Programs

The undergraduate program in Asian Studies offers students:

• an interdisciplinary approach in understanding Asia
• a comparative perspective in the study of different Asian societies and histories
• an introduction to cultural and social theories as tools to approach Asia

No prior study of Asia is required for entry into the first year units of study, which introduce students to the study of Asia through an emphasis on comparative themes and concepts. All units of study are conducted in English. Study of an Asian language is not required, however, it is encouraged to enhance your studies.

There are two compulsory first-year junior units of study for the Asian Studies major. (These units can be waived if students have taken other Faculty of Arts junior-level units).

ASNS1601 Asian Traditions: The Past in the Present (formerly ASNS1001)

This unit deals with ancient and pre-modern Asia, through studies in archaeology, religion and ritual, traditional kinship and family systems, the pre-modern state, and commerce and trade.

ASNS1602 Modernity in Asia (formerly ASNS1002)
This unit deals with the modern period (late 18th century to the present), including colonial and postcolonial histories, nationalism and politics, cultural transformations, mass media, industrialisation and economic development, and globalisation.

A third junior-level unit is not compulsory for the Asian Studies major, but may serve as a prerequisite for senior-level Asian Studies units:

ASNS1101 Introduction to Chinese Civilization

This unit provides a broad introduction to Chinese Civilization, from ancient times to the present.

A major in Asian Studies consists of 36 senior (i.e. second and third year) units of study, selected from a basic core of Asian Studies (ASNS) units.

The pool of senior level Asian Studies units allow for further interdisciplinary and comparative examination of Asian history, politics and culture. Students can opt to take units that focus their major on a specific region in Asia, or select units covering several regions to provide a broader examination of Asia.

Units of study available in 2009 include:

• ASNS2612 Chinese Religions in Modernity
• ASNS2621 Buddhist Philosophy
• ASNS2623 India: Tradition and Modernity
• ASNS2625 Buddhism in Modern Asia
• ASNS2632 Modern Japanese Social History
• ASNS2634 Samurai and Merchants: Tokugawa Japan
• ASNS2642 Modern Korea
• ASNS2661 History of Modern Indonesia
• ASNS2663 Social Activism in Southeast Asia
• ASNS2664 Southeast Asia Transformed
• ASNS2670 Mass Media in East Asia
• ASNS2672 Japan and East Asia from 1840 until Today
• ASNS2676 Gender in Modern Asia
• ASNS3617 Citizens and Politics in China Today
• ASNS3618 Popular China
• ASNS3619 China and Globalisation
• ASNS3690 Approaches to Research in Asian Studies

Students can cross-list up to 18 senior credit points towards their major. This means that students may include units of study completed in departments other than Asian Studies including senior language and/or cultural units from Chinese Studies, Indian Subcontinental Studies, Indonesian Studies, Japanese Studies, or Korean Studies.

Students may also seek permission to take Asia-related units of study offered outside of the School of Languages and Cultures, including:

• Economic History
• Government and International Relations
• Art History and Theory
• Geosciences
• Studies in Religion
• Performance Studies
• Anthropology

Click here for Faculty of Arts information about cross-listing units in 2009.

To discuss what units might be available towards an Asian Studies major, it is recommended that students contact the undergraduate coordinator for Asian Studies before enrolling. Students should also consult the