• Coordinator: Phyllis Herman
• Sierra Hall (SH) 401
• (818) 677-3317
• www.csun.edu/csbs

Asian Studies

Program Committee

• Phyllis Herman (Religious Studies)
• Richard Horowitz (History)
• Gina Masequesmay (Asian American Studies)
• Weimin Sun (Philosophy)
• Kenneth Lee (Religious Studies)
• Linda Lam-Easton (Religious Studies)
• Sheena Malhotra (Gender and Women’s Studies)
• Yifei Sun (Geography)
• Enrique De La Cruz (Asian American Studies)

Program

Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide an integrated approach to the study of the history, culture, and current problems of this increasingly important region of the world. The program includes courses that involve the areas of East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Graduates from this program may either pursue their studies in graduate schools or apply their knowledge and training in various governmental and private agencies interacting with Asian countries.

A minor in Asian Studies is of particular interest and value to students majoring in Anthropology, Business, Geography, History, Political Science, Economics, and Religious Studies.

The minor in Asian Studies consists of 18 units with no more than 6 lower division units. The student must consult with an Asian Studies advisor to develop an approved program from the courses listed for the major which best suits his/her individual needs. The student will be able to choose a broad program, which will provide a background in several regions of Asia, or he/she will be able to specialize in East Asia, South Asia, or Southeast Asia.

Academic Advisement

All Asian Studies minors are required to see an advisor to work out a program of study that will meet their specific needs and interests. A student’s program must include courses that involve at least two of the three Asian areas. The Program Coordinator and all Program Committee members are available for advisement.

The coordinator and/or a designee are on duty during orientation and are available by appointment during the summer. In addition, the program office publishes an informational brochure, which can be picked up in the office and also obtained by mail or phone request.

Requirements for the Minor

1. Lower Division Courses (6 units)

• HIST 191 History of Eastern Civilization I (3)
• HIST 192 History of Modern East Asia (3)

Students who expect to pursue work in Asian Studies beyond the undergraduate level should be aware that competence in an Asian language is a common requirement for advanced degrees.

Consequently, those students minoring in Asian Studies may substitute a maximum of 6 units of an Asian language, e.g., Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, or a Southeast Asian language, as electives in their lower- division program.

2. Upper Division (12 units) Select from the following:

Social Sciences:

• ANTH 339 Peoples of South Asia (3)
• ANTH 347 Peoples of the Pacific (3)
• GEOG 324 China (3)
• GEOG 325 Southeast Asia (3)
• GEOG 334 Southwest Pacific (3)
• HIST 438 Russia to 1905 (3)
• HIST 439 Modern India since 1526 (3)
• HIST 490 Traditional China (3)
• HIST 491A Modern China (3)
• HIST 491B Rise of Communist China (3)
• HIST 493 Modern Japan (3)
• POLS 434A Governments and Politics of South Asia (3)
• POLS 434B Governments and Politics of Southeast Asia (3)
• SOC 333 Chinese Society (3)

Humanities:

• ENGL 479 Asian Literature in Translation (3)
• PHIL 343 Indian Philosophy (3)
• PHIL 344 Chinese Philosophy (3)
• RS 380 Asian Religions: Communal Traditions and Transitions (3)
• RS 383 Asian Religious Texts (3)
• RS 385 Hinduism (3)
• RS 390 Buddhism (3)
• RS 426 Religions of China: Taoism (3)

Business and Economics:

• ECON 370 Economic Development (3)

Arts, Media, and Communication:

• ART 112 History of Non-Western Art (3)
• ART 412 History of Korean Art (3)
• ART 413 History of Chinese Art (3)
• ART 415 History of the Art of India (3)
• ART 416 History of Ancient Near Eastern Art (3)
• CTVA 415C International Cinema - China (3)
• CTVA 415J International Cinema - Japan (3)

Independent Study with the consent of an advisor:

• ANTH 499 Independent Study (1-3)
• ART 499 Independent Study (1-6)
• ECON 499 Independent Study (1-3)
• GEOG 499 Independent Study (1-3)
• HIST 499 Independent Study(1-3)
• POLS 499 Independent Study (1-3)
• RS 499 Independent Study (1-3)

Total Units in the Minor: 18