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Asian Studies Program

Asian Studies: Course Offerings

ASIAN STUDIES

ASTU 231 - Asian Literature : China.  An introduction to Chinese Literature with attention to translated classics as well as modern works of fiction and poetry. Same as FLET 231. Three hours. Mr. Inge.

ASTU 232 - Japanese Literature in Translation. An exploration of the literature of modern Japan. In particular, the manner in which Japanese authors have responded to the challenges of the twentieth century such as the construction of self, the quest for love, the role of the family, Japan's relations with the world, the war time state, the atomic bomb and the reconstruction of postwar Japan, and colonial and post-colonial literature. Same as FLET 232. Offered alternate years. Three hours. Mr. Munson.

ASTU 290 - Introduction to East Asia. An historical and cultural introduction to China, Japan and Korea from 1800- the present. In addition to discussing political and social developments during the last two centuries, the course also examines ways in which cultural production - literature, art and film - has expressed and influenced social attitudes. In turn the course considers imperialism (Asian and Western) within East Asia, in its cultural, political and economic manifestation; and, the impact and meaning of modernization and globalization in the region. Three hours. Staff.

ASTU/FILM 292 - Japanese Film as History: The Works of Kurosawa Akira. A general introduction to postwar Japanese filn through close examination of several films of Kurosawa Akira. Classic samurai drama such as Rashomon, The Seven Samurai, and other period films will be the focus of the course. Students will be introduced to basic theories and concepts in film studies, as well as topics in Japanese history relevant to both the settings and production of films. Close attention will also be paid to issues of nationalism, gender, war and cross-sultural adaptation. Japanese skills are not required. Same as FILM 292. Offered alternate years. Mr. Munson.

ASTU 390 - Contemporary Issues in East Asia.  This course will examine in depth the major issues facing contemporary East Asian politics, society, and culture. Through news articles and analysis, audio and video commentary, blogs, and other diverse media, students will explore such topics as China's economic rise, the influence of Japanese popular culture on Asia and the world, freedom of speech and internet censorship, China's one-child policy, the future of Tibet and Taiwan, and the success and failures of the "Asian Educational Model," among others. ASTU 290 or permission of instructor required. Mr. Munson

ASTU 401 - Capstone.  A culminating research project completed in conjunction with a regularly scheduled major course, as a special topics project or as a significant research project outside of a class. Prerequisite: Senior status. Offered annually. One hour.

ASTU 450 - Internship in Asian Studies. Qualified students may combine their classroom knowledge with practical experience in internship placements; placements in Asia will be considered. Students will complete a project mutually agreed upon by the student, a supervisor, and the instructor. Open to juniors and seniors with the permission of the Asian Studies Director. Application required; see the College Catalog for details. Three Hours.

ASTU 481-82 - Special Topics in Asian Studies. These courses focus on topics in Asian Studies not specifically covered in the general curriculum and are designed to meet the needs of advanced students. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Three hours. Staff.

CHINESE

The collegiate requirement in foreign language may be satisfied by completing successfully CHIN 211-212.

CHIN 111-112 - Elementary Chinese. ntroduction to Modern spoken Chinese (Mandarin). Its purpose is to provide students ample opportunity to practice speaking and listening. It includes language and cultural behavior appropriate to interactions between Americans and Chinese. Three hours. Ms. Wu

CHIN 211-212 - Intermediate Chinese. Designed to prepare students to live and study abroad in a Chinese speaking environment. Thematic material includes everyday practical conversations: social etiquette, food, transportation, living arrangements and health. Prerequisites: Chin 112 or equivalent. Three hours. Ms. Wu.

CHIN 221 - Chinese Culture and Society. A travel course designed to explore Chinese history, customs and values. First hand experience helps students gain insight to the continuities between China's present and past, that are essential to understanding Chinese life, thought and behavior. Offered in January & Summer. Three hours.

CHIN 311-312 - Advanced Chinese. A third-year language course designed to consolidate language skills and to extend the student's mastery of Chinese. The course emphasis is on strengthening the student's grammatical skills through application to reading and writing. Offered as needed. Three hours.

JAPANESE

The collegiate requirement in foreign language may be satisfied by completing successfully JAPN 211-212.

JAPN 111-112 - Elementary Japanese. Essentials of Japanese structure and syntax with emphasis on listening, speaking, and reading and writing of Hiragana and Katakana syllabaries. Required language laboratory for a minimum of one hour per week to reinforce classroom learning. Within two semesters, students are expected to acquire the basic Japanese grammar and vocabulary enough to handle everyday practical conversations. Three hours.

JAPN 211-212 - Intermediate Japanese. Review of Japanese grammar with increased emphasis on comprehension, conversation, reading, and writing. Approximately 100 Kanji will be introduced. The course will be conducted largely in Japanese. Required language laboratory for a minimum of one hour per week. By the end of the year, students must be able to acquire skills to communicate formally and informally and to write letters and journals. Three hours.

JAPN 220 - Japanese Culture. A broad survey of Japanese culture from 1800 to the present, examining the interplay between cultural, political and economic forces in Japan as reflected in a variety of media - visual art, film and literature - and the effect of these forces upon social structures and institutions. Additional attention is given to the impact of cultural appropriation and assimilation on how Japanese individuals and groups define themselves vis-a-vis their past and that of the world. Offered alternate years. Three hours. Staff.

JAPN 221 - Tokyo Past and Present. This is a travel course designed to explore the history of Tokyo, Japan, the world's largest city. It includes two weeks of instruction in Ashland and two weeks in Tokyo. While in Japan students will have an opportunity to visit art and history museums; wander through traditional neighborhoods and high-tech commercial centers; see sumo wrestling exhibitions and kabuki plays; and explore other aspects of Japanese history and culture. japanese language skills are not required, but Japanese language students will be encouraged to practice their skills in various settings. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Offered in alternate years during January term. Three Hours. Staff.

JAPN 311-312 - Language Development. This third-year language course is designed to give students further knowledge of Japanese advanced grammar and to develop literary vocabulary through the study of idioms, extending students' mastery of the language. Activities will include translation exercises both from Japanese to English and English to Japanese as well as practice drills in spoken and written applications of grammar. This course is taught in Japanese. Three hours. Mr. Munson.

JAPN 381-382 - Special Topics. Intensive work in the areas of language or literature not covered in the general curriculum, tailored to the needs of advanced students. Three hours. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Staff.

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