A growing demand exists for Americans to become more familiar with Asia in business, journalism, government, education, information technology and service. In the age of global economy and satellite communication, the Pacific rim nations have become America’s close partners in multinational business, diplomacy and cultural exchange. Asia, the most populated region of the world, has developed some of the world’s fastest and most productive economies.
Curriculum
BGSU is one of the few Ohio universities that offer an Asian
Studies major leading to the bachelor of arts degree. Students gain a broad knowledge of the culture and societies of East Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia; an in-depth knowledge of one of the East Asian countries (Japan, China, and Korea), and the basic conversational and reading skills of an Asian language.
Students must complete a minimum of 36 credit hours from an approved list of core and elective courses. The core courses are designed to introduce students to the social sciences and humanities, and to provide them with a global outlook of the world and Asia. The elective courses provide students with in-depth knowledge of Asia, and analytical and practical skills of selected disciplines, such as history, business and political science.
In addition, Asian Studies majors must complete two years of Japanese or Chinese. Upon completion of the program, students have a broad interdisciplinary, international and comparative understanding of Asia and the United States, and a functional ability in an Asian language that will enrich their professional and personal lives.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in Asian studies are expected to:
Know historical, cultural, economic, political, and social developments of selected countries in East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Vietnam), South Asia (India), and Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia); recognize the diversity of Asia; and identify basic practices and theories of major Asian beliefs and institutions;
Demonstrate an advanced level of understanding of a chosen Asian country or region;
Develop a specialized knowledge of the United States as a major Pacific nation and cultivate historical empathy with Asia;
Choose at least one discipline (political science, geography, history, philosophy) and gain special skills unique to that discipline—for example methodology, critical thinking, information gathering, or analysis;
Demonstrate college-level competence in an Asian language (including speaking, reading, and writing).
Career Opportunities
Students in the Asian Studies major are encouraged to develop a second major in history, geography, general studies in business, computer Science or English. They may also consider a minor in political science, art history, economics,Peace Studies, or East Asian languages. A student with a double major in Asian Studies has a comparative edge for employment and promotion in private industry, government and semi-government organization. Many Asian Studies graduates are employed in industry and government agencies, while some have become high school teachers and college professors.
Major, Bachelor of Arts (36 hours) — minor required — click for 2008-2009 course requirements
The Asian studies program offers an interdisciplinary curriculum of studies on Asia. Students complete a minimum of 36 credit hours from the list of the core courses and the elective courses.
Alternative courses may be approved by the program advisor. Students must fulfill the foreign language requirement by completing Chinese or Japanese at the 202 level or demonstrate competency in one Asian language. This may be done by completing intensive Asian language and culture courses through student exchange programs in Asia. The students who wish to enter non-teaching careers are encouraged to develop a second major or minor in history, political science, economics, geography, etc. Dual degrees can also be pursued in the areas of comparative education, ethnomusicology, international business, etc.
Minor (21 hours)
21 hours selected from the core and elective courses in consultation with the Asian studies advisor. No Asian language required.
Student exchange and internship programs
The Asian studies program annually sends selected undergraduate students to Asia as exchange students or student interns. Students earn credits transferable to the University. See Special Academic Programs and Services or contact the Asian studies program advisor for information.
