Asian Studies

Asia is home to some of the world’s oldest and most influential traditions and institutions. The Silk Route over land and the bustling ports of the Indian Ocean created the first world trading system. Scientific knowledge and military technologies developed in Asia were adopted in several parts of the world. The peoples of Asia portrayed their lives in the arts, and in works of philosophy, religion, and literature, which dealt with issues of profound and enduring interest. At the same time, throughout history, the people of Asia were greatly influenced by their interactions with the rest of the world. At present, Asian nations are undergoing massive transformations caused by economic growth, changing demographic profiles, political transformations, and migration. These developments within Asia are producing global repercussions. Containing more than half of the world’s population, Asia is critical in finding solutions to the common problems of climate change, global pandemics, human trafficking, and terrorism. In the areas of philosophy, religion, literature, and the arts, Asian voices continue to play a vital role in the global conversation.

The Asian Studies Minor is an interdisciplinary program that prepares Wabash students for roles of leadership and service in a global society that is increasingly influenced by Asia. Students pursuing any major are invited to join this program.

The goal of the Asian Studies minor is to provide students with a solid understanding that developments within Asia and the historical and cultural exchanges between Asia and the World have played an important role in shaping World History and the creation of the modern world. The courses in this program are designed to help students achieve competency in at least one Asian language, to enable them to gain a knowledge of critical issues in contemporary Asia vis-à-vis the rest of the world, and an appreciation of the diversity of Asian cultures.

The program is currently administered by the Asian Studies Committee, chaired by Professor Dan Rogers.

Program Highlights

  • Interdisciplinary courses offered by faculty members in History, Religion, Political Science, and Modern Languages & Literatures
  • Opportunities to learn Asian languages
  • A course plan that offers Study Abroad opportunities
  • Close mentorship provided by experienced faculty
  • Funding opportunities for qualified students

Background Credit

A student who begins study in a language with the third-semester course (201) or higher of a language and completes that course with a B-or higher also receives one elective credit for the course immediately preceding the one he has taken. Background credit does not count toward a major or minor in the language.

A student need not earn a grade of B- or higher to fulfill the World Language requirement. A passing grade in the appropriate courses will satisfy the requirement.

Student Learning Goals

Students will achieve competency in at least one Asian Language.

Students will gain a knowledge of the historical background and current dynamics of critical issues in Asia vis-à-vis different parts of the world and the interconnectedness of the global world.

Students will recognize and appreciate the diversity of Asian cultures.

Requirements for the Minor

The Asian Studies Minor has 3 parts and consists of 5 credits from at least 2 departments.

Language 12
One of the following two-credit sequences:
Elementary Chinese I
and Elementary Chinese II
Intermediate Chinese I
and Intermediate Chinese II
Electives 23
Three credits from the following:
Studies in Asian Culture
Modern Asian Cult & Hist Through Film
Religion & Literature
Intermediate Asian Language I 2
Intermediate Asian Language II 2
Music in East Asian Cultures
Topics in East Asian Religions
Topics in Asian History
Special Topics
Special Topics in Asian History
Conversation & Composition
Studies in Asian Language
Studies in Asian Culture
Asian Security Politics
Special Topics in Asian Language
Independent Study
Topics Asian History
Intermediate Chinese I 2
Intermediate Chinese II 2
Conversation & Composition 2
Studies in Chinese Language 2
Special Topics in Chinese Language 2
Modern China 1911 to Present
Advanced Topics in Asian History
Independent Study
Islam and the Religions of India
Religions of China and Japan
Topics in South Asian Religions
Topics in East Asian Religions
Seminar in South Asian Religions
Seminar in East Asian Religions
1
  • An Asian language other than Chinese may be acceptable as approved by the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.
  • Students who start at, or higher than, CHI-202 Intermediate Chinese II (or the comparable level in another Asian language) need only 1 credit of language. Such students will need 4 credits of electives.
  • Students who demonstrate proficiency in an Asian language may be exempted from the language requirement. Such students must complete 5 credits of electives.
2

Students who satisfy the language requirement of the Asian Studies minor with the beginning course sequence (i.e.. courses numbered 101 and 102) may continue their language study at the intermediate level (i.e. courses numbered 201 and above). These students may count any intermediate or advanced language courses as electives toward the minor. 

Students should contact the Asian Studies Committee if they have questions about the appropriateness of an irregular offering. Note that additional courses may become available in the future and will be added to the list by approval of the Asian Studies Committee. Students declaring an Asian Studies minor are strongly encouraged to apply for a semester of off-campus study in an Asian country. The application process to study off-campus can be found at www.wabash.edu/international/ocs.

Application and Capstone

It is recommended that the student declare the minor at the end of his sophomore year by submitting a plan of courses to the Chair of the Asian Studies Committee. In addition, the student must submit to the Chair of the Asian Studies Committee a reflective essay or portfolio of work in Asian Studies in order to complete the requirements for ASI-400 Senior Capstone, a non-credit independent study course to be taken during the fall semester of the senior year on a credit/no credit basis. The student’s submission will constitute the basis of the Asian Studies portion of the oral examination.

ASI-101 Elementary Asian Studies I

Taught by members of the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures and participating members of other departments. With chair approval, this course in conjunction with ASI-102 fulfills the College's world language requirement.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: ASI-101L
Credit: 1

ASI-102 Elementary Asian Studies II

Taught by members of the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures and participating members of other departments. With chair approval, this course in conjunction with ASI-101 fulfills the College's world language requirement.
Prerequisites: ASI-101 of the same language
Corequisites: ASI-102L
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

ASI-112 Studies in Asian Culture

Topics may vary and include, but are not limited to, film, popular culture and arts, theory of mind, regional and ethnic identities, gender studies, politics and religion. As they consider the connections among different disciplines and cultural contexts, students will develop the analytical tools and language specific to the interpretation of cultural moments and demonstrate those skills in interpretative essays and class discussion. May be retaken for credit if topic is different from previously taken course. Refer to the Course Description document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

ASI-177 Modern Asian Cult & Hist Through Film

Taught by members of the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures and participating members of other departments. Topics vary from year to year. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1

ASI-196 Religion & Literature

This course is an examination of one or more works of literature, with a view to discovering the religious insights and attitudes that they embody. The works and authors will vary from year to year, depending on the focus of the course. Recent topics have included classical Chinese poetry, and Japanese literature.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

ASI-201 Intermediate Asian Language I

Taught by members of the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures and participating members of other departments. With chair approval, this course fulfills the College's language requirement.
Prerequisites: ASI-102 in the same language, or ASI-201 placement
Corequisites: ASI-201L
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

ASI-202 Intermediate Asian Language II

Taught by members of the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures and participating members of other departments. With chair approval, this course fulfills the College's language requirement.
Prerequisites: ASI-201 in the same language
Corequisites: ASI-202L
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

ASI-204 Music in East Asian Cultures

A class for all students, regardless of background. Previous topics have included music in East Asian cultures, and music computer programing. This course is suitable for fulfilling distribution requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1
Distribution: Literature/Fine Arts

ASI-230 Topics in East Asian Religions

This is an introduction to the indigenous traditions of East Asia (Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto), and the development of Buddhism in China and Japan. There will also be some coverage of Christianity, Islam, and popular religion. Special attention will be given to the ways these various traditions have changed and interacted with one another in different historical contexts, especially the modern period. Readings will be from the works of Confucius, Laozi, and other Chinese and Japanese philosophers and religious figures.
Prerequisites: REL-104
Credit: 1

ASI-260 Topics in Asian History

The content of this course varies from semester to semester. It may be repeated for credit upon the instructor's approval. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

ASI-277 Special Topics

The course provides opportunities for specialized, innovative material to be made available for students at the introductory level. Since the content of this course varies from semester to semester, it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor's approval. Refer to the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

ASI-288 Independent Study

Enrollment through Instructor and Department Chair approval.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

ASI-300 Special Topics in Asian History

The course provides opportunities for specialized, innovative material to be made available for students at the introductory level. Since the content of this course varies from semester to semester, it may be repeated for credit upon the instructor's approval. Refer to the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

ASI-301 Conversation & Composition

Taught by members of the Department of Modern Languages and Literatures and participating members of other departments. Specific languages vary from year to year. This course focuses on the continued development of the student's command of language and his understanding of culture, with an emphasis on speaking and writing.
Prerequisites: ASI-202 in the same language
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

ASI-311 Studies in Asian Language

Studies in Asian Language offers advanced study in a modern language. Topics may vary and include, but are not limited to, linguistics: phonetics, grammar and syntax, and second language acquisition. Students will develop the analytical tools and language specific to the study of the Spanish language and demonstrate those skills in interpretative essays and class discussion. May be retaken for credit if topic is different from previously taken course. This course counts toward the Language Studies requirement.
Prerequisites: ASI-301
Credit: 1

ASI-312 Studies in Asian Culture

Studies in Asian Culture offers advanced study of modern language culture. Topics may vary and include, but are not limited to, film, popular culture and arts, theory of mind, regional and ethnic identities, gender studies, politics and religion. As they consider the connections among different disciplines and cultural contexts, students will develop the analytical tools and language specific to the interpretation of cultural moments and demonstrate those skills in interpretative essays and class discussion. May be retaken for credit if topic is different from previously taken course.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1

ASI-372 Asian Security Politics

An introduction to the politics of Asia. Special attention will be given to political and economic development of this dynamic region, as well as to the unique relationship that the United States built with Asian countries. We will also examine the crucial impact that developments in this region have on political and safety situation within the region and broader. The course may occasionally be offered in conjuction with the courses in the Department of Modern Languages.
Prerequisites: none
Credit: 1

ASI-376 Special Topics in Asian Language

Taught by members of the Department of Modern Languages & Literature and participating members of other departmentss. Topics vary from year to year. Refer to the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

ASI-377 Independent Study

Enrollment through Instructor and Department Chair approval.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

ASI-400 Senior Capstone

The student must submit to the Chair of Asian Studies Committee a reflective essay or portfolio of work in Asian Studies in order to complete the requirement for ASI-400, a non-credit independent study course to be taken during the fall semester of the senior year on a credit/no credit basis.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0

Chinese (CHI)

CHI-101 Elementary Chinese I

The student with little or no previous training in Chinese will become grounded in the language and gain some understanding of the culture of the Chinese-speaking world. Successful completion of the course means that one will be able to understand and respond in common conversational situations, read straightforward prose, and write simple but correct Chinese. This course is typically offered in the fall semester. Successful completion of both CHI-101 and CHI-102 satisfies the World Languages distribution requirement.
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: CHI-101L
Credit: 1

CHI-102 Elementary Chinese II

The student with little or no previous training in Chinese will continue building in the language and gain more understanding of the culture of the Chinese-speaking world. Successful completion of the course means that one will be able to understand and respond in common conversational situations, read straightforward prose, and write simple but correct Chinese. This course is typically offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: CHI-101, or CHI-102 placement
Corequisites: CHI-102L
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

CHI-201 Intermediate Chinese I

A thorough review of the fundamentals of the language. Concentration will be on continued growth in the active use of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will read Chinese texts which will reinforce the study of the language and the observation of the culture. Particular attention will be given to improving self-expression in Chinese beyond the rudimentary level. This course is typically offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: CHI-102, or CHI-201 placement
Corequisites: CHI-201L
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

CHI-202 Intermediate Chinese II

A continued review of the fundamentals of the language. Concentration will be on continued growth in the active use of the language: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students will read Chinese texts which will reinforce the study of the language and the observation of the culture. Particular attention will be given to improving self-expression in Chinese beyond the rudimentary level. This course is typically offered in the spring semester.
Prerequisites: CHI-201, or CHI-202 placement
Corequisites: CHI-202L
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

CHI-301 Conversation & Composition

This course focuses on the continued development of the student's command of the Chinese language and his understanding of the culture of the Chinese-speaking world, with an emphasis on speaking and writing. This course is typically offered in the fall semester.
Prerequisites: CHI-202, or CHI-301 placement.
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

CHI-311 Studies in Chinese Language

Advanced study in Chinese language. Students will develop more advanced speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills and demonstrate those skills in essays and class discussion. May be retaken for credit if topic is different from previously taken course. Please refer to the Registrar's page for course description.
Prerequisites: CHI-301, or CHI-311 placement
Credit: 1
Distribution: World Language

CHI-376 Special Topics in Chinese Language

These courses treat topics in Chinese Language. Conducted in Chinese. Refer to the Course Descriptions document on the Registrar's webpage for topics and descriptions of current offerings.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1

Asian Studies Minor Steering Committee

David Blix, Religion 
Dan Rogers, Modern Languages, chair 
Cara Healey, Modern Languages