Asian Studies

Major

Asia, a vast, culturally and linguistically diverse region, is home to half the world’s population. Study of this region requires a broad scope as well as specific study of one or more societies within it. Asia is divided conventionally into five subregions: East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and Western Asia. Asian Studies combines training in Asian languages with study of the cultural, social, economic, and intellectual complexity of these subregions. While the program is new, it has deep roots. Asian students have come to Knox for nearly a century. Regular courses in Asian history began in the 1960’s and Japanese language in the 1980’s. Current members of the Knox faculty have lived and engaged in research in India, Thailand, the Philippines, the Middle East, China, and Japan.

The strength of Asian Studies at Knox is East Asia, with the established Japanese language program and the newly created Chinese language program. Asia-related courses in Anthropology/Sociology, Political Science, History, and Philosophy provide additional opportunities. In addition to the Asian Studies major, students may currently minor in Japanese Language and Japanese Studies. Chinese Language and Chinese Studies minors will be available in the future.

Off-campus study in Asia has been a key component of Asian studies at Knox for decades. In addition to the approved programs in Japan, China, and India, students have participated in study programs in Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Oceania. Recent Off-Campus Student opportunities have included:

• Japan Study
• India
• Buddhist Studies, Bodh Gaya (India)
• Kansai Gaidai University (Japan)
• Buddhist Studies, Kyoto
• Khon Kaen, Thailand
• Beijing University
• Shanghai, China

Another avenue for study in Asia is Japan Term. Japan Term is an interdisciplinary set of Japan-focused courses offered during the fall term, alternating years. Participants travel to Japan during the December break to explore key sites and complete course projects.

The Program
You will begin your study by establishing a foundation in basic language skills through advanced coursework in Japanese or Chinese language or by participating in a semester-length or longer language and culture study program in Asia. With a foundation in basic language skills, you will then pursue the in-depth study of Asian literature and culture. All Asian Studies majors culminate their studies with an senior project.

Resources
The Booth-Ferris Foundation Language Laboratory has 12 computerized learning stations and four TV-VCR players. The campus cable TV system carries three foreign language channels including SKOLA 1, a news network, and SKOLA 2, an entertainment network. Seymour Library subscribes to a variety of publications from other countries, including both mass circulation and scholarly journals. Of special interest to Asian Studies students are the Edgar A. Bancroft Papers (U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 1924-25) and the Mikiso Hane Papers.

Other co-curricular clubs and activities of interest to Asian Studies students include Japanese Club, Japanese Table and Anime Club.

The Center for Career and Pre-Professional Development helps students search, find and apply for internships in their areas of interest.