The Center for Asian Studies offers a broad, interdisciplinary undergraduate major and minor in Asian studies.

Students planning to major in Asian studies may obtain credit when they participate in study abroad programs in Asia with prior approval from the Asian Studies Program and Education Abroad.

For additional information on the major program, see Asian Studies - Bachelor of Arts (BA) or email Dr. Lauren Collins.

Course code for this program is ASIA.

Faculty 

While many faculty teach both undergraduate and graduate students, some instruct students at the undergraduate level only. For more information, contact the faculty member's home department.

Collins, Lauren
Instructor, Program Director; PhD, University of Denver

Rinaldo, Rachel Ann
Faculty Director; PhD, University of Chicago

Courses

Show only these courses...

ASIA 1000 (3) Origins of Contemporary Southeast Asia

Explores the dynamic present of Southeast Asia in light of its complex past. Introduces the shared historical experiences that have shaped diverse Southeast Asian societies, with a focus on the continuing effects of colonialism, nationalism, and globalization in the region. Examines key issues facing contemporary Southeast Asian communities, including current debates around gender, faith, human rights, democracy, development, etc. Engages with Southeast Asian literature, film, art, journalism, and museum collections from a transdisciplinary perspective.

Recommended: Prerequisite students may find some prior coursework in history, anthropology, or Asian Studies to be helpful, but this is not required.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-Global Perspective

ASIA 1700 (3) Introduction to Tibetan Civilization

Explores the dynamic history of Tibet from its early empire to the present. Offers interdisciplinary perspectives on Tibetan civilization, including arts and literature, religion and politics, society and culture. Topics include the role of Buddhism in Tibetan society from its early establishment up through the rule of Dalai Lamas, forms of myths and rituals to create a Tibetan past and sense of shared identity, the adaptation of Indic literary models, sectarian tensions and ecumenical projects, and modern identity, art and literature.

Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities

ASIA 2000 (3) Gateway to Modern Asia: Exploring Regional Connections

Introduces main themes, intellectual approaches used in Asian Studies through a transdisciplinary perspective that focuses on interactions and links between geographic regions and national boundaries. Presents Asia as a concept, a powerful imaginary geography, and historically dynamic construct that has shaped / been shaped by global patterns of economic development, nation building, war and diplomacy, colonialism and aspirations for better lives.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Core Curr: Human Diversity
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-Global Perspective
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Asia Content

ASIA 2852 (3) Contemporary Southeast Asia: Environmental Politics

Examines globally pressing questions of environmental sustainability, regional inequality and development in the dynamic and heterogeneous landscapes of contemporary Southeast Asia. Focuses on interactions between histories of uneven development and contemporary debates over energy and infrastructure, food security, governance and access to land, forest and water-based resources.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOG 2852
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Diversity-Global Perspective
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

ASIA 3300 (3) Sex and Gender in Asian Film and Literature

Explores issues of sex and gender in traditional and contemporary Asian cultures by looking at how sex and gendered roles are configured and play out in Asian cultures. Employs film and literary sources which reflect, subvert and act as agents of change in the dominant cultures.

Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Asia Content

ASIA 3900 (3) Discovering Urban China: Tradition, Modernity, Nostalgia

Explores the ways Chinese cities, especially Beijing and Shanghai, are depicted in scholarly articles, films, literature and population culture in terms of tradition, modernity and nostalgia. Begins by defining the terms then discusses texts dealing with these themes. Discussions are linked to what the students observe first-hand as they explore the cities. Takes place in China.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Departmental Category: Asia Content

ASIA 4001 (1) Advanced Language Co-Seminar Arts and Humanities

Acts as a Co-Seminar for advanced Asian Studies students.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Grading Basis: Pass/Fail
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities

ASIA 4002 (1) Advanced Language Co-Seminar Social Sciences

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours. Allows multiple enrollment in term.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

ASIA 4100 (3) China's Space Dream: Long March to the Moon and Beyond

This class will explore the history of China's interest in and development of space technology from the Mao era through today. China became the third country ever to launch a human into space in 2003 and has been expanding its space program ever since. Beijing has poured billions into its military-run space program, with hopes of having a crewed space station by 2022 and eventually sending humans to the Moon. Tracing the development of China's space industry chronologically, this class will consider the long-term policy and industry implications of the growing U.S. - China Space rivalry. Course texts will draw on primary source documents, policy analysis, business case analyses, and contemporary Chinese science fiction to understand the current context for this rivalry and make policy recommendations for the future.

Recommended: Prerequisites ASIA 2000 and/or ASEN 1969.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities

ASIA 4200 (3) Politics of Memory and Heritage in Asia

Explores the uses of memory and heritage in the present-day politics of Asia. Examines how the past ¿ historical events, heritage sites, shared memories ¿ fuels nationalist movements, diplomatic disputes, grassroots activism, nostalgic tourism, and popular media. Delves especially into the legacies of colonialism and conflict in the region, highlighting how communities today seek justice and reconciliation in the wake of historical trauma. Engages with films, graphic novels, public art, photography, museums, monuments, archaeological sites, and more.

Recommended: Prerequisite Familiarity with Asian history, social science or humanities courses.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

ASIA 4300 (3) Open Topics in Asian Studies

Examines selected texts on a particular topic in the Arts & Humanities. Taught by regular or visiting faculty. Topics change each term.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Asia Content

ASIA 4400 (3) Open Topics in Asian Studies

Explores special social science topics in Asian Studies, including, but not limited to, social, political, economic, cultural, and international relations topics. Taught by regular or visiting faculty. Topics change each term.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: ASIA 5400
Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

ASIA 4448 (3) Wars of Liberation in Southeast Asia

Uses the contemporary nations of Indonesia, Myanmar, and Singapore as case studies to examine the making and unmaking of European and Japanese colonialism in Southeast Asia in the years surrounding World War II. In what ways did different communities understand and narrate imperialism and independence? How can we understand wars of liberation as local, regional, and global experiences, with legacies for today?

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: HIST 5448 and HIST 4448
Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.

ASIA 4500 (3) Urban Asia: Tradition, Modernity, Challenges

Explores change in urban Asia, the representation of Asian cities, and the challenges of urban life through a transdisciplinary and thematic approach using academic articles, documentaries, and literary materials. The class discusses the role of tradition, concepts of modernity, the impact of tourism, rural to urban migration, poverty, the effects of war, legacies of colonialism, and environmental challenges.

Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Asia Content

ASIA 4600 (3) Encounters: Tibet, the Himalayas, and the West

Provides a history of European knowledge about Tibet in the early medieval period, followed by the historical accounts of various European missionaries, travelers, and merchants to Tibet from the medieval to the early modern period. Critiques the construction of the myth of Shangri-la in the West the complex relationship and representation of Tibet and the Tibetans in the West. Formerly offered as a special topics course.

Recommended: Prerequisite ASIA 1700.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities

ASIA 4700 (3) Tibetan Literature and Culture

This course focuses on Tibetan literary writings, mostly secular, from the 12th to the 20th century. Students will read English translations of primary Tibetan texts (and secondary works) selected from a wide variety of genres such as history, literary, poetry, biography, guidebooks, maxims, and fiction. The course will familiarize students with the cultural, intellectual, and historical movements that contributed to the development of Tibetan literary tradition. Formerly offered as a special topics course.

Recommended: Prerequisite ASIA 1700.
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities

ASIA 4830 (3) Senior Seminar in Asian Studies

Participates in a discussion seminar on topics in Asian Studies, conducts research and writes a final paper or creates a final project on an approved Asian topic, following guidelines established by the program director. Required for an Asian Studies major but open to non-Asian Study majors.

Requisites: Restricted to students with 57-180 credits (Juniors or Seniors).
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Asia Content

ASIA 4840 (1-3) Independent Study

Provides an independent study opportunity, by special arrangement with Asian Studies faculty, for students with particular Asian Studies interests.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to Asian Studies (ASIA) majors only.
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Asia Content

ASIA 4842 (3) Global Frontiers in Southeast Asia

Uses the theme of the global frontier to examine and compare three key moments in the modern history of Southeast Asia: the colonial encounter, the rise of the modern territorial state, and the age of contemporary globalization. Examines case studies from earlier eras to analyze emerging global frontiers at the junction of state territoriality and transnational economic expansion.

Equivalent - Duplicate Degree Credit Not Granted: GEOG 5842 and GEOG 4842
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Social Sciences

ASIA 4930 (1-6) Engage Asia: Internship in Asian Studies

Matches students with supervised internships relevant to academic topics in Asian studies. Students work with CAS faculty and internship supervisors, i.e., intern with companies or non-profits doing Asia-related business or project.

Repeatable: Repeatable for up to 6.00 total credit hours.
Requisites: Restricted to students with 27-180 credits (Sophomores, Juniors or Seniors) only.
Recommended: Requisite Asian language and culture courses.
Grading Basis: Letter Grade
Additional Information: Departmental Category: Asia Content

INDO 1110 (3) Beginning Indonesian 1- DILS

Provide students with an integrated introductory Basic Indonesian Course. Classes may be offered in person or remotely via Zoom sessions using the Directed Independent Language Study (DILS) method. Classes will also employ "flipped" task-based learning approaches. Reading assignments will include reading, listening and grammar, which students will demonstrate during class sessions, in which they will offer reading summaries, answer questions and practice speaking. Grades will be based on mastery of the assignments and demonstrated proficiency of written and spoken Indonesian, through in-class performance and mid-term and final examinations.

Additional Information: Departmental Category: Asia Content

INDO 1120 (3) Beginning Indonesian 2 - DILS

A continuation of Beginning Indonesian 1 (INDO 1110), this is an integrated course. Classes are offered in person or remotely using the Directed Independent Language Study method. Classes will employ "flipped" task-based learning approaches. Coursework includes reading, listening, grammar, answering questions, and speaking practice. Grades are based on demonstrated proficiency of written and spoken Indonesian through in-class performance and examinations.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of INDO 1110 (minimum grade C).
Grading Basis: Letter Grade

INDO 2110 (3) Intermediate Indonesian 1- DILS

Building on Beginning Indonesian, students are exposed to active communication in Bahasa Indonesia. Offered in person or remotely using the Directed Independent Language Study (DILS) method, employing "flipped" task-based learning approaches. Assignments develop the four language skills, with vocabulary, grammar and cultural instruction. Students demonstrate progress during class sessions through reading summaries, answering questions and practicing speaking. Grades are based on demonstrated proficiency of written and spoken Indonesian, through in-class performance and midterm and final examinations.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of INDO 1120 or 1020 (minimum grade C).

INDO 2120 (3) Intermediate Indonesian 2- DILS

Continuation of Intermediate Indonesian 1. In the second year, students will be exposed to more active communication The structure, vocabulary and language features and the four language skills are embedded within various topics. Throughout the semester, students will be exposed to Indonesian vocabulary, structure, and culture.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of INDO 2110 (minimum grade C).

TBTN 1010 (4) Beginning Colloquial Tibetan 1

Provides a thorough introduction to colloquial forms of Tibetan. Focuses on conversation practice, the acquisition of basic vocabulary and grammar in colloquial usage, learning the alphabet, and training in the skills of pronunciation, spelling and handwriting.

Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan

TBTN 1020 (4) Beginning Colloquial Tibetan 2

Provides a thorough introduction to colloquial forms of Tibetan. Continues the development of vocabulary and grammar begun in Tibetan I and expands the range of conversation topics. While students focus on oral and aural skills, they begin to learn to read and write modern Tibetan to produce an overall knowledge of the language.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of TBTN 1010 (minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan

TBTN 1110 (2) Colloquial Tibetan I - DILS

Provides a thorough introduction to the colloquial Tibetan language, emphasizing speaking and listening in the Lhasa dialect. Trains students in basic conversations and the idiomatic and syntactical features of Tibetan through drills and dialogues.

TBTN 1120 (3) Beginning Tibetan II - DILS

Continuation of TBTN 1110; provides a thorough introduction to the colloquial and literary Tibetan language, emphasizing speaking and listening in the Lhasa dialect. Trains students in basic conversations and the idiomatic and syntactical features of Tibetan through drills and dialogues.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of TBTN 1110 (minimum grade C).

TBTN 1210 (2) Modern Literary Tibetan I - DILS

Provides a thorough introduction to the modern literary Tibetan, emphasizing reading and writing. Trains students in the Tibetan script, elementary grammar, and reading authentic materials, including Tibetan maxims, pop song lyrics, and children¿s stories.

TBTN 1220 (2) Modern Literary Tibetan II - DILS

Continuation of TBTN 1210; provides a thorough introduction to the modern literary Tibetan, emphasizing reading and writing. Trains students in the Tibetan script, elementary grammar, and reading authentic materials, including Tibetan maxims, pop song lyrics, and children¿s stories.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of TBTN 1210 (minimum grade C).

TBTN 2010 (4) Intermediate Colloquial Tibetan 1

Aims at increasing students' proficiency in colloquial forms of Tibetan. Expands knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar of spoken Tibetan and engages in more advanced conversation topics while also continuing to develop reading knowledge of modern Tibetan.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of TBTN 1010 and 1020 (all minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan

TBTN 2020 (4) Intermediate Colloquial Tibetan 2

Aims at increasing students' proficiency in colloquial forms of Tibetan. Expands knowledge of the vocabulary and grammar of colloquial Tibetan and also continues to develop knowledge of reading and writing modern Tibetan.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of TBTN 2010 (minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan

TBTN 2120 (3) Intermediate Tibetan I - DILS

This DILS (Directed Independent Language Study) course on Intermediate Tibetan will introduce students to intermediate grammar, sentence construction, conversation topics, and readings in modern Tibetan. This will include introduction to Tibetan grammatical markers and particles, morphology, syntax, and vocabularies using a range of authentic materials.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of TBTN 1120 (minimum grade C-).

TBTN 3210 (4) Beginning Literary Tibetan 1

Provides a thorough introduction to literary and colloquial forms of Tibetan. Focuses on the grammatical foundation of the language, the acquisition of basic vocabulary, and training in the skills of pronunciation, conversation, handwriting and spelling.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of TBTN 2020 (minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan

TBTN 3220 (4) Beginning Literary Tibetan 2

Continuation of TBTN 3210. Provides a thorough introduction to literary and colloquial forms of Tibetan. Continues the grammar and vocabulary work begun in Tibetan 1 by studying actual Tibetan text and moving to more advanced conversation topics. Students develop oral, aural and written skills to produce an overall knowledge of the language.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite course of TBTN 3210 (minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan

TBTN 4210 (4) Intermediate Literary Tibetan 1

Aims at increasing students' proficiency in literary and colloquial forms of Tibetan. Expands knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of literary Tibetan through translating texts in a variety of genres and also continues to develop knowledge of spoken modern Tibetan.

Requisites: Requires prerequisite courses of TBTN 3210 and 3220 (all minimum grade C).
Additional Information: Arts Sci Gen Ed: Distribution-Arts Humanities
Departmental Category: Tibetan