AST 100 Introduction to Asian Studies
Instructor: Robert Foster
Prerequisite: None
Offered: Every spring term
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: Every spring term
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: PEH 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. Partially fulfills Physical Education requirement.
1/4 Course
AST 205 Tai Chi (HHP)
Instructor: Patrick Dillon
Prerequisite: PEH 100 or Permission of Instructor
Offered: Every fall and spring 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 Dr. Yang’s Evidence-Based Tai Chi and Qigong Program 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 206 Introduction to Asian Cinema
Instructor: Gordon Gray
Prerequisite: GSTR 110 or waiver
Offered: Every spring term
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 286 Politics of East Asia (PSC)
Instructor: Lauren McKee
Prerequisite: GSTR 210 or waiver
Offered: Typically as student interest and faculty availability allow
This course will examine the inter- and intra-state politics of the East Asian region, focusing specifically on mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, and the Koreas. The first section highlights East Asia as a region, introducing some common themes such as historical memory, cultures, and the process of state building. The second section focuses on the institutional arrangements, political development, and leadership of individual states. The third section examines the economic development of the region and the roles of states in this process. Finally, students will also examine U.S.-East Asian foreign relations to consider the U.S.’s future role in the region.
1 Course
AST 324-C Topics in Asian History: Philosophy, Technology, and Power in Classical China (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: Every other spring term
The goal of this course is two-fold. Through examining a key period in Chinese history, students will develop both a deeper appreciation for an aspect of Chinese culture and a better understanding for the various methodologies that historians employ in analyzing complex societies. By reading key primary documents and secondary material from important historians, students will develop a picture of the way social, economic, political, and cultural issues interact and shape the period. May be repeated for credit, provided the topic differs from those previously studied.
Classical China (ca. 11th to 3rd centuries BCE) saw the rise of East Asia’s foundational philosophies, the development of new technologies, and increasing competition for power. This course examines the ways that new developments in thought and technology led to changes in social and political structures, and vice versa. We will examine archaeological finds, read classical texts, and engage historical analyses of the period to understand the foundations of Chinese culture. Students will also spend a significant amount of time on individual research projects to help prepare for their capstone courses.
Fulfills International (Non-Western) Perspective requirement.
Fulfills pre-1700 and Asian distribution requirements for HIS majors.
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: Every spring term
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: Every spring term
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: Every spring term
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: 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