Please note: This is NOT the most current catalog.

Asian Studies

http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/asian-studies/

Chair, 2008-09: Barbara Reed (Asian Studies and Religion), East Asian religions

Faculty, 2008-09: Richard Bodman (Asian Studies), Chinese language and literature; Shannon Cannella (Asian Studies), Chinese language and literature; Luying Chen (Asian Studies), Chinese language and literature; Bruce Dalgaard (Economics), economics of Japan; Steven Day (Asian Studies), Chinese language and literature; Robert Entenmann (History), East Asian history; Tomoko Hoogenboom (Asian Studies), Japanese language and linguistics; Marnie Jorenby (Asian Studies), Japanese language and literature; Rika Ito (Asian Studies), Japanese language and linguistics; Karil Kucera (Asian Studies, Art and Art History), East Asian visual culture; Phyllis Larson (Asian Studies, Art and Art History), East Asian visual culture; Kristina MacPherson (Library and Asian Studies), reference librarian, Asian studies research methods; Xun Pomponio (Economics), economics of China; Anantanand Rambachan (Religion), Hinduism; Barbara Reed (Asian Studies and Religion), East Asian religions; Katherine Tegtmeyer Pak (Asian Studies, Political Science), East Asian politics; Pin P. Wan (Asian Studies), Chinese language and literature; Thomas Williamson (Sociology/Anthropology), cultures of Southeast Asia

The Asian Studies Department provides students with the opportunity to study East Asia and Southeast Asia. The department offers an Asian studies major and concentrations in Asian studies, China studies, and Japan studies. A concentration in Asian studies — which presumes that a student completes a major in another department — is ideal for students with an interest in Asia who are majoring in economics, history, religion, anthropology, art, political science, or other areas. St. Olaf offers many international programs in Asia. The concentrations in China and Japan studies allow students to pursue advanced language study with or without an Asian studies major.

See also ASIAN CONVERSATIONS.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES FOR THE MAJOR

https://www.stolaf.edu/committees/curriculum/ge/learning-outcomes.html

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR

An Asian studies major consists of ten courses:

  1. Asian Studies 121 (Asian Cultures in Comparative Perspectives) or an upper level Asian Studies course approved by the chair
  2. Asian Studies 275 (Interdisciplinary Approaches to Asia, .25 credit)
  3. Senior Seminar: Asian Studies 399 (Asian Studies Seminar) or 397 (Human Rights/Asian Context)
  4. Four courses in an Asian language (successful completion of Chinese 232, Japanese 232 or equivalent competency)
  5. Three elective courses concerning Asia.

Students who fulfill the language requirement through proficiency testing must still complete seven courses for the major, including Asian Studies 121 or the equivalent approved by the chair, 275 and Asian Studies 397 or 399.

Students interested in a major focused on a region of Asia other than China and Japan should contact the chair of the Asian Studies Department about the possibility of doing a contract major.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONCENTRATIONS

Students with a major in another department may choose a concentration in Asian studies, China studies or Japan studies. Students with Asian studies majors may also choose to do a concentration in China and/or Japan studies.

An Asian studies concentration consists of six courses:

  1. Asian Studies 121 (Asian Cultures in Comparative Perspectives) or an upper level Asian Studies course approved by the chair.
  2. Five other courses on Asia. No language courses may count toward an Asian studies concentration.

A China studies concentration consists of six courses:

  1. Four Chinese language courses above Chinese 112
  2. Two other courses on China

A Japan studies concentration consists of six courses:

  1. Four Japanese language courses above Japanese 112
  2. Two other courses on Japan
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the many opportunities to study in Asia through St. Olaf programs and ACM programs. Courses taken abroad may be certified by the chair of Asian Studies Department as fulfilling the appropriate course requirements. Language study is offered through the Term in China (Shanghai), ACM Japan Study (Tokyo), Ferris University (Yokohama), Nagoya University (Nagoya), and Nagasaki University of Foreign Studies (Nagasaki). The ACM India Studies program (Pune) offers area studies courses and intensive language instruction without prerequisites. There are also programs in Asia that do not require previous language study: Term in Asia, Global Semester, Biology in South India, Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, Interims, and several study/service opportunities. See OFF-CAMPUS PROGRAMS

Asian studies courses taken in St. Olaf off-campus programs can often be counted toward a major in Asian studies or concentrations in Asian studies, China studies, or Japan studies. Students who wish to count off-campus courses toward a major or concentration should seek approval from the chair of the Asian Studies Department before beginning their programs. Some restrictions apply.

GRADUATE STUDY

Students planning to pursue graduate work in an area of Asian studies are strongly advised to develop competence in one of the disciplines (such as history, literature, economics, anthropology, religion, art and art history, and political science) by taking additional courses that teach the methods of the discipline.

COURSES

121 Asian Cultures in Comparative Perspectives

This course examines major cultures of Asia from interdisciplinary and comparative perspectives with attention to theories of human behavior. Themes vary from year to year but may include Asian cities, heroic ideals, village and family life, population growth, gender roles, and medicine and healing traditions. No prerequisites.

124 Introduction to Japanese Film (in English translation)

This course studies 8 to 10 Japanese films by well-known directors such as Ozu, Kurosawa and Itami. Consideration is taken of the way in which their angle of vision affects the development of themes, such as the conflict between duty and feeling, the sense of family, or satire of the family. Includes both historical samurai films and contemporary social problem films. Offered during Interim.

126 Japanese Language in Society

This course explores major aspects of language use that reflect Japanese culture and society. Issues covered include the characteristics of the Japanese language, loan words, regional differences, politeness, gender differences, and communication styles. The course is taught in a combination of lectures, class discussions, subtitled Japanese films, anime (Japanese animation), and student presentations. There are no prerequisites for 126; knowledge of Japanese helpful but not necessary. Readings, lectures, and discussions are all in English.

156 Contemporary China Through Film (in English translation)

Students study basic concepts and approaches of film analysis, while examining aesthetics, themes and techniques of masterworks directed by Chinese Fifth Generation directors. Through readings of cinema theory and criticism and class discussions, students explore artistic merits in these films and aspects of Chinese society and culture in contemporary China, particularly the changes that have occurred since 1978 with China's Four Modernizations. All readings are in English.

177 Power and Press in East Asia

Is the press free to shape a nation's politics? How do news media shape international relations? Through the assigned readings, students explore the answers to these questions in the context of East Asian countries ( including China, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan). Additionally, each student will conduct an up-to-date investigation of how news media, such as newspapers, television, and the Internet, contribute to national images within Asia.

226 Japanese Language in Society

This course explores major aspects of language use that reflect Japanese culture and society. Issues covered include the characteristics of the Japanese language, loan words, regional differences, politeness, gender differences and communication styles. The course is taught in a combination of lectures, class discussions, subtitled Japanese films, anime (Japanese animation), and student presentations. There are no prerequisites for 126; knowledge of Japanese helpful but not necessary. Readings, lectures, and discussions are all in English. Prerequisite: Japanese 231.

235 Modern Japanese Literature (in English translation)

This survey of Japanese novels and short stories from the middle of the 19th century to the present includes works by Soseki, Tanizaki, and two recent Nobel recipients, Kawabata and Oe. Women writers such as Ichiyo, Ariyoshi and Enchi are considered. Students will also view four or five films to supplement their readings. The course focuses on the cultural context of the writings. Offered in alternate years.

236 Chinese Literature (in English translation)

Students explore the major genres of Chinese literature -- poetry, short story, novel and drama -- in English translation. A small number of major works are singled out for close attention.

237 Modern Chinese Literature and Society

This core course of Asian Studies introduces students to modern Chinese literature and society. It examines canonical and popular works of Chinese writings including fiction, drama, autobiography, correspondences, and poetry written in classical and modern styles from the late nineteenth century to the early twenty-first century. Films also serve as supplementary material when appropriate. Students read texts in translation and approach them in the context of modern Chinese society. They also study the literature as it reflects China's interaction with the West and the country's struggle to define itself as a modern nation. This course is offered annually.

240 Talking in Japan and the U.S.: Language, Identity and Beyond

This course looks at language as it creates and responds to its cultural and social environments. Students compare and contrast major aspects of language use in Japan and the United States. Students explore the general underlying elements of talk (e.g., standard vs. regional dialects, language attitude and ideologies, politeness, gendered speech patterns, communication styles) and learn to understand how speakers convey subtle meanings, sometimes unconsciously. Knowledge of Japanese is helpful but not necessary. Taught in English.

268 The Art of Chinese Calligraphy: Techniques and Appreciation

This course introduces students to the art form of brush-written Chinese calligraphy. Students explore the aesthetic concepts, the evolution of different styles, and the practical techniques of Chinese calligraphy. Class lectures complement hands-on practice in which students master the basic strokes, the structure and compositions, and the line movements that are involved in producing artistic calligraphy. No knowledge of Chinese language is required. All readings and visual demonstrations will be in English. Materials fee.

270 Visual Culture of Modern China

This course highlights major visual arts movements within China over the last century, from the end of the imperial era to current times. Students look at a variety of issues: class and gender; China in the world art market, Chinese art past and present, and a variety of "isms" now seen as defining Chinese art. A major theme is to define "visual culture" in all its nuances.

275 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Asia

This course prepares sophomores and juniors for upper level study in Asian Studies by providing methodologies for individual research, including disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives on select issues. Students use research tools systematically and compile annotated bibliographies using bibliographic software.

294 Internship

298 Independent Study

300 Topics in Asian Studies

This course offers in-depth study of a topic. The specific topic depends on the instructor. The course may be repeated if topics are different. Offered periodically.

310 Buddhism through Text and Image

This course examines Buddhist images and their relationship to textual sources. Beginning with a close reading of Buddhist texts in translation, students study how Buddhist images and architecture derive from textual sources -- and often move beyond them. The course considers the interrelatedness of text and image in Buddhist practice. Attention is also paid to Western notions of Buddhism and the development of Buddhist art studies in the West.

396 Directed Undergraduate Research: "Topic Description"

This course provides a comprehensive research opportunity, including an introduction to relevant background material, technical instruction, identification of a meaningful project, and data collection. The topic is determined by the faculty member in charge of the course and may relate to his/her research interests. Prerequisite: Determined by individual instructor. Offer based on department decision.

397 Seminar: Human Rights/Asian Context

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights proclaims that "the inherent dignity and ... the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family [are] the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world." Who speaks to human rights in East Asia? What ethical perspectives are voiced? Case studies presented through memoirs, films, reports, and multidisciplinary analyses provide the material for exploring diverse normative claims about individual rights in East Asia. Prerequisites: Asian Studies 275 or permission of the instructor and completion of BTS-T. Offered annually.

394 Internship

398 Independent Research

399 Seminar

The seminar intensively studies topics in Asian studies. Prerequisite: Asian Studies 275 or permission of the instructor.

CHINESE LANGUAGE COURSES

111 Beginning Chinese I

This course offers an introduction to speaking, reading, and writing Chinese, as well as mastery of basic grammar and command of 500 characters for reading and writing. Class meets four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also required.

112 Beginning Chinese II

This course offers an introduction to speaking, reading, and writing Chinese, as well as mastery of basic grammar and command of 500 characters for reading and writing. Class meets four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also required. Prerequisite: Chinese 111 or equivalent.

231 Intermediate Chinese I

Students continue to develop listening and reading comprehension and use of basic structures through speaking, and writing. The vocabulary for reading and writing increases to 1,000 characters. Class meets four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also required.

232 Intermediate Chinese II

Students continue to develop listening and reading comprehension and use of basic structures through speaking, and writing. The vocabulary for reading and writing increases to 1,000 characters. Class meets four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also required. Prerequisite: Chinese 231 or equivalent.

251 Advanced Chinese I

This course provides continued practice in speaking, reading, and writing at the third-year level. Our text introduces students to Chinese geography and history and modern written style. Conducted entirely in Chinese. These courses are recommended for students seeking a concentration in Chinese language. Prerequisite: Chinese 232 or equivalent.

252 Advanced Chinese II

This course provides continued practice in speaking, reading, and writing at the third-year level. Our text introduces students to Chinese geography and history and modern written style. Conducted entirely in Chinese. These courses are recommended for students seeking a concentration in Chinese language. Prerequisite: Chinese 232 or equivalent.

294 Internship

298 Independent Study

394 Internship

398 Independent Research

Students who have completed Chinese 252 are encouraged to continue their Chinese language study with faculty through individual and small group tutorials by registering for Chinese 298 or Chinese 398. Through individual tutorials students may pursue readings and projects in their area of interest.

JAPANESE LANGUAGE COURSES

111 Beginning Japanese I

This course is an introduction to speaking, reading, and writing Japanese; writing includes the learning of all syllabic letters (Hiragana and Katakana) and basic Kanji (Chinese characters). Class meets four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also required.

112 Beginning Japanese II

This course is an introduction to speaking, reading, and writing Japanese; writing includes the learning of all syllabic letters (Hiragana and Katakana) and basic Kanji (Chinese characters). Class meets four times weekly. Individual language laboratory visits are also required. Prerequisite: Japanese 111 or equivalent.

231 Intermediate Japanese I

Students continue to develop the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills that enable them to deal not only with topics of daily life, but also cultural themes and authentic materials. Class meets four times weekly. Prerequisite: Japanese 112 or its equivalent.

232 Intermediate Japanese II

Students continue to develop the listening, speaking, reading and writing skills that enable them to deal not only with topics of daily life, but also cultural themes and authentic materials. Class meets four times weekly. Prerequisite: Japanese 231 or its equivalent.

251 Advanced Japanese I

This course, which is comprised of speaking, reading, and writing Japanese at the third-year level, is recommended for students seeking a concentration in Japanese language. Prerequisite: Japanese 232 or equivalent.

252 Advanced Japanese II

This course, which is comprised of speaking, reading and writing Japanese at the third-year level, is recommended for students seeking a concentration in Japanese language. Prerequisite: Japanese 251 or equivalent.

294 Internship

298 Independent Study

398 Independent Research

Students who have completed Japanese 252 are encouraged to continue their Japanese language study with faculty through individual and small group tutorials by registering for Japanese 298 or Japanese 398. Through individual tutorials students may pursue readings and projects in their area of interest.

COURSES IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS APPROVED FOR ASIAN STUDIES CREDIT

In addition to the following, Interim courses, Carleton courses and other courses may be submitted to the chair of the Asian Studies Department for approval.

Art 259, The Arts of China
Art 260, The Arts of Japan
Economics 218, Economic Progress in China
History 135, Vietnam
History 240, Major Seminar: Non-Western History (Depending on Content)
History 250, Chinese Civilization
History 251, Modern China
History 252, Japanese Civilization
History 253, Modern Japan
History 340, East Asian Seminar
Philosophy 251, Asian Philosophy
Political Science 245, Nationalism, Regionalism, and Globalization: Asia
Political Science 254, Japanese Politics and Society
Psychology 226, Human Development in East Asia: Perspectives from China and Japan
Religion 253, Hinduism
Religion 256, Religions of China And Japan
Religion 257, Buddhism
Religion 289, Buddhism, Peace and Justice
Sociology/Anthropology 239, Modern Southest Asia