Program Overview
Introduction to Asian Studies
The Asian Studies program at Temple University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the cultures, histories, and societies of Asia. With a wide range of courses and faculty expertise, students can explore the diversity and complexity of Asia, from ancient civilizations to modern economies.
Course Offerings
The program offers a variety of courses, including:
- ASST 0811: Asian Behavior & Thought
- ASST 0857: The Detective Novel
- ASST 0863: Religion in the World
- ASST 0868: World Society in Literature & Film
- ASST 0871: Arts in Cultural Context
- ASST 2000: Special Topics in Asian Studies I
- ASST 2001: Practical Asian Society and Culture
- ASST 2011: Survey of Japanese Literature Before 1868
- ASST 2012: Modern and Contemporary Japanese Literature in Translation
- ASST 2013: Modern and Contemporary Chinese Literature in Translation
- ASST 2014: Pre-Modern Chinese Literature
- ASST 2015: Tokyo in Literature and Film
- ASST 2016: Mystery and Crime Fiction in Japan
- ASST 2017: Stories of Parents and Children in Japanese Literature and Film
- ASST 2021: Japanese Literature in Film
- ASST 2022: Contemporary Chinese Urban Film and Fiction in Translation
- ASST 2030: Special Topics I
- ASST 2040: Special Topics II
- ASST 2050: The Japanese Writer in Focus
- ASST 2074: Geography of East and South Asia
- ASST 2098: Japanese Popular Culture and its Literature
- ASST 2101: Religions of India
- ASST 2102: Introduction to Buddhism
- ASST 2107: Asian American Experiences
- ASST 2111: Japanese Literature: From Classical to Contemporary
- ASST 2112: Chinese Literature: From Classical to Contemporary
- ASST 2196: Writing in the City
- ASST 2201: Chinese Religions
- ASST 2217: The Vietnam War
- ASST 2238: Visual Anthropology of Modern Japan
- ASST 2301: Zen Buddhism
- ASST 2351: Japan in a Changing World
- ASST 2367: South Asia: Peoples, Culture, Experiences
- ASST 2373: Japanese Culture
- ASST 2374: The Anthropology of Modern China
- ASST 2501: Introduction to East Asia: China
- ASST 2502: Introduction to East Asia: Japan
- ASST 2503: Introduction to Southeast Asia: Insular
- ASST 2504: Introduction to Southeast Asia: Mainland
- ASST 2511: Introduction to Asian Business
- ASST 2807: East Meets West
- ASST 2815: Japanese Art
- ASST 3000: Special Topics in Asian Studies II
- ASST 3001: Earth Ethics
- ASST 3011: Monks, Masters, and Magicians: Religion in Premodern Chinese Literature
- ASST 3021: Modern China in Fiction and Film
- ASST 3030: Special Topics III
- ASST 3031: Women in Chinese Literature
- ASST 3040: Special Topics IV
- ASST 3052: Environmental Problems in Asia
- ASST 3076: Metropolitan Tokyo
- ASST 3082: Independent Study
- ASST 3101: Yoga and Tantric Mysticism
- ASST 3201: I-Ching, Tao, and Ch'an/Zen
- ASST 3247: Ideology and Social Change in Japan
- ASST 3251: China: State and Society
- ASST 3252: East Asia and the United States
- ASST 3301: Japanese Religions
- ASST 3302: Japanese Buddhism
- ASST 3522: Contemporary China
- ASST 3541: Japan Today
- ASST 3542: Women and Society in Japan
- ASST 3606: Asian Women in Transition
- ASST 3636: Asian Women in Transition
- ASST 3900: Honors Topics in Asian Studies II
- ASST 4096: Seminar in Asian Studies
- ASST 4624: Modern Japan: Empire, War, Society
- ASST 4696: Modern Japan: Empire, War, Society
Program Requirements
The Asian Studies program requires students to complete a minimum of 36 credits, including:
- 12 credits of core courses
- 12 credits of elective courses
- 6 credits of language courses
- 6 credits of capstone courses
Research Areas
The program offers research opportunities in a variety of areas, including:
- Asian cultures and societies
- Asian histories and civilizations
- Asian economies and politics
- Asian languages and literatures
- Asian religions and philosophies
Faculty Expertise
The faculty in the Asian Studies program have expertise in a wide range of areas, including:
- Chinese history and culture
- Japanese history and culture
- Korean history and culture
- Southeast Asian history and culture
- Asian religions and philosophies
- Asian economies and politics
- Asian languages and literatures
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Asian Studies program can pursue careers in a variety of fields, including:
- International business and trade
- Government and diplomacy
- Education and research
- Journalism and media
- Non-profit and humanitarian work
- Tourism and hospitality
Conclusion
The Asian Studies program at Temple University offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the cultures, histories, and societies of Asia. With a wide range of courses and faculty expertise, students can explore the diversity and complexity of Asia, from ancient civilizations to modern economies. The program provides students with a strong foundation for careers in international business, government, education, and other fields, as well as preparation for graduate study and research.
