Asian Studies
The student majoring in Asian studies examines multiple facets of the cultures, traditions, and contemporary realities of Asian countries and peoples. The Asian Studies Program (major and minor) is interdisciplinary, with a linguistic component and opportunities for direct experience with an Asian culture.
Director of Asian Studies Program: Joowon Park
Professor: Xiaoshuo Hou
Associate Professor: Benjamin Bogin, Xiaoshuo Hou
Assistant Professor: Ryan Overbey
Affiliated Faculty
Anthropology: Joowon Park
Art History: Michael Orr, Saleema Waraich
Chinese: Mao Chen, Fang Wang
English: Sandamini Ranwalage
Gender Studies: Sharadha K. Kalyanam
History: Jenny Day, Tillman Nechtman
International Affairs / Management & Business: Mahesh Shankar
Japanese: Masako Inamoto, Masami Tamagawa
Korean: Eunmi Kim
Library: Dung-Lan Chen
Music: Veena Chandra, Charlotte D'Evelyn
Political Science: Yelena Biberman-Ocakli
Religious Studies: Eliza Kent, Ryan Overbey
Sanskrit: Robert E. Goodwin
Sociology: Xiaoshuo Hou
Asian Studies B.A.
For Students Who Entered Skidmore in Fall 2023 and Beyond (Class of 2027 and Beyond)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Gateway | ||
| Select at least one course from the approved courses listed below: | 3 | |
| Intro to Asian Studies | ||
| Perspectives from Asia | ||
| East Asian Civilization: Traditions and Transformations | ||
| Ways of Seeing: Survey of Asian Art | ||
| Health and Healing in Asian Religions | ||
| Language | ||
| Select at least two semesters of one Asian language from the point of placement at Skidmore or approved programs. | 6 | |
| Core | ||
| Select at least nine credit hours from the Gateway courses or the approved courses listed below: | 9 | |
| Ways of Seeing: Survey of Asian Art | ||
| Islamic Art | ||
| Asian Pop! | ||
| Art History in Action | ||
| Perspectives from Asia | ||
| Migration and Diaspora | ||
| The Himalayas: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the "Roof of the World" | ||
| Holding up Half the Sky: Gender, Writing, and Nationhood in China | ||
| Sexuality in Japan | ||
| Introduction to Modern China | ||
| East Asian Civilization: Traditions and Transformations | ||
| China in War and Revolution | ||
| History of Modern Japan | ||
| Empires in India | ||
| China's Last Empire: The Glorious Qing (1644-1911) | ||
| Topics Seminar | ||
| Topics in Philosophy | ||
| Advanced Topics in Philosophy | ||
| Politics of Modern South Asia | ||
| Asian Religions in America | ||
| Health and Healing in Asian Religions | ||
| Hindu Myth | ||
| Encountering the Goddess in India | ||
| Buddhism: An Introduction | ||
| Topics in Religion | ||
| Yoga: History, Theory, Practice | ||
| Buddhism and the Body: Desire, Disgust, and Transcendence | ||
| Advanced Topics in Religion | ||
| China and Globalization | ||
| Chinese Language and Culture | ||
| Introduction to Chinese Culture and Literature | ||
| Modern China | ||
| Special Studies in Chinese | ||
| Japanese Language and Culture | ||
| Introduction to Japanese Culture and Literature | ||
| Contemporary Japan | ||
| Modern Japanese Literature in Translation | ||
| The World of Japanese Animation | ||
| Viewing China: Visual Cultural and Transnational Cinema | ||
| Japanese Woman: Gender, Gender Relations, and Sexuality in Contemporary Japan | ||
| Chinese Civilization II: Culture and Literature of Late Imperial China | ||
| Topics in Foreign Literature and Culture | ||
| Modern Japanese Culture and Society | ||
| Electives | ||
| Select at least ten credit hours from any approved Asian Studies course (including Core and Language courses) | 10 | |
| They Might Be Giants: Global Rise of BRICS | ||
| Becoming "Asian": Asian American Cultural Representations and Identities | ||
| Senior Year | 5 | |
| Independent Study (in fall) | ||
| Approaches to Asian Studies (in fall) | ||
| Independent Study (Capstone Project (in spring)) | ||
| Total Hours | 33 | |
For Students Who Entered Skidmore prior to Fall 2023 (Class of 2026 and Prior)
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Language | ||
| Select at least four semesters of one Asian language from the point of placement at Skidmore or approved programs. 1 | 12 | |
| Language Across the Curriculum | ||
| Select two credits of the following: 2 | 2 | |
| Advanced Language Across the Curriculum: Sanskrit | ||
| Advanced Languages across the Curriculum | ||
| Advanced Languages Across the Curriculum | ||
WLX 340I | ||
WLX 340K | ||
| Foundation 3 | ||
| Required Course | ||
| AS 101 | Intro to Asian Studies | 3 |
| History and Society | ||
| Select at least one course from the approved courses listed below: | 3 | |
| Non-Western Themes in Anthropology (when applicable) | ||
| Modern Japanese Culture and Society | ||
| East Asian Civilization: Traditions and Transformations | ||
| China in War and Revolution | ||
| History of Modern Japan | ||
| China and Globalization | ||
| Arts and Humanities | ||
| Select at least one course from the approved courses listed below: | 3-4 | |
| Ways of Seeing: Survey of Asian Art | ||
| Practices of Art History | ||
| Introduction to Chinese Culture and Literature | ||
| Introduction to Japanese Culture and Literature | ||
| Pre-Modern Japanese Literature in Translation | ||
| Modern Japanese Literature in Translation | ||
| Modern Chinese Literature in Translation | ||
| Chinese Civilization II: Culture and Literature of Late Imperial China | ||
| Music in South Asia | ||
| Music and Culture of East Asia | ||
| Topics Seminar (when offered as “Music in Southeast Asia”) | ||
or MU 344 | Topics Seminar | |
| Buddhist Philosophy | ||
| Religious Traditions of India | ||
| Encountering the Goddess in India | ||
| Junior Year | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
Study in Asia: Language Study and Practice: | ||
Select varying culture courses, for at least three 300-level credits on Asia | ||
At Skidmore: | ||
Select at least three 300-level credits in Asian Studies 4 | ||
| Senior Year | ||
| LI 371 | Independent Study (in fall) | 1 |
| AS 374 | Approaches to Asian Studies (in fall) | 1 |
| AS 375 | Asian Studies Senior Seminar (in spring) | 3 |
| Select at least two additional credits at the 300-level | 2 | |
| Total Hours | 33-34 | |
- 1
Students are encouraged to spend a year in an approved program in Asia and to continue their language studies throughout the major.
- 2
To be completed in the senior year in conjunction with Asian Studies Senior Seminar or earlier.
- 3
Note: Not all AS foundation courses fulfill all-college breadth requirements. Please consult individual course descriptions.
- 4
Electives will continue language study and develop comparative and disciplinary focus.
Note
- Completion of all-college requirements and disciplinary prerequisites for advanced courses by the end of the sophomore year is recommended.
- No single course can count toward more than one requirement.
- Only 3 credits of internship may count toward the major.
The Writing Requirement in the Major
As an interdisciplinary major committed to communication across cultures, languages, and disciplines, Asian studies proposes different paths to students as they hone their writing skills within multiple disciplines and come together in the senior year for a capstone experience that recognizes the various disciplinary perspectives within which students have been working. As writers, Asian studies students pay particular attention to clarity as they cross disciplinary, cultural, and linguistic boundaries. They learn to observe disciplinary expectations, to integrate disciplinary perspectives in their study of Asia, and to express themselves effectively and clearly. They are particularly attentive to language as it embeds and carries cultural assumptions and presuppositions. They are alert to national, cultural, ethnic, political, and gender differences and are expected to be able to analyze complex and interconnected cross-cultural issues, using a multidisciplinary approach. Students fulfill the writing requirement in the Asian studies major upon successful completion of AS 101 Intro to Asian Studies, and AS 375 Asian Studies Senior Seminar. Other coursework in the categories of (a) History and Society and (b) Arts and Humanities incorporate written work that further develops writing skills.
Asian Studies Minor
For Students Who Entered Skidmore in Fall 2023 and Beyond
The Asian Studies minor consists of 18 credit hours in approved Core or Language courses (designated on the Asian Studies website) and including at least one Gateway course. Up to 8 credit hours of an Asian language may count toward the minor.
For Students Who Entered Skidmore Prior to Fall 2023
The Asian studies minor consists of 18 credit hours approved by the director of Asian studies from the Asian studies courses listed on the Asian studies website, including at least 3 credits at the 300 level. Up to 8 credit hours of an Asian language may count toward the minor.
Honors
Effective for All Class Years Prior to 2019
For honors in Asian studies, a student must earn a 3.000 or better cumulative GPA in all courses taken at Skidmore, a 3.500 or better in all courses taken for the Asian studies major, and a grade of A or A- on an approved senior thesis or capstone project, completed over two semesters in AS 371 Independent Study and AS 372 . Theses or projects submitted for honors are directed by a member of the Asian studies faculty and evaluated also by a second reader. With the approval of the Asian studies director and the thesis/project director, some students may substitute prior research for AS 371 Independent Study in the fall and submit for honors the AS 372 paper or project.
Effective for the Class of 2019 and On
For honors in Asian Studies, a student must earn a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA in all courses taken at Skidmore and a 3.65 or better in all courses taken for the Asian studies major, complete an approved senior thesis or a capstone project, and be recommended for program honors by the program.
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.
Note: Often there are new or special topic courses that count for Asian studies that are not included in the list below. Contact the director of Asian studies for information about other Asian studies courses.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AH 104 | Ways of Seeing: Survey of Asian Art | 4 |
| AH 151 | Special Topics in Art History (when applicable) | 3 |
| AH 209 | Islamic Art | 3 |
| AH 251 | Special Topics in Art History (when applicable) | 3 |
| AH 316 | How South Asia clothed the world: history, politics, and fashion | 3 |
| AH 325 | Decolonizing the Museum: Addressing Systemic Racism and Promoting Social Justice | 4 |
| AH 361E | Topics in Gender and Visual Culture: Asian Art (NW) (NW) | 3 |
| AN 223 | Transnational Korea | 1 |
| AN 224 | Perspectives from Asia | 3 |
| AN 236 | Migration and Diaspora | 4 |
| AN 252 | Non-Western Themes in Anthropology (when applicable) | 3 |
| AN 351 | Topics in Cultural Anthropology (when applicable) | 3 |
| AS 251 | Special Topics Asian Studies | 1-4 |
| AS 351 | Special Topics: Asian Studies | 1-4 |
| AS 371 | Independent Study | 3 |
| DA 314 | Classical Dance of India II | 3 |
| EN 221 | Introduction to Asian American Literature | 3 |
| EN 229 | Special Topics in Literature (section C — Empire Strikes Back: Postcolonial Literature from the Caribbean, Africa, and South Asia) | 3 |
| EN 363 | Special Studies in Literary History (when applicable) | 3 |
| GW 227 | Holding up Half the Sky: Gender, Writing, and Nationhood in China | 3 |
| GW 228 | Sexuality in Japan | 3 |
| GW 251 | Special Topics in Gender Studies (when applicable) | 1-4 |
| HI 142 | Introduction to Modern China | 3 |
| HI 151 | Topics in History (when applicable) | 3 |
| HI 241 | Introduction to Imperial China | 3 |
| HI 242 | China in War and Revolution | 3 |
| HI 247 | History of Modern Japan | 3 |
| HI 249 | The Vietnam War | 3 |
| HI 251 | Topics in History (when applicable) | 1-4 |
| HI 316 | Empires in India | 3 |
| HI 343 | The Chinese Revolution | 3 |
| HI 347 | Japan's Modernizers: Samurai, Weavers, Writers, and Prostitutes | 3 |
| HI 351 | Topics in History (when applicable) | 1-4 |
| HI 375 | (when applicable) | |
| MP 198 | Class Study of Instrumental Performance (when applicable) | 1 |
| MP 281 | Private Music Instruction - 45 Xfee (when applicable) | 2 |
| MP 281X | Private Musical Instruction (when applicable) | 2 |
| MP 381 | Private Musical Instruction (when applicable) | 2 |
| MP 381X | Private Musical Instruction (when applicable) | 2 |
| MU 205 | Special Studies in Music Literature (when applicable) | 3-4 |
| MU 208 | Music and Culture | 3 |
| MU 209 | Music Cultures of Asia | 3 |
| MU 309 | Music in South Asia | 3 |
| MU 310 | Music and Culture of East Asia | 4 |
| MU 344 | Topics Seminar (when applicable) | 3-4 |
| MU 345 | Topics Seminar (when applicable) | 3-4 |
| PH 215 | Buddhist Philosophy | 3 |
| PH 230 | Topics in Philosophy (when applicable) | 1-4 |
| PH 330 | Advanced Topics in Philosophy (when applicable) | 1-4 |
| PL 207 | They Might Be Giants: Global Rise of BRICS | 4 |
| PL 348 | Politics of Modern South Asia | 4 |
| PL 365 | Topics In Comparative Politics (when applicable) | 4 |
| RE 213 | Religious Traditions of India | 3 |
| RE 216 | Asian Religions in America | 3 |
| RE 217 | Health and Healing in Asian Religions | 3 |
| RE 218 | Hindu Myth | 3 |
| RE 220 | Encountering the Goddess in India | 3 |
| RE 221 | Buddhism: An Introduction | 3 |
| RE 222 | Mindfully White: Race and Power in American Buddhism | 4 |
| RE 230 | Topics in Religion (when applicable) | 1-4 |
| RE 320 | Yoga: History, Theory, Practice | 4 |
| RE 321 | Buddhism and the Body: Desire, Disgust, and Transcendence | 4 |
| SO 215 | China and Globalization | 3 |
| SO 251 | Special Topics in Sociology (when applicable) | 1-4 |
| TH 334 | Special Studies in Theater History and Theory (when applicable) | 3 |
| WLC 102 | Elementary Chinese II | 4 |
| WLC 203 | Intermediate Chinese | 4 |
| WLC 204 | Business Chinese | 3 |
| WLC 206 | Chinese Language and Culture | 4 |
| WLC 208 | Advanced Chinese Conversation and Composition | 3 |
| WLC 220 | Language across the Curriculum: Chinese | 1 |
| WLC 271 | Chinese Language and Literature Discussion | 1 |
| WLC 272 | Chinese Language and Literature Discussion | 1 |
| WLC 302 | Modern China | 3 |
| WLC 340 | Advanced Languages across the Curriculum | 2 |
| WLC 363 | Special Studies in Chinese | 4 |
| WLC 371 | Independent Study | 3 |
| WLJ 101 | Elementary Japanese I | 4 |
| WLJ 102 | Elementary Japanese II | 4 |
| WLJ 203 | Intermediate Japanese | 4 |
| WLJ 206 | Japanese Language and Culture | 4 |
| WLJ 207 | Advanced Intermediate Japanese I | 3 |
| WLJ 208 | Advanced Intermediate Japanese II | 3 |
| WLJ 210 | Introduction to Japanese Culture and Literature | 4 |
| WLJ 220 | Language across the Curriculum | 1 |
| WLJ 271 | Japanese Language and Literature Discussion | 1 |
| WLJ 272 | Japanese Language and Literature Discussion | 1 |
| WLJ 311 | Contemporary Japan | 3 |
| WLJ 340 | Advanced Languages Across the Curriculum | 2 |
| WLJ 363 | Special Studies in Japanese | 3 |
| WLL 241 | Pre-Modern Japanese Literature in Translation | 3 |
| WLL 242 | Modern Japanese Literature in Translation | 3 |
| WLL 243 | The World of Japanese Animation | 4 |
| WLL 244 | Viewing China: Visual Cultural and Transnational Cinema | 4 |
| WLL 245 | China and the West: The Myth of the Other | 3 |
| WLL 246 | Fictional and Factual: History and the Novel in China | 3 |
| WLL 247 | Japanese Woman: Gender, Gender Relations, and Sexuality in Contemporary Japan | 3 |
| WLL 257 | Modern Chinese Literature in Translation | 3 |
| WLL 259 | Chinese Civilization II: Culture and Literature of Late Imperial China | 3 |
| WLL 267 | Modern Japanese Culture and Society | 3 |
| WLL 263 | Topics in Foreign Literature and Culture (when applicable) | 1-4 |
| WLL 269 | Cultural China: Trends and Themes | 3 |
| WLL 376 | Seminar (In English) (when applicable) | 1-4 |
| WLX 101K | Self-Instruction: Beginning Korean I | 2 |
| WLX 102K | Self-Instruction Beginning Korean II | 2 |
| WLX 201K | Self-Instruction Intermediate Korean I | 2 |
| WLX 202K | Self-Instruction Intermediate Korean II | 2 |
| WLX 220K | Language across the Curriculum: Korean | 1 |
| WLX 220I | Language across the Curriculum: Hindi | 1 |
| WLX 340K | 2 | |
| WLX 340I | 2 |