http://www.whitworth.edu/Academic/Department/AsianStudies/Index.htm
asianstudies@whitworth.edu
The Asian studies minor was created out of recognition that the vast region labeled “Asia” has greatly influenced, and continues to influence, human experience throughout the world. Whether Asia is viewed as a source of world religions, as an area that encompasses half the earth’s population, as a region that reflects much of the economic growth of the last few decades, or as a microcosm of the diversity of political and economic policies, it is clear that gaining a better understanding of Asia requires an interdisciplinary approach. The Asian studies minor builds upon the strengths of courses in the social sciences and humanities that focus on Asia or on particular Asian countries. The confluence of these courses allows students to develop an integrated understanding of the region, to read difficult texts, to understand and formulate abstract ideas, and to make informed judgments about a world of many cultures. This focus on the “other” is fundamental to all students' understanding of their own culture and to the values that shape their worldview. We hope that from this understanding students can begin to construct bridges across cultures.
The learning outcomes of the Asian studies minor prepare the student to:
- Use an interdisciplinary framework to understand a foreign culture
- Understand and reflect on the cultures of Asia in relation to the student’s own culture
- Read and speak Japanese or Chinese at a level sufficient to begin study in either country
- Augment a student’s major coursework with a concentration in Asia
- Understand the role that Asia plays in shaping the contemporary world as well as the ways in which outside forces have shaped Asia
Courses
| AS 102 The Pacific World | 3 |
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One of four courses in world history, Pacific,World introduces China as the focal point of a,network of trade and culture that includes the,Asian steppes, India, and the rise of Japan,,Korea,and Vietnam. Also listed as HI 102. |
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| AS 104 Political History of Beijing | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the,political,and social history of China's capital city,,Beijing. Listed in both Political Science and,History. Also listed as HI 104. |
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| AS 105 Cultural Odyssey of China | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the cultural,and religious history of China through its,imperial and modern eras. Listed in both,Political,Science and History. Also listed as HI 105. |
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| AS 114 Chinese Gardens and Temples | 3 |
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As part of the Whitworth in China program,,Chinese,Gardens and Temples is an art history survey of,Chinese scholar gardens and traditional temple,design and symbolism for students of all levels,regardless of previous exposure to art history or,Chinese culture. In addition to Chinese art and,architectural history, related topics such as,philosophy, religion, and intellectual history,,will be studied from early history to the present,day as they relate to the history of Chinese art,,gardens and architecture within a social and,political setting. The course will be taught in,the English language on location in China. Also,listed as AR 114. |
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| AS 256 Asian Philosophy | 3 |
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A study of the major schools of Asian philosophy,,with emphasis on Chinese thought. Spring,semester,,even years. Also listed as PH 256. |
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| AS 300W Christianity in Asia | 3 |
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This course confronts the Christian message and,experience as it transcends national and cultural,boundaries. Readings and lectures center on the,history of Christian missions and the resulting,indigenous Church in Japan and China, and examines,how Asian Christianity has conformed to and,transformed Christian belief. |
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| AS 304W Political History of Beijing | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the,political,and social history of China's capital city,,Beijing. Listed in both Political Science and,History. Also listed as HI 304W. |
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| AS 305W Cultural Odyssey of China | 3 |
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Provides historical understanding of the cultural,and religious history of China through its,imperial and modern eras. Listed in both,Political,Science and History. Also listed as AS 305W. |
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| AS 307W History of Chinese Literature | 3 |
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Explores the history and development of Chinese,literature during the late-imperial era. Focuses,on China's most famous novel, Dream of the Red,Chamber. |
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| AS 344 Contemporary China and East Asia | 3 |
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Interpretation of recent events in China, Japan,,Taiwan, and Korea, through the cultural, historic,,economic and institutional aspects of these,societies. |
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| AS 345 Cultural History of China and Japan | 3 |
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Illustrates how cultural heritage can explain the,current behavior and character of the Chinese and,Japanese. Religions, philosophies, arts,,politics,,and social organizations as basic elements of,Asian culture. Also listed as HI 345. Periodic,offering. |
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| AS 346 Modern China and East Asia | 3 |
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Interpretation of recent events in China, Japan,,Taiwan, and Korea. Chinese revolution of 1911,,warlord era in China, Japanese militarism,,communist revolution on the mainland, Japanese,invasion of China, American occupation of Japan,,normalization in China, Japan's economic,ascendancy. Also listed as HI 346. Periodic,offering. |
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| AS 347 Globalization in Southeast Asia | 3 |
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This course serves as a thematic overview of the,political, social, cultural, and economic,processes shaping Southeast Asia today. We,investigate how Southeast Asia countries address,and respond to the themes of democratization,,liberalization and the environment. |
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| AS 350 Thailand Study Program | 3 |
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Students travel to Bangkok, Chaingmai, and,Kohsomui to study contemporary and classical Thai,culture. Includes home stays, service learning,,and intercultural experience with emphasis on,globalizing economics, religion, and gender.,Prerequisite: HU 349 or WGS 349. |
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| AS 359 Introduction to Technology & Culture:,Study Abroad Program Preparation | 1 |
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Required for those students taking part in CS,360:,Technology & Culture: Study Abroad Program in Jan,Term. In addition to preparing students to,experience a foreign culture, this course studies,technology from global, economic, religious,,gender and intercultural viewpoints. The course,serves to build community among the program,participants and prepares them for international,travel, intercultural sensitivity, and,cross-cultural experiences. Taken in preparation,for CS 360. Permission of instructor. Fall term,,odd years. Also listed as CS 359. |
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| AS 381 International Business Abroad | 3 |
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Establishes a basic understanding of the theory,and practical application of the "hows" and,"whys",of a particulate international culture abroad,,particularly as it relates to the historic,,present and future challenges of that economy and,to doing business with various people groups at,home and abroad. Business models unique to,non-American cultures will be explored in depth.,Also listed as BU 381. |
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