Courses
Survey of various facets of modern Japanese society and culture, including family, life cycle, education, gender, work, popular culture, as well as cultural aspects of economics and political systems through readings and films.
Art
ART-264 Arts of China
AST-280 Ramayana GER: WC (World Cultures) and UQ (Ultimate Questions)
4 credits
AST-470 Seminar in Asian Studies
4 credits.
AST-504 Directed Independent Study
4 credits.
CHN-110 Elementary Chinese I
Introduction to the sound system and grammatical structures necessary to develop listening and speaking skills in Mandarin Chinese. Initial reading and writing exercises with basic Chinese characters. An appreciation of Chinese culture underlies the orientation of the course. 4 credits.
CHN-120 Elementary Chinese II
GER: FL (Foreign Language) for students seeking the Bachelor of Science degree ONLY
Prerequisite: CHN-110
Continuation of work on the sound system and grammatical structures necessary to develop listening and speaking skills in Mandarin Chineses, including reading and writing exercises with basic Chinese characters. An appreciation of Chineses culture underlies the orientation of the course. 4 credits.
CHN-201 Intermediate Chinese I
GER: FL (Foreign Language)
Prerequisite: CHN-120
Continuation of development of proficiency in listening and speaking, while expanding reading and writing skills, using materials of a literary or cultural nature. Includes a review of grammar.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in foreign language. 4 credits.
CHN-202 Intermediate Chinese II
Prerequisite: CHN-201
Continuation of CHN 201, with emphasis on communication skills, expansion of vocabulary and idiomatic expression. Cultural activities and outside readings required. Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in foreign language and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
CHN-220 Survey of Chinese Culture
GER: TA (Critical, Analytical Interpretation of Texts) amd WC (World Cultures)
Survey of aspects of Chinese culture including: Confucianism, Taoism, Souls and Ghosts, Buddhism, the Monkey King legend, Chinese modernity, and Communist totalitarianism. Topics are covered through the study of a broad array of cultural, philosophical, historical, literary and theatrical texts.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
CHN-225 Chinese Film
GER: VP (Visual and Performing Arts) amd WC (World Cultures)
Cultural, intellectual, artistic and social issues that lead to an informed understanding of Chinese film, film analysis, and China. Selected films are organized under the topics of gender, ethnicity, melodrama, and urbanism.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
CHN-230 Survey of Chinese Literature
GER: TA (Critical, Analytical Interpretation of Texts) amd WC (World Cultures) PENDING APPROVAL
Cultural, intellectual, artistic and social issues that lead to an informed understanding of Chinese film, film analysis and China. Selected films are organized under the topics of gender, ethnicity, melodrama, and urbanism. Two outstanding directors, Chen Kaige & Zhang Yimou, are examined in conclusion.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and helps satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in humanities (literature) or may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
CHN-235 Classic Chinese Fiction
The classic Chinese novel and short story in English translation. Important works of all major dynasties from ancient times through the nineteenth century and their impact on the role of culture and society in Chinese literature.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
CHN-245 Twentieth Century Chinese Literature
The development of modern Chinese literature in all genres. Through the study of the most representative works in English translation this course considers the relationship between literature and society in twentieth century China.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
CHN-065 Chinese Language House I
GER: WC (World Cultures)
Residential assignment to language house.
Using media such as newspapers, magazines (accessible through the Internet), film, TV and textbooks, students living in the language house meet regularly to discuss topics concerning Chinese culture and society. In relation to these discussions, they are also given language practicum assignments (such as to interview Chinese speakers on given topics). They keep a journal throughout the year and present a project at the conclusion of the course orally and in writing. The target language is used for all discussions and written work. 4 credits.
CHN-265 Chinese Language House II
GER: WC (World Cultures)
Prerequisite: CHN-065 and residential assignment to language house.
Using media such as newspapers, magazines (accessible through the Internet), film, TV and textbooks, students living in the language house meet regularly to discuss topics concerning Chinese culture and society. In relation to these discussions, they are also given language practicum assignments (such as to interview Chinese speakers on given topics). They keep a journal throughout the year and present a project at the conclusion of the course orally and in writing. The target language is used for all discussions and written work. 4 credits.
CHN-301 Intermediate Chinese III
Prerequisite: CHN-202
A continuation of CHN 202, emphasizing oral skills and idiomatic usage. Students will be required to speak extensively in class. Supplementary materials will be added to the text.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in foreign language. 4 credits.
CHN-302 Intermediate Chinese IV
Prerequisite: CHN-301
A continuation of CHN 301, emphasizing reading of formal Chinese, writing and oral communication skills. Additional materials will be used to further develop the students’ ability to read, discuss, understand and write Chinese.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in foreign language. 4 credits.
CHN-320 Travel Study in Chinese Culture
Study of the Chinese people, society, culture and civilization.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
CHN-401 Advanced Chinese I
Prerequisite: CHN-302
Continued study emphasizing advanced conversation skills. Special focus on effective exchange of more complex ideas in daily life and topics of interest.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in foreign language. 4 credits.
CHN-402 Advanced Chinese II
Prerequisite: CHN-401
Continued emphasis on advanced skills of conversation and discussion in Chinese. Special focuses include effective exchange of evolved ideas concerning various cultural topics of interest. Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in foreign language. 4 credits.
ECN-243 Economic Growth and Development GER: WC (World Cultures)
Prerequisite: ECN-111
The theory of economic development, the historical development experiences of Western, Asian, and African nations, the problem of accelerating rates of development of less advanced nations, and the problem of maintaining economic growth rates of advanced nations.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement. 4 credits.
ECN-249 Asian Economics
Prerequisite: ECN-111
Examination of the development records of Asian economies, notably Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. Some attention directed to the newly emerging economies of Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China and India. A broad economic perspective and simple economic models are used to examine institutional changes, industrial policies and the role of government and the private sector in these economies. Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement. 4 credits.
ECN-251 Economics of China
GER: HB (Empirical Study of Human Behavior) and WC (World Cultures)
Examining the causes and effects of economic development and structural reforms of the fastest-growing and largest developing country: China. Emphasis on a political economy approach due to the state dominance in the Chinese economy. 4 credits.
ENG-471 South Asian Cultural Studies: Literature and Film
GER: TA (Critical, Analytical Interpretation of Texts) and WC (World Cultures)
Prerequisite: Completion of a First Year Writing seminar
Introduction to the complex array of issues essential to understanding South Asian cultures in the contemporary context. Examining literary texts and films through interpretive approaches appropriate to the pluralistic cultural traditions of the region and informed by current debates in the humanities.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 Asian African requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
ENG-473 Gender in South Asian Literature and Film
GER: TA (Critical, Analytical Interpretation of Texts) and WC (World Cultures)
Prerequisite: Completion of a First Year Writing seminar
Introduction to the various debates over the representations of masculinity and femininity as these categories intersect with other forms of identity and belonging such as caste/class, nation, race, and sexuality through the reading of literary and filmic texts. 4 credits.
HST-155 Ancient and Early South Asia
GER: HA (Historical Analysis of Human Interactions) and WC (World Cultures)
Introduction to South Asia from prehistory to the early 16th century. Focus on the transformations of human environments in the Indian subcontinent, such as river-valley settlements, urban development, early state formation, long-distance trade, and mobility. Major themes include: interaction and integration, and diversity of ritual and cultural practices. 4 credits.
HST-156 Modern South Asia GER: HA (Historical Analysis of Human Interactions) and WC (World Cultures)
The history of South Asia from the 16th century to present. Focus on Mughal dynasties and Indo-Islamic cultures, European traders and the British imperial projects, multiple resistors to imperial rule, and the creation of and challenges facing postcolonial South Asia.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
HST-161 Ancient and Early Japan
GER: HA (Historical Analysis of Human Interactions) and WC (World Cultures)
Survey of Japan from its prehistoric origins to the early 17th century. Topics include: archaeology and history, origins of "Japan," the emergence of the imperial state, court rulership, and the rise of the samurai.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
HST-162 Modern Japan GER: WC (World Cultures)
Survey of Japan from the 16th century to the present. Topics include: Tokugawa societies and cultures, economic systems, Imperial Japan and world wars, global interactions, modernity and modernization, and contemporary Japanese issue.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
HST-165 Ancient and Imperial China GER: (World Cultures)
The history of Chinese civilization from its origins to 1600. Topics include: ideals of cultural unity and division, classical philosophy, religious beliefs and practices, formation of imperial institutions, economic and intellectual revolutions, conflict and accommodation with neighboring peoples, and epic transformations of state and society.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
HST-166 Modern China GER: HA (Historical Analysis of Human Interactions) and WC (World Cultures)
China in the modern world. Examining major political, social and cultural transformations of the period from the late Qing dynasty to recent dramatic reforms in mainland China and on Taiwan.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
HST-256 Gender History of South Asia
Prerequisite: one course numbered between 100 and 166 in history or permission of instructor.
Questions of gender in colonial and postcolonial South Asia, and its diaspora. Topics include “tradition” and “modernity,” patriarchy, power and agency, sexuality, and nationalism. Thematically organized to present and critique gender, history, and South Asia, and to introduce global feminisms.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
HST-260 Courtiers and Warriors: Narratives of Japan
Prerequisite: one course numbered between 100 and 166 in history or permission of instructor
The multiple narratives of Japanese history by examining the gendered roles and ideals of courtiers and warriors. Concentrates on two interrelated themes: the historical reality and the construction of a mythical ideal both "positive and negative” in historical writings and popular culture in Japan, and exoticized elsewhere. 4 credits.
HST-263 The Atomic Bomb in History and Culture
Prerequisite: one course numbered between 100 and 166 in history or permission of instructor
The interaction of science, politics, strategy, and culture in the studies of historians as well as in the literature, films, and theater in twentieth century Japan and the United States relating to the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 4 credits.
HST-264 Gender and Technology in East Asia
Prerequisite: one course numbered between 100 and 166 in history or permission of instructor
The social and material structures (technologies) that have shaped gender roles in East Asia, looking at mostly Chinese, Japanese, and Korean experiences. This deliberately broad definition allows for historically tracing the interaction between social norms, material artifacts, and cultural change from the16th century to the present. 4 credits.
JPN-110 Elementary Japanese I
Introduction to the sound system and grammatical structures necessary to develop listening and speaking skills in Japanese. Initial reading and writing exercises with some of the basic Japanese characters. An appreciation of Japanese culture underlies the orientation of the course. 4 credits.
JPN-120 Elementary Japanese II
GER: FL (Foreign Language) for students seeking the Bachelor of Science degree ONLY
Prerequisite: JPN-110
Continuation of work on the sound system and grammatical structures necessary to develop listening and speaking skills in Japanese, including initial reading and writing exercises with some of the basic Japanese characters. An appreciation of Japanese culture underlies the orientation of this course. 4 credits.
JPN-201 Intermediate Japanese I
GER: FL (Foreign Language)
Prerequisite: JPN-120
Continuation of development of proficiency in listening and speaking, while expanding reading and writing skills, using materials of a literary or cultural nature. Review of grammar included.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in foreign language. 4 credits.
JPN-202 Intermediate Japanese II
Prerequisite: JPN-201
A sequence to JPN 201, with emphasis on communication skills, expansion of vocabulary and idiomatic expression. Cultural activities and outside readings required. Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in foreign language and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
JPN-235 Classical Japanese Literature
GER: TA (Critical, Analytical Interpretation of Texts) and WC (World Cultures)
The development of classical Japanese literature from the seventh century to 1858, when Japan opened its doors to the West. Reading representative texts in English translation in various genres from various periods.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and helps satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in humanities (literature) or may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
JPN-245 Modern Japanese Literature
GER: TA (Critical, Analytical Interpretation of Texts) and WC (World Cultures)
The development of modern Japanese literature from 1858, when Japan opened its doors to the west, to the present. Students read representative texts in English translation by major writers in various genres.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and helps satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in humanities (literature) or may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
JPN-301 Intermediate Japanese III
Prerequisite: JPN-202
A continuation of JPN 202, emphasizing oral skills and idiomatic usage. Required to speak extensively in class. Supplementary materials will be added to the text.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in foreign language. 4 credits.
JPN-302 Intermediate Japanese IV
Prerequisite: JPN-301
A continuation of JPN 301, emphasizing reading of formal Japanese, writing and oral communication skills. Additional materials will be used to further develop the ability to read, discuss, understand, and write Japanese.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in foreign language. 4 credits.
JPN-065 Japanese Language House I
Prerequisite: at least one course numbered 200 or greater in Using primarily media such as newspapers, magazines (accessible through the Internet), film, and TV, students living in the language houses meet regularly to discuss current topics of concern to the societies under study. Requirements include keeping a journal throughout the year and presenting a project at the conclusion of the course in oral and written form. The target language is used for all discussions and written work. Graded satisfactory-unsatisfactory. 0 credits.
JPN-265 Japanese Language House II
GER: WC (World Cultures
Prerequisite: JPN-065 and residential assignment to language house.
Using primarily media such as newspapers, magazines (accessible through the Internet), film, and TV, students living in the language houses meet regularly to discuss current topics of concern to the societies under study. Requirements include keeping a journal throughout the year and presenting a project at the conclusion of the course in oral and written form. The target language is used for all discussions and written work. 4 credits.
HND-101 Beginning Hindi
Introduction to the script, phonetic and grammatical structure necessary to develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in the Hindi language. 4 credits.
PHL-230 Indian Philosophy
GER: WC (World Cultures)
Prerequisite: PHL-101
Survey of six orthodox and three heterodox schools including Advaita Vedanta, Yoga, Samkya, Mimamsa, Nyaya, Vaisesika, Early Buddhism, Jainism, and Ajivika Materialism. Comparative (East/West) analyses are explored.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
PHL-240 Chinese Philosophy GER: WC (World Cultures)
Prerequisite: PHL-101
Survey of the development of Classical Chinese Philosophy with emphasis upon Confucian, Daoist, and Neo-Confucian traditions.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.
PHL-250 Japanese Philosophy
GER: WC (World Cultures)
Prerequisite: PHL-101
The development of Japanese Philosophy from the classical period to modern times with a focus upon Buddhist philosophy and its intersection with the West. Analysis includes Early Buddhism, Kukai's Shingon Buddhism, and Dogen's Soto Zen Buddhism. The encounter of Japanese Philosophy with the West is studied through modern figures such as Nishida Kitaro, Watsuji Tetsuro, and Yuasa Yasuo.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities.
PSC-226 Politics of China
GER: WC (World Cultures)
Prerequisite: PSC-102
Examination of the political, social and economic factors affecting the Chinese Communist Party and its relationship to the Chinese citizenry. Analysis of the domestic and international challenges confronting the Chinese state.
Satisfies the asian-african requirement. 4 credits.
PSC-229 Politics of Asia
GER: WC (World Cultures)
Prerequisite: PSC-102
Examination of one of the world's most dynamic regions. Common issues facing disparate regimes will be explored through case studies from Communist regimes, military and transitional systems, and restricted democracies. The region's changing international role and influence will be discussed.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement. 4 credits.
PSC-243 Issues in Chinese Politics
Prerequisite: PSC-102
Examination of China in the post-Mao era, focusing on the pressures for reform and the central government’s ongoing struggle to maintain control while liberalizing the political and economic system. Includes interviews with government officials and citizens in Shanghai.
REL-223 Introduction to Hinduism GER: WC (World Cultures)
Exploration of Hindu beliefs and practices with an emphasis on major religious themes that link classical traditions with popular piety. 4 credits.
REL-224 Introduction to Buddhism GER: UQ (Ultimate Questions) and WC (World Cultures)
Prerequisite: REL-101 or 102
Examining the doctrines, practices, and communal life of the Buddhist religious tradition. Beginning with the origins of Buddhism in India, its spread and transformation through Asia and to the West. Exploring the various interpretations about Buddhology, the meaning of Dharma and how it becomes embodied in practice. Studying the Buddhist perspectives and approaches to issues and challenges Buddhist face in the modern world.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities.
4 credits.
REL-227 Religions of South Asia
GER: WC (World Cultures)
Introduction to contemporary religions of South Asia by examining the religions that have developed in the Indian subcontinent—Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, and Sikhism—as well as the influences of religions born elsewhere--Islam, Christianity, and others.
Satisfies the pre-fall 2008 asian-african requirement and may satisfy the pre-fall 2008 general education requirement in upper-level humanities. 4 credits.