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Home 2015-2016 Undergraduate College Catalog Undergraduate Programs of Study(Majors, Minors & Requirements) Asian Studies

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Asian Studies

(*** As of February 2016, the admission of new students into the Asian Studies program has been suspended until further notice. Current students will be able to continue their progression in this program.***)

Introduction

Because Asia figures so much in today’s headlines and is home to half the world’s population, Manhattanville believes students should have the opportunity to study as much about it as they can. The Asian Studies Department seeks to introduce students both to traditional and modern aspects of different Asian cultures, most particularly, those of China and Japan. The major encourages students to combine language and content courses to have a well-rounded foundation. International organizations favor Asian Studies graduates because of their ability to understand intercultural perspectives. Many of our majors have done Study Abroad in Japan or China and welcome opportunities to return to these countries after graduating from college.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts 

 Optional Minors

Students can choose to major or minor in Asian Studies 

Career Ideas

Anthropologist, Anti-terrorism Intelligence, Agent, Archaeologist, Professor, Foreign Language Translator, Foreign Services Officer, Historical Archivist, Museum Curator, Peace Corps Worker, Travel Agent, Travel Writer

Program Administrator

Theresa Kelleher, Department Chair, (914) 323-5152, Theresa.Kelleher@mville.edu

Faculty and Staff

FULL-TIME FACULTY
Theresa Kelleher 

ADJUNCT FACULTY
Ann Imai Tarumoto, Japanese language 

Overview

The department offers a range of courses on the cultures of China and Japan, as well as on Southeast Asia. Students are encouraged to do language study: Japanese language classes are offered by the newly established World Languages and Literature Department at Manhattanville,, and Chinese classes by nearby Purchase College. The program also draws on courses dealing with Asia offered by such departments as art history, political science, religion and sociology. Field trips to New York City, especially its museums, are a vital part of the program. Participation in internships and study abroad programs is encouraged.

Students interested in taking Japanese should be aware that the World Languages & Literature Department reserves the right to place the student in a language course commensurate with his or her abilities. Language courses are designed for the non-native speaker; students with an Asian language background are requested to undergo staff evaluation prior to enrolling in a language course. 

Introduction

Because Manhattanville believes a liberal arts education today should afford students the opportunity to explore and understand the non-western world, it has developed a program emphasizing the languages and cultures of Asia. The increasing importance of this region makes it imperative that students acquire a greater understanding of the ways of life of more than half of humanity. The program offers language courses in Chinese and Japanese as well as courses on the history, religions, and literature of China and Japan. The program also draws on courses dealing with Asia offered by such departments as art history, political science, religion, and sociology. Field trips to New York City, especially its museums, are a vital part of the program. Participation in internships and study abroad programs is encouraged 

Faculty and Professional Interests

Theresa Kelleher (Chair) – Asian religions and cultural history 

Adjunct Faculty

Ping Wang Chi – Chinese language

Ann Imai Tarumoto – Japanese language

Asian Studies Major Requirements

• Four semesters of either Chinese or Japanese language;
• Three history courses chosen from the four basic surveys of Chinese and Japanese history;
• Five other courses, four of which should be concentrated in one of the following areas: Japan; China; History and Politics; or Religion. Two of these five must be a 3000-level seminar which requires a research paper;
• Senior Evaluation OR participation in a Senior Honors Seminar.

Note: only those students who have maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or better in major courses are eligible for this Seminar.

Senior Evaluation

The student must register for the 1-credit Senior Evaluation (ASN 3998) in either semester of senior year. In consultation with the Chair, student will review past course work and prepare for a two-hour comprehensive exam at the end of the semester.

Senior Honors seminar/Departmental Honors

To receive departmental honors, the student must have maintained a 3.5 or better G.P.A. in major courses, must register for Senior Honors seminar (ASN 3997) and produce a thesis with a minimum grade of B+.

Asian Studies Minor Requirements

Five courses taken in one of the following ways:

• Four semesters of Chinese plus one course on China;
• Four semesters of Japanese plus one course on Japan;
• One year of Chinese history plus two courses on China and one other Asian Studies course;
• One year of Japanese history plus two courses on Japan and one other Asian Studies course.

The department reserves the right to place the student in a language course commensurate with his or her abilities. Language courses are designed for the non-native speaker; students with an Asian language background are requested to undergo staff evaluation prior to enrolling in a language course.

Students must achieve at least a C - in a course to get credit for the major or minor.

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