Asian Studies Major

The interdisciplinary major permits the student to explore several regions and cultures of Asia as well as the Asian experience in America. At the same time, it requires a focus on one region or culture of Asia and a related Asian language.

Asian Studies Minor

As a companion to a major in an academic or professional field, the interdisciplinary minor broadens and enriches the student's academic experience. It conveys skills and concepts needed for appreciating the rich civilizations and vibrant nations of Asia and for dealing professionally with Asian peoples. The minor is a valuable credential for graduate study and an international career.

Acceptance Criteria - B.A., Minor

A minimum grade of "C" in any two courses is required for the major/minor.

Acceptance Information

Deadlines: Rolling
Total number of majors currently enrolled: 28

Degree Requirements

Please see Degrees and Policies.

Suggested Introductory Courses

• AS 101 Introduction to Asian Studies
• AS 220 Culture and the Arts in East Asia
• HIS 181/HIS 182 Asian Civilizations
• AS 229 Contemporary Asian Societies
• AS 110 The Asian American Experience
• An elementary course in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi/Urdu, or another Asian language

Asian American Studies

Every semester, the Asian Studies Program and other departments offer courses exploring the history, literature, and social dynamics of peoples of Asian origin in North America.

For course descriptions, please see Courses.

Over twenty Asian specialists in a variety of humanities and social sciences fields, focusing on China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and South Asia.

Students can study abroad in Asia, undertaking language study and non-language classes. They can spend an academic year, a semester, or a summer at fine universities in China, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Academic credit can be transferred to UB. For information, see Study Abroad Programs.

Students may join clubs which focus on Asian cultures. These include:

• Chinese Student Association
• Japanese Student Association
• Korean Student Association
• Indonesian Student Association
• Thai International Club
• Indian Student Association
• Asian American Student Union

Also, at UB there are sororities and fraternities that focus on Asia.

The Asian Studies Program sponsors an on-going series of brown bag lunches called Asia at Noon, hosts exhibitions and performing artists from Asia, and organizes special lectures and conferences. The Asian Studies picnic in the fall is a major social event. A periodic newsletter, Asian Studies Notes, and on-line announcements keep students apprised of these opportunities.

See the UB Student Association.

Majors that Complement Asian Studies

• American Studies
• Anthropology
• Architecture
• Art
• Art History
• Business Administration
• Classics
• Communication
• Economics
• Geography
• Global Gender Studies
• History
• Linguistics
• Media Study
• Music
• Philosophy
• Political Science
• Sociology
  
• Theatre and Dance

Other Academic Concentrations at UB With a Focus on Asia

• Special majors in Chinese Studies, Chinese Language, Japanese Studies, or Japanese Language. The director of undergraduate studies will advise students who wish to design a special major.
• Minor in Chinese, administered by the Department of Linguistics
• Minor in Japanese, administered by the Department of Linguistics
• Minor in Korean, administered by the Department of Linguistics