Asian Studies

Founded in 1964, the program in Asian Studies is administered by a committee of faculty drawn from multiple departments. It involves a wide variety of courses and activities aimed at enhancing appreciation and understanding of the art, life, and thought of the cultures of Asia, past and present. We concentrate on three regions: East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam), South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet), and Central Asia (Afghanistan, Bhutan, Iran, the Islamic former Soviet republics, Manchuria, inner and outer Mongolia, Tibet, Xinjiang). The program consists of courses on Asia in nine departments, extracurricular events on campus, and off-campus studies. An interdisciplinary, regionally-focused major in Asian Studies is offered, which is especially suitable for students with an overriding interest in one or more regions of Asia whose academic needs cannot be met by majoring in a single discipline. Students who do major in single discipline departments are strongly encouraged to minor in East Asian Studies or South Asian Studies, although in exceptional cases a double major with Asian Studies can be approved.

Requirements for the Asian Studies Major

A total of 66 credits:

I. 18 credits in a disciplinary-based department: Art History, Asian Languages, History, Political Science/International Relations, Religion, and Sociology and Anthropology which must include:

  • at least 12 credits in courses related to Asia
  • 6 credits in an appropriate methodology course:
    • ARTH 298 Seminar for Art History Majors
    • CAMS 330 Cinema Studies Seminar (not offered in 2023-24)
    • CCST 245 Meaning and Power: Introduction to Analytical Approaches in the Humanities
    • HIST 298 Junior Colloquium
    • POSC 230 Methods of Political Research
    • RELG 300 Theories and Methods in the Study of Religion
    • SOAN 330 Sociological Thought and Theory
    • SOAN 331 Anthropological Thought and Theory

II. 42 additional credits in Asia-related courses (including appropriate off-campus credits, excluding ASST 400 and language-department courses below 228 or their equivalents); these must include:

  • at least 6 credits in each of three distribution areas: Literary/Artistic Analysis, Humanistic Inquiry, and Social Inquiry
  • a maximum of 18 credits at the 100 level
  • a minimum of 24 credits at the 200 level or above

III. 6 credits of Senior Integrative Exercise (ASST 400), normally taken during winter term of the senior year.

The Senior Integrative Exercise normally is a research paper of 30 pages or more that delves into some aspect of the student's focal region. The project normally is developed by the student during the fall term, and proposed to and approved by the Asian Studies Committee, which assigns two faculty members as readers and advisers for the project. The first draft of the exercise is due by the end of the ninth week of winter term, and a final draft by the end of the fourth week of spring term. The student defends the project before the two readers, and presents the research publicly to interested members of the community.

IV. A regional focus: East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam), South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet), or Central Asia (Afghanistan, Bhutan, Iran, the Islamic former Soviet republics, Manchuria, inner and outer Mongolia, Tibet, Xinjiang) involving:

  • at least 48 credits (exclusive of the Senior Integrative Exercise) related to one's focal region
  • at least 6 credits related to an Asian region different from one's focal region.

Courses by regional focus, subdivided by distribution area:

EAST ASIA:

  • ARTH 165 Japanese Art and Culture
  • ARTH 166 Chinese Art and Culture (not offered in 2023-24)
  • ARTH 209 Chinese Painting (not offered in 2023-24)
  • ARTH 220 The Origins of Manga: Japanese Prints (not offered in 2023-24)
  • ARTH 266 Arts of the Japanese Tea Ceremony
  • ARTH 267 Gardens in China and Japan
  • ARTH 321 Arts of the Chinese Scholar's Studio
  • ARTS 236 Ceramics: Vessels for Tea
  • ASST 100 The Cultural Life of Plants in China
  • ASST 283 Japanese History and Culture (not offered in 2023-24)
  • ASST 284 Japanese Linguistics in Kyoto Seminar: History and Culture of Japan (not offered in 2023-24)
  • CHIN 206 Chinese in Cultural Context
  • CHIN 240 Chinese Cinema in Translation (not offered in 2023-24)
  • CHIN 245 Chinese Vision of the Past in Translation
  • CHIN 250 Chinese Popular Culture in Translation (not offered in 2023-24)
  • CHIN 251 Heroes, Heroines, Exceptional Lives in Chinese Biographical Histories (not offered in 2023-24)
  • CHIN 252 The Chinese Language: A Linguistic and Cultural Survey (not offered in 2023-24)
  • CHIN 258 Classical Chinese Thought: Wisdom and Advice from Ancient Masters (not offered in 2023-24)
  • CHIN 348 Advanced Chinese: The Mass Media (not offered in 2023-24)
  • CHIN 350 Reading Chinese Comics (not offered in 2023-24)
  • CHIN 355 Contemporary Chinese Short Stories (not offered in 2023-24)
  • CHIN 360 Classical Chinese (not offered in 2023-24)
  • CHIN 361 Advanced Chinese: Readings in Twentieth Century Literature
  • CHIN 362 Advanced Chinese: Traditional Culture in Modern Language (not offered in 2023-24)
  • CHIN 364 Chinese Classic Tales and Modern Adaptation
  • ECON 240 Microeconomics of Development
  • ECON 241 Growth and Development
  • HIST 100 Confucius and His Critics
  • HIST 150 Politics of Art in Early Imperial China (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 151 History of Modern Japan (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 152 History of Late Imperial China
  • HIST 153 History of Modern China (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 154 Social Movements in Postwar Japan (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 156 History of Modern Korea (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 157 Health and Medicine in Japan (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 159 Age of Samurai
  • HIST 215 Carleton in the Archives: Carleton in China (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 253 Social Movements in Modern Korea
  • HIST 254 Migration in Asia-Pacific History
  • HIST 256 Disaster, Disease, & Rumors in East Asia (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 257 Chinese Capitalism: From Local to Global (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 258 Korean History in Films & Testimonies (not offered in 2023-24)
  • JAPN 206 Japanese in Cultural Context
  • JAPN 231 Tradition and Modernity: Japanese Cinema in Translation (not offered in 2023-24)
  • JAPN 249 Introduction to Contemporary Japan and Literature (not offered in 2023-24)
  • JAPN 254 World of Japanese Manga in Translation (not offered in 2023-24)
  • JAPN 342 Advanced Reading in Modern Japanese Manga (not offered in 2023-24)
  • JAPN 344 Japan Trends: Lifestyle, Society, and Culture (not offered in 2023-24)
  • JAPN 345 Advanced Reading in Modern Japanese Literature: The Short Story (not offered in 2023-24)
  • MUSC 182 Chinese Musical Instruments
  • MUSC 182J Chinese Musical Instruments (Juried)
  • MUSC 213 J-Pop: Listening to Music in Modern Japan (not offered in 2023-24)
  • MUSC 282 Chinese Musical Instruments
  • MUSC 282J Chinese Musical Instruments (Juried)
  • POSC 170 International Relations and World Politics
  • POSC 241 Ethnic Conflict
  • POSC 264 Politics of Contemporary China
  • RELG 152 Religions in Japanese Culture
  • RELG 153 Introduction to Buddhism
  • RELG 254 Zen Buddhism (not offered in 2023-24)
  • RELG 257 Asian Religions and Ecology (not offered in 2023-24)
  • RELG 280 The Politics of Sex in Asian Religion (not offered in 2023-24)
  • RELG 282 Samurai: Ethics of Death and Loyalty (not offered in 2023-24)

SOUTH ASIA:

  • ECON 240 Microeconomics of Development
  • ECON 241 Growth and Development
  • ENGL 245 Bollywood Nation (not offered in 2023-24)
  • ENGL 250 Indian Fiction 1880-1980 (not offered in 2023-24)
  • ENGL 251 Contemporary Indian Fiction
  • ENGL 252 Caribbean Fiction (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 161 From Mughals to Mahatma Gandhi: An Introduction to Modern Indian History
  • HIST 263 Plagues of Empire (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 266 History of Islam in South Asia (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 268 Globalization & Local Responses in India Program: History, Globalization, and Politics in Modern India (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 269 Religion, Race & Caste in Modern India
  • HIST 270 Nuclear Nations: India and Pakistan as Rival Siblings (not offered in 2023-24)
  • MUSC 180 Raga: Vocal or Instrumental Study of Hindustani Music
  • MUSC 180J Raga: Vocal or Instrumental Study of Hindustani Music (Juried)
  • MUSC 181 Sitar
  • MUSC 181J Sitar (Juried)
  • MUSC 280 Raga: Vocal or Instrumental Study of Hindustani Music
  • MUSC 280J Raga:Voc/Instr Study Hindustani (Juried)
  • MUSC 281 Sitar
  • MUSC 281J Sitar (Juried)
  • POSC 170 International Relations and World Politics
  • POSC 241 Ethnic Conflict
  • RELG 100 Christianity and Colonialism
  • RELG 122 Introduction to Islam
  • RELG 153 Introduction to Buddhism
  • RELG 155 Hinduism: An Introduction (not offered in 2023-24)
  • RELG 237 Yoga: Religion, History, Practice
  • RELG 257 Asian Religions and Ecology (not offered in 2023-24)
  • RELG 266 Modern Islamic Thought
  • RELG 269 Food, Justice and Nonviolence: Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain Perspectives (not offered in 2023-24)
  • RELG 280 The Politics of Sex in Asian Religion (not offered in 2023-24)
  • RELG 283 Mysticism and Gender (not offered in 2023-24)
  • RELG 289 Global Religions in Minnesota
  • RELG 362 Spirit Possession (not offered in 2023-24)
  • RELG 365 Mysticism (not offered in 2023-24)
  • SOAN 257 Culture and Politics in India (not offered in 2023-24)

CENTRAL ASIA:

  • ECON 240 Microeconomics of Development
  • ECON 241 Growth and Development
  • HIST 254 Migration in Asia-Pacific History
  • HIST 265 Central Asia in the Modern Age (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 267 Muslims and Modernity (not offered in 2023-24)
  • HIST 360 Muslims and Modernity (not offered in 2023-24)
  • RELG 122 Introduction to Islam
  • RELG 153 Introduction to Buddhism
  • RELG 257 Asian Religions and Ecology (not offered in 2023-24)

V. One year of study of an appropriate Asian language, or its equivalent

For languages offered at Carleton, this will involve completion of a language through 103, or its equivalent. For languages not offered at Carleton, which may be studied through off-campus programs, summer study, or special arrangement at Carleton, it will involve completion of the equivalent of 103. Language (as opposed to literature) courses may not be applied to the major. The following courses do not count towards the 66 credits needed for the Asian Studies major.

Languages available at Carleton through special arrangement may include: Uzbek (Adeeb Khalid), Tamil (Kristin Bloomer).

VI. Normally, at least one term of off-campus study in Asia Students interested in studying in Asia may apply to one of a number of overseas programs. Carleton College has several of its own term-long off-campus studies programs. The Japanese Linguistics in Kyoto Off-Campus Seminar offers courses in Japanese history and culture in addition to linguistics.  The Carleton program in Political Economy and Ecology of Southeast Asia provides opportunities for students to learn about social and ecological changes in Thailand, Lao PDR and Myanmar. The Carleton program, India: Globalization and Local Responses, focuses on social structures and institutions in India and the intersections with development, sustainability and gender relations. The Buddhist Studies in India, one of Carleton's Global Engagement Programs, introduces students to the diversity of Buddhist traditions as lived in Bodh Gaya, a unique pilgrimage center in northern India.

Carleton also cooperates with several other colleges to sponsor the Associated Kyoto Program, which takes 50 students and seven faculty members to Japan for an academic year. Carleton also participates in a one-year program at Waseda University sponsored by the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM). Opportunities to study in Asia also are available through a variety of non-Carleton programs and non-consortial programs.

Courses taken on off-campus programs may be applied to the major. Because of the paucity of Carleton courses in South Asian languages or on many aspects of Central Asia, off-campus programs generally form an important component of the major for those who focus in those two Asian regions.

Asian Studies Courses (ASST)

ASST 100 The Cultural Life of Plants in China This seminar will examine the role plants have played in China from ancient times through the end of the imperial era. It will investigate the uses of different types of plants (fruits, vegetables, flowers, grasses, etc.) in such areas as medicine, food, literature, art, and landscape management. We will seek to understand the ways in which plants function across and make connection between various aspects of human activities. In addition, the course will emphasize how plants have actively helped form Chinese cultural practices and systems of meaning throughout various historical periods. 6 credits; AI, WR1, IS; Fall; Kathleen M Ryor
ASST 101 Buddhist Studies in India Program: Elementary Tibetan This course seeks to develop students’ level of proficiency in spoken Tibetan for basic communication, as well as the ability to read and write simple sentence constructions. Learning is grounded in written Tibetan, covering the alphabet, pronunciation, grammar, and basic vocabulary. Reading and comprehension skills are enhanced through direct translation of essential texts such as the Heart Sutra and a prayer of Manjushri. Students gain facility with spoken Tibetan through classroom drills and informal practice with Tibetans in Bodh Gaya. Students will also improve their understanding of Tibetan culture and society through this course. Formerly LCST 101 Prerequisite: Participation in GEP India Program. 7-8 credits; NE; Fall; Arthur P McKeown
ASST 101 Buddhist Studies India Program: Elementary Hindi An introduction to basic colloquial Hindi speaking and writing skills for everyday interactions in Northern India. Essential grammar is introduced and reviewed in morning meetings, and conversational and reading abilities are developed in afternoon practice. Students are encouraged to practice speaking and listening comprehension by conversing with Hindi speakers outside of class. Formerly LCST 101. Prerequisite: Participation in GEP India Program. 7-8 credits; NE; Fall; Arthur P McKeown
ASST 103 Buddhist Studies India Program; Intermediate Hindi This course builds on the student’s previous training in spoken and written Hindi language. Students will gain the ability to initiate and sustain conversations with Hindi speakers, read and write in Hindi about personal and social situations, as well as extract the main idea and information from descriptive and narrative texts. Students will apply their language learning and deepen their understanding of Indian culture through interaction with local residents and participation in seasonal festivals and other activities. Prerequisite: Participation in GEP India Program. 7-8 credits; NE; Fall; Arthur P McKeown
ASST 130 Globalization & Local Responses in India Program: Tourism and Development in India This course will examine concepts and practices regarding socio-economic development in India, with a special focus on the role of tourism as part of the process of globalization. We will study the scholarly writings and debates around the varied agendas and ideologies concerning development, and analyze the different approaches to economic growth that have historically been dominant in India. As part of our learning process, we will visit numerous sites wherein economic development is being undertaken, including urban and rural locales as well as tourist and pilgrimage sites. This course will include scholarly readings, instructor and guest lectures, and require student presentations of their work. 3 credits; HI, IS; Not offered 2023-24
ASST 135 Exploring India: Orientation/Orientalism Images of India are ever-present in American media and pop culture. The land of Gandhi, call-centers, a multitude of religious faiths, the Taj Mahal, oppressed women, vast poverty and wealth. Come and learn about India, a region of immense contrasts and diversities, home to more than one billion people. We will explore Indian history and geography, cuisine and traditions, people and their languages, art, architecture and music, while being introduced to the Hindi and Urdu languages. Our class materials will include scholarly writings, guest speakers, popular cinema, documentary films, poetry, music, and food. 3 credits; HI, IS; Not offered 2023-24
ASST 255 Buddhist Studies in India Program: Introduction to Field Methods and Ethics This course introduces students to the skills and ethics needed to conduct fieldwork for their independent study project in South Asia. In consultation with their adviser, students generate an independent study proposal (ISP) concerned with some aspect of Buddhist Studies (philosophy, ritual, meditation, the arts, culture, etc.) utilizing the unique resources available in India and neighboring countries. The ISP proposal outlines the topic, research methods, and resources located/developed by the student. Topics covered in the course include: introduction to research ethics; conducting a literature review; design and implementation of data collection protocols, interviewing, and survey questionnaires; summary, analysis and presentation data. Prerequisite: Participation in Buddhist Studies in India Program. 4 credits; NE; Fall; Arthur P McKeown
ASST 283 Japanese History and Culture In this seminar we will explore various aspects of Japan, including, but not limited to history, religion, literature (including poetry), music, anime and manga, film, food, political structures, and aspects of popular culture. 6 credits; HI, IS; Not offered 2023-24
ASST 284 Japanese Linguistics in Kyoto Seminar: History and Culture of Japan This course is an introduction to several aspects of Japanese society, taking advantage of the location of the Linguistics OCS seminar in Kyoto. It consists of readings and lectures about important events in historical and contemporary Japan, and will include visits to sites that illuminate those events in important ways. In addition to Kyoto and nearby places, there will be excursions to Tokyo and Hiroshima. Prerequisite: Participation in OCP Kyoto Seminar. 6 credits; HI, IS; Not offered 2023-24
ASST 319 Buddhist Studies India Program: History of South Asian Buddhism This course provides students with an introduction to the history of South Asian Buddhism. Using primary and secondary sources and resources available to us in Bodh Gaya, we evaluate competing perspectives on the history of Buddhism and debate significant historical and ethical questions. How did Buddhism relate to other ancient Indian religions? What was the relationship between Buddhism and ancient Indian political, social, and economic structures? How did Buddhism change during its 2000 years in India? What impact did South Asian Buddhism have on the ancient and medieval world? What is the relationship between modern Buddhism and ancient Buddhism? Prerequisite: Participation in GEP India Program. 7-8 credits; NE, IS; Fall; Arthur P McKeown
ASST 391 Buddhist Studies India Program: Independent Study Project Students spend three weeks of the program conducting field work for the self-designed independent study project proposed in ASST 255: Introduction to Field Methods and Ethics. Students demonstrate ability to carry out an independent study project that successfully incorporates appropriate field research methods and responsible approaches to interpretation of data, and effectively demonstrates what they have learned about their research topic. The progress of each research project is evaluated at regular intervals in relation to parameters established in conjunction with the Faculty Director and faculty adviser. Students present their research at the end of the ISP. Prerequisite: Participation in GEP India Program. 3-4 credits; NE; Fall; Arthur P McKeown
ASST 400 Integrative Exercise 1-6 credit; S/NC; Fall, Winter; Kathleen M Ryor, Amna Khalid, Asuka Sango