Asian Studies (AS)
An introduction to Asian societies and cultures. Students will examine the concepts of "civilization," "modernity," and "everyday life" to engage the broad themes central to an understanding of China, Japan, and South Asia.
A self-instructed introduction to the elements of Sanskrit grammar, syntax, vocabulary, and associated structures of thought. By the end of the semester, students will gain a basic ability of reading and writing simple sentences and narratives in the Devanagari script. The long-term goal of this course and its sequels is to gain a reading ability for the main texts of Sanskrit literature (poetry, epic, narrative and wisdom literature, philosophical and religious texts, etc.).
Self-instructed introductory course that includes short unaltered readings from the Bhagavad Gita. New grammatical elements include the subtleties of compounding, nonthematic verb conjugations, the phenomenon of nominalization, as well as sandhi (shift in the spelling of words in juxtaposition with other words).
A self-instructed intermediate course that completes the study of Sanskrit grammar and begins the reading of connected texts, such as sections from epic or narrative literature.
A self-instructed intermediate Sanskrit course that focuses on reading and translation of passages from epic, narrative, and wisdom literature, and/or religious-philosophical texts.
An examination of culture, history, religion, and identity in the region defined by the world's highest mountain range. Students will study the rich cultural heritage and dynamic contemporary life of the region and explore the methodological challenges involved in interdisciplinary studies. Specific topics will include the relationship between culture and environment, artistic and literary traditions of the Himalayas, and the impact of modernity and globalization on the region.
A topically organized course, with the specific topic varying according to the instructor's interests and specialization. Topics may include beginning Sanskrit, Asian Studies in theory, co-taught interdisciplinary courses, and Asian Studies add-ons to existing courses in other disciplines.
Application and development of Sanskrit skills in conjunction with any course taught in English at the college. Students will read, report, discuss and write about sophisticated materials in the disciplines, and learn how to translate them to and from English.
A topically organized course at an advanced level, with the specific topic varying according to the instructor's interests and specialization. Topics may include Asian Studies in Theory, co-taught interdisciplinary courses, and Asian Studies add-ons to existing courses in other disciplines.
Individual study under the direction of Asian studies faculty.
A seminar required of all Asian Studies majors taken during the fall of their senior year in preparation for their senior capstone project. Students will discuss approaches to Asian Studies and develop their skills in research, writing, and oral communication. The course will focus on the goals of collectively selecting a cohesive theme for the Senior Seminar and individually identifying topics for the senior research project. Students will present proposals for their senior capstone projects at the end of the seminar.
A seminar required of all Asian studies majors in the spring semester of their senior year. The course will involve discussion of the theoretical underpinnings of Asian studies, reflection on methods, and exchange of perspectives across disciplinary and regional concentration. Specific topics and readings will vary from year to year.
Internship or professional experience at an advanced level for students with substantial academic preparation in the major field. With faculty sponsorship and program approval, students select an internship and produce a major research paper or other appropriate work related to the area of the internship on a topic approved by the faculty sponsor and the on-site supervisor.