Requirement for Asian Studies Major or Minor.
1 Course

AST 135 Religions of Japan

Instructor: J. L. Richey
Prerequisites: None
Offered: online in spring 2021

A study of the principal religious traditions of Japan: Buddhism, Confucianism, and Shintō. 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: online in session A, spring 2021
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 206 Introduction to Asian Cinema

Instructor: Gordon Gray
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or waiver
Offered: on campus in spring 2021

Asian cinematic traditions have produced some of the most famous and accomplished directors (such as Japan’s Kurosawa and Ozu or India’s Satyajit Ray), some of the largest audiences (Bollywood films have immense global audiences), as well as unique artistic visions and styles (the Chinese “Fifth Generation” of filmmakers). Beyond these issues, viewing cinema also tells us much about the cultures in which those cinematic products were produced. Therefore, the films viewed also tell us much about Japan, India, China, and the cultural, aesthetic, and dramaturgical traditions of those countries. To that end, students will critically view a series of Asian feature films and then provide analysis of these films via three term time 5-8 page reviews that include topics, themes, and subject matter relevant to the particular films and of relevance to their major.
1 Course  

AST 229 Modern Imperialism (HIS)

Instructor: Rebecca Bates
Prerequisites:AST/HIS 102 or AST/HIS 122 or AST/HIS 123 or GSTR 210
Offered: online in spring 2021

This course is a selective exploration of imperialism using a comparative historical perspective. Beginning with a reflection on the meanings of “empire,” the course explores the rise of European empires during the “high colonialism” of the 19th and 20th centuries. This course then will explore the expansion of European colonialism and regional responses-including local resistance, national revolutions, and the development of the Soviet and Japanese Empires. After examining the dynamics of imperial decline between 1919 and 1945, the course will conclude by considering the status of empires in the post-World War II period. Fulfills Methods requirement for Asian Studies major/minor.  Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective AND Methods Course Requirement for Asian Studies Major or Minor.

1 Course

AST 324-J Topics in Asian History: Japan (HIS)

Instructor: Robert Foster
Prerequisites: AST/HIS 229 or AST/SOC/WGS 240 or AST/HIS 243 or PSC 250 or permission of instructor
Offered: online in spring 2021

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. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from those previously studied. 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: online in session A, spring 2021

Continued emphasis on Chinese oral/aural and written communication skills.
1 course

CHI 210 Intermediate Chinese

Instructor: Jianfen Wang
prerequisite: CHI 103 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor
Offered: online in session A, spring 2021

Continued emphasis on Chinese oral/aural and written communication skills.
1 course

JPN 102 Introduction to Japanese II

Instructor: Nathan Patton
Prerequisite: JPN 101 w/ C or higher or Permission of Instructor
Offered: on campus in session A, spring 2021

Continued development of Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills along with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
1 Course

JPN 210 Intermediate Japanese

Instructor: Nathan Patton
Prerequisite: JPN 103 w/ C or higher or Permission of Instructor
Offered: on campus in session A, spring 2021

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

THR 186 Introduction to Asian Theatre

Instructor: Deborah Martin
Offered: on campus in session A, spring 2021

This course is a survey of diverse forms of Asian performance, its history, and influence on world drama and theatre practice.  We will explore how these forms of performance reflect the culture of origin as well as sustain their unique world views and cultural identities.
1 Course

Session B (March 8 – April 27, 2021)

AST 123 History of Japan (HIS)

Instructor: Robert Foster
Offered: online in spring 2021

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: on campus in session B, spring 2021
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

CHI 102 Introduction to Chinese II

Instructor: Jianfen Wang
Prerequisite: CHI 101 with a grade of C or higher, or permission of instructor
Offered: on campus in session B, spring 2021

Continued emphasis on Chinese oral/aural and written communication skills.
1 course

HHP 248 (World Dance)

Instructor: Nashwa Cahill
Prerequisite: GSTR 210 or permission of instructor
Offered: online in spring 2021

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 102 Introduction to Japanese II

Instructor: Nathan Patton
Prerequisite: JPN 101 w/ C or higher or Permission of Instructor
Offered: on campus in session B, spring 2021

Continued development of Japanese speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills along with a deeper understanding of Japanese culture.
1 Course