academic catalogue

2023-2024 Catalogue

Asian Studies (AST) Course Descriptions

AST 205: Perspectives on World Literature.
Goal:
Through close reading and discussion of literature from primarily non-Western cultures, students explore such topics as the legacy of colonialism in world literature, challenges of cross-cultural literary analysis, and strategies writers use to shape their identities or engender social change. Students will identify issues arising from increasingly complex global connections; analyze how components such as socio-economic status, ethnicity, race, and religion shape beliefs and behaviors; and communicate and interact effectively across cultures.
Content: Each semester this class selects a particular perspective from which to consider authors' use of creative writing to address issues in their lives and the lives of their communities. Such perspectives may include a particular geographical region, cultural phenomenon, or component of writers' identity (for example, African literature, globalization, or expatriated writers).
Gen. Ed. Category: Synthesizing Perspectives; Diverse & Interdependent World; (HUM).
Credit: 3 hours; cross listed as ENG 205.

AST 210: Readings in Philosophy.
Goal: To introduce students to the sorts of questions and issues discussed in philosophical texts and the ways in which philosophers discuss these questions and issues. To help students develop their own skills in the reading and analysis of philosophical texts within a global context.
Content: Writings from one, two, or three different significant philosophers and/or sample writings from within a significant field of philosophy. Readings will broaden and deepen students' understanding of philosophy within a global context. If the course focuses on the work of one philosopher, students and faculty will read together a significant part of that philosopher's work. If the course covers more than one philosopher, students and faculty will consider the philosophers' different approaches to a particular philosophical theme or set of themes. Representative topics might include Chinese philosophy, philosophy and the everyday, or Posthumanism.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of College writing proficiency requirement.
Credit: 3 hours; cross-listed as PHI 210.
 

AST 250: Introduction to Chinese Culture.
Goal: This course introduces students to selected topics in contemporary Chinese culture, such as popular culture, food, family structures, daily life, education, and business.
Content: By studying different aspects of Chinese culture students will become more knowledgeable about Chinese life today and how the Chinese participate in the global circulation of culture, identity, tradition, and modernity.
Gen. Ed. Category: Synthesizing Perspectives; Diverse & Independent World; (SBS/PS).
Credit: 3 hours.

AST 296: Special Topics in Asian Studies.
Goal:
To provide an opportunity for exploration of a topic not offered as part of the established curriculum or to explore in greater detail a subject covered by another course.
Content: An in-depth examination of a special topic in Asian Studies. Topics vary. A student may take no more than three semester hours in 296 special topics courses.
Prerequisite: Depends on course content; permission of program director.
Credit: 3 hours.

AST 350: Contemporary Asia.
Goal:
To provide an opportunity to complete an in-depth, Asia-focused research project.
Content: Assignments and discussions relevant to completing an in-depth, Asia-focused research project, the nature and content of which will vary.
Prerequisite: CHN 212 or JPN 212 or equivalent proficiency in another Asian language; satisfaction of the general education writing requirement; and permission of program director.
Credit: 3 hours.

AST 347: Seminar in World Literature.
Goal:
To study a movement, theme, genre, era or writer(s) focusing primarily on works outside the American and English traditions. The focus of each seminar will vary. Representative topics might include Chinese poetry, the African novel, revolutions in world literature, the Russian novel.
Content: Texts by poets, dramatists, essayists, and/or novelists as appropriate to topic. Critical essays pertaining to relevant works.
Prerequisites: ENG 210.
Credit: 3 hours; cross listed as ENG 347.

AST 396: Special Topics in Asian Studies.
Goal:
To provide an opportunity for exploration of a topic not offered as part of the established curriculum or to explore in greater detail a subject covered by another course.
Content: An in-depth examination of a special topic in Asian Studies. Topics vary. A student may use up to six credit hours of AST 396 to fulfill the Asian Studies minor's requirements.
Prerequisite: Depends on course content.
Credit: 3 hours. No more than six hours of AST 396 may be used to fulfill the minor's requirements.

AST 451: Directed Independent Study.
Goal:
To enable an intensive exploration of a topic in Asian studies of special interest.
Content: Directed independent work of a on a topic in Asian studies. A student may use up to three credit hours of AST 451 to fulfill the Asian Studies minor's requirements.
Prerequisite: CHN 212 or JPN 212 or equivalent proficiency in an Asian language and permission of program director. (Contact program director for details.)
Credit: 1-3 hours.

AST 452: Field Study.
Goal:
To provide the student with intensive, specialized work experience in the area of Asian studies.
Content: Observation and participation in the work of Asian studies. A student may use up to six credit hours of AST 452 to fulfill the Asian Studies minor's requirements.
Prerequisite: CHN 212 or JPN 212 or equivalent proficiency in another Asian language required for AST 452; adequate coursework for the placement selected and permission of the faculty advisor; approval of the Director of Career Development.
Credit: 1-6 hours.

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