Asian Studies Major

Asian Studies Major Requirements

In consultation with an advisor from within the program, students develop a major plan with a focus on Japan, China or South Asia. All major plans will include:

ASIA 111 - Introduction to Asian Studies , a foundational course outlining some of the methods of studying Asia
Language study, with the goal of proficiency (Chinese or Japanese at Macalester; a South Asian language at the University of Minnesota or via study abroad). There are three options:
1. 3 years Japanese (8 credits beyond intermediate level) minimum; 4th year encouraged
2. 2 years Chinese (8 credits beyond elementary); 3rd year encouraged
3. 2 years of a South Asian language (8 credits beyond elementary)
A semester of study abroad in an approved program. Students should choose a program in consultation with an advisor. In Japan, programs include Waseda, Sophia and Nanzan Universities; in China, programs include Harbin, Shanghai and Beijing; in India, the Associated Colleges of the Midwest’s program in Pune. Other locations are possible; check with an advisor.
Six course emphasis (24 credits), to include:
- 4 courses on one focus area or country
- 2 courses on another area or country in Asia or on diasporic movement(s). These courses may not include language courses.

Students should work with an advisor to determine appropriate courses in the area(s) of their focus.

Capstone experience: senior seminar or independent project focusing on Asia; senior seminar in Japanese or Chinese may not fulfull this requirement.
A six-course focus in a discipline whose methods relate to the study of Asia (recommended disciplines include, but are not limited to, anthropology, economics, geography, history, linguistics, philosophy, religious studies, sociology, women’s, gender, and sexuality studies). Six courses in interdisciplinary programs (humanities and media and cultural studies, urban studies, etc.) do not fulfill this requirement. These six courses may overlap with those in category (D) above.