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• Undergraduate Spring 2016
• Asian Studies

Undergraduate Asian Studies

2016 Spring Term

Class Schedule

INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN RELIGIONS (GH)

ASIANSTD 111

An introduction to the major religious traditions in the cultural areas of South, Southeast, and East Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Shinto.

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EAST ASIAN TRADITION (GH)

ASIANSTD 130

An introduction to the intellectual, social, and political traditions of China and Japan up to about 1800. The course will analyze the Confucian tradition, Chinese administrative systems, and the dynastic cycle. Japanese cultural and political development will also be discussed.

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EAST ASIA SINCE 1800 (GH)

ASIANSTD 131

A survey of China and Japan in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries centering on the process of modernization in both of these countries.

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INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN STUDIES (GI)

ASIANSTD 210

The course introduces students to the multi-disciplinary field of Asian Studies and provides a foundation for the further study of Asia. It surveys social, economic, and political issues and religious-philosophical influences and literary-artistic traditions of the world region. the issues discussed and range of countries examined may vary by semester.

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BUDDHISM: THE MIDDLE WAY (GH)

ASIANSTD 232

This course introduces the wide range of Buddhist ideas and practices that have developed in Asia. It considers the social context in which Buddhism developed, the philosophical bases of all Buddhist schools, the development of the Mahayana, Buddhist Tantra, and Buddhist practices in South, Southeast and East Asia.

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ASIAN RELIGIOUS THOUGHT (GH)

ASIANSTD 303

A study of selected texts and religious thought from India, China, and Japan in relation to their impact on personal spiritual development and cultural integration.

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JAPANESE LITERATURE

ASIANSTD 333

This course surveys Japanese Literature, providing study of classical literature and how this past is reconsidered by modern writers. Group projects will include study of key issues in Japanese cultural history, such as folktales, garden, tea and verse aesthetics, court, samurai and merchant culture, and international contact and war.

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GENDER AND FAMILY IN JAPAN

ASIANSTD 347

This course will examine forms of masculinity, femininity, sexuality, and family in contemporary Japan, and their historical development. Students will learn how gender, sexuality, and family are historically and socially constructed, how they are recreated through social interaction, how power inequalities are embedded in gender and family relations, how these inequalities impact individuals (and vice versa).

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CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE SOCIETY

ASIANSTD 350

This course examines contemporary Japanese society. It includes a study of social institutions, processes, and culture of Japan. the course examines following areas, (a) culture (beliefs, customs, social identity); (b) social institutions (family, religion, education, work, media); (c) societal processes (socialization, deviance, urbanization); (d) inequalities (gender, income, race-ethnic, region), and (e) the politics, economy, and international position of Japan.

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CONTEMPORARY CHINESE SOCIETY

ASIANSTD 358

This course is an overview of post-Mao Chinese society. It focuses on the institutional, demographic, cultural, economic, and political transformation in China since 1978. Included are changes in rural and urban social life, mass migration, changing family and gender relations, social and economic inequalities, ethnic and regional diversity, and rising social tensions.

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GEOGRAPHY OF SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA (GS)

ASIANSTD 361

A study of contemporary and historical interrelationships between the natural environment and the economic, political and cultural activities in South and Southeast Asia. Countries studied include: Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, and the Phillipines.

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GEOGRAPHY OF EAST ASIA (GS)

ASIANSTD 364

A study of contemporary and historical interrelationships between the natural envirnoment and economic, political and cultural activities in East Asia. Countries studied include: China, Taiwan, Mongolia, Japan, and North and South Korea.

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MODERN CHINA

ASIANSTD 385

An examination of violent socio-political upheavals in China beginning with the White Lotus Rebellion and culminating with the Communist Revolution.

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MODERN JAPAN

ASIANSTD 386

A discussion of Japan's emergence into the modern world centering on the Japanese transformation from a secluded feudal nation to a powerful industrialized state.

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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF ASIA

ASIANSTD 460

A comparative study of the political structures, institutions, and processes of the nations of Asia.

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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS IN CHINA

ASIANSTD 472

This course exposes students to the breadth of Chinese government and politics. It briefly overviews the traditional Chinese system, its breakdown, and the rise of communism. It also overviews a more detailed treatment of the characteristics and major events of the communist era.

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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF JAPAN

ASIANSTD 480

This course will present a historic and thematic overview of political development in contemporary Japan. It consists of analysis of japanese postwar politics, government decision-making stuctures and processes, foreign affairs and political economy.

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TOPICS IN JAPANESE STUDIES

ASIANSTD 488

An intensive study of selected topics in Japanese Studies. Subject matter will vary depending on the department and faculty member responsible for this course. Repeatable for a maximum of 6 units in major/degree (for different topics only).

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WORKSHOP

ASIANSTD 490

Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques. Repeatable

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TRAVEL STUDY

ASIANSTD 491

Variable topics. Faculty-led courses abroad.

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FIELD STUDY

ASIANSTD 492

Variable topics.

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INTERNSHIP IN JAPANESE CULTURE

ASIANSTD 493

To understand Japanese culture, students participate in an approved, supervised work experience in Japan for one month or more, or in an approved Japanese-intensive work setting in the U.S. over two months. Cultural awareness training is required prior to the internship, and both written and oral reports are required afterward.

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SEMINAR

ASIANSTD 494

Variable topics. Group activity. An advanced course of study in a defined subject matter area emphasizing a small group in intense study with a faculty member.

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SPECIAL STUDIES

ASIANSTD 496

Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings.

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EXCHANGE STUDY

ASIANSTD 497

Variable topics.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

ASIANSTD 498

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARC

ASIANSTD 498R

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable.

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SENIOR THESIS

ASIANSTD 499

Individual research under the supervision of a member of the faculty.