At which campus can I study this program?
Program Description
This is an interdisciplinary minor designed for students with special interests in the Asian area. In addition to the requirements of the student's major department, the minor consists of 21 credits selected from such disciplines as anthropology, art history, economics, geography, history, linguistics, literature, philosophy, political science, religious studies, speech, theatre arts, and appropriate Asian languages.
What is Asian Studies?
Asian Studies focuses on the history, culture, and societies of Asia. It can include the study of the languages, societies, cultures, histories, economies, and politics of the countries and peoples of Asia. This is an interdisciplinary major, with a strong disciplinary core, for students who want a basic understanding of the background and contemporary aspect of East, Southeast, or South Asia.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ASIAN STUDIES
You Might Like This Program If...
- You are interested in the languages, cultures, histories, or societies of one or more of the countries of Asia.
- You are curious about other parts of the world.
- You want to think contextually about cultures, historical trends, social change, and political structures.
- You want to understand the history of the world as a group of systems and as a single system.
Program Requirements
| Requirement | Credits |
|---|---|
| Requirements for the Minor | 21 |
Requirements for the Minor
A grade of C or better is required for all courses in the minor, as specified by Senate Policy 59-10. In addition, at least six credits of the minor must be unique from the prescribed courses required by a student's major(s).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Additional Courses | ||
| Additional Courses: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 6 credits from the following: | 6 | |
Introduction to the Religions of the East  | ||
| What is Asia? | ||
| Sports in Asia | ||
| Asian Popular Culture | ||
| Introduction to Hinduism | ||
| Introduction to Buddhism | ||
| War and Memory in Asia: Twentieth Century and beyond | ||
| Asian Traditions of Health, Medicine, and the Body | ||
| Special topics | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas | ||
| Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better | ||
| Select 15 credits from a departmental list, at least 6 at the 400 level; independent study credits selected in consultation with adviser; additional further credits in language studies may be permitted up to 6 credits. 1 | 15 | |
- 1
Courses not on the list that deal substantially with some aspect of Asia in any discipline may also count, pending approval of an adviser. Students seeking to combine an Asian Studies minor with a major in an Asian language (such as CHNS or JAPNS) may include up to 15 credits of language study in a SECOND Asian language, but must have at least 3 courses that do not overlap with their other major(s) or minor(s) in Asian Studies or other Asian languages.
Academic Advising
The objectives of the university's academic advising program are to help advisees identify and achieve their academic goals, to promote their intellectual discovery, and to encourage students to take advantage of both in-and out-of class educational opportunities in order that they become self-directed learners and decision makers.
Both advisers and advisees share responsibility for making the advising relationship succeed. By encouraging their advisees to become engaged in their education, to meet their educational goals, and to develop the habit of learning, advisers assume a significant educational role. The advisee's unit of enrollment will provide each advisee with a primary academic adviser, the information needed to plan the chosen program of study, and referrals to other specialized resources.
READ SENATE POLICY 32-00: ADVISING POLICY
University Park
Liberal Arts Academic Advising
814-865-2545
Use the Liberal Arts Meet the Academic Advisers web page to see the contact information for the specific adviser(s) of this program
Abington
Pierce Salguero
Associate Professor of Asian History and Religious Studies
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7826
salguero@psu.edu
Career Paths
A Minor in Asian Studies can be the basis for careers in the public sector (diplomatic corps, armed forces, intelligence, etc.), international law, business, public relations, journalism, travel and hospitality, careers requiring foreign travel or living abroad in Asia, language specialist (translating, interpreting, teaching).
Careers
With a Minor in Asian Studies, you'll be prepared for a career in a wide range of industries and professions, including the public sector (diplomatic corps, armed forces, intelligence, etc.), international law, business, public relations, journalism, travel and hospitality, careers requiring foreign travel or living abroad in Asia, language specialist (translating, interpreting, teaching).
Opportunities for Graduate Studies
International Affairs programs, law, or the study of Asia in various disciplines, such as art history, literature, history, religion, philosophy, political science, and sociology.
Contact
University Park
DEPARTMENT OF ASIAN STUDIES
102 Old Botany Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-867-3260
asianstudies@psu.edu
Abington
DIVISION OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
215-881-7826
salgero@psu.edu