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.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Language 1 | 2 | |
| One of the following two-credit sequences: | ||
| Elementary Chinese I and Elementary Chinese II | ||
| Intermediate Chinese I and Intermediate Chinese II | ||
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Electives 2 | 3 | |
| 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 in 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
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.
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
Credit: 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
Distribution:
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 of 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 of 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
Topics vary with each scheduled offering. Refer to
Student Planning's section information for
descriptions of individual offerings, and
applicability to distribution requirements.
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.
Topics vary with each scheduled offering. Refer to
Student Planning's section information for
descriptions of individual offerings, and
applicability to distribution requirements.
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. Topics vary with each
scheduled offering. Refer to Student Planning's
section information for descriptions of individual
offerings, and applicability to distribution
requirements.
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: Take ASI-202 of 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. Topics vary with each scheduled offering.
Refer to Student Planning's section information
for descriptions of individual offerings, and
applicability to distribution requirements.
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. Topics vary with each
scheduled offering. Refer to Student Planning's
section information for descriptions of individual
offerings, and applicability to distribution
requirements.
Prerequisites: none
Credits: 0.5-1