Program Purpose: Students who complete Asian Studies will acquire a basic understanding of major figures, institutions and events influencing how Asia has developed as a continent. The program explores philosophical and religious traditions developed within Asia and how these traditions have spread throughout the continent. The cultural development, including literature, music and arts, can be examined by students and discover how Asian culture relates to their lives. The program also seeks to understand how various Asian governments confront contemporary domestic and global issues. The program considers how Asian countries deal with each other, what kinds of issues are likely to separate them, and how they resolve conflict between them.

Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide an integrated approach to the study of the history, culture, governments and current problems of this increasingly important region of the world.

To obtain an Associate in Arts in Asian Studies, students must complete 18-22 specified major units, plus General Education degree requirements.

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to: 

• identify the major figures, institutions and events in the history of Asia and explain their historical significance and analyze the structures, institutions, and processes of government.
• describe the different philosophical and religious traditions of Asia.
• relate Asian literature, music and art to its historical and cultural context and to their lives.
• identify and analyze the challenges Asian governments confront in domestic, foreign and economic policies in relationship to current domestic and global issues.