CEPC 99/00 – 20
CEPC proposes the addition of two new interdisciplinary concentrations:
China Studies and Japan Studies
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.
A China Studies concentration shall consist of six courses:
- Four Chinese language courses about Chinese 112
- Two other courses on China from different disciplines
A Japanese Studies concentration shall consist of six courses:
- Four Japanese language courses above Japanese 112
- Two other courses on Japan from different disciplines
Rationale:
These new concentrations are the result of curricular review and development carried out by the Asian Studies Department during the last two years with the support of a Department of Education grant. The first curricular changes focused on the role of Asian Studies courses in general education and led to the development of the Asian Conversations program. This year the Asian Studies faculty focused on changes to the major and concentration. CEPC has already approved some relatively minor changes to the Asian Studies major.
These two concentrations will replace the current “optional areas of emphasis on China and Japan,” which require the same level of language learning. The concentrations do not require any additional classes or staffing; it is more a matter of clearer labeling. The concentrations are easier to understand than the areas of emphasis. These concentrations also allow students to focus on China of Japan Studies with or without the general Asian Studies major. Many students have requested the option of majoring in Chinese or Japanese, but St. Olaf does not have sufficient faculty for such majors. These new concentrations will fulfill some of the goals of these students.
