Asian Studies Major

Requirements for the Major

A major in Asian Studies requires a minimum of eight upper division courses, one of which must be a seminar, plus a senior thesis (ASIA 191). These courses should be chosen to form a coherent program with clear emphasis on a single discipline or a single region of Asia.

Because upper-division course offerings are necessarily limited, students should be careful to assure that the emphasis they choose within the major is possible within the existing resources at The Claremont Colleges. Students should meet with their faculty advisors to discuss what language training is needed. The first two years of coursework in an appropriate Asian language, or equivalent competency, are recommended. Only upper division language courses (third year and above) count towards major requirements.

All majors will complete a research thesis on Asia in the senior year. Students are encouraged to take a senior seminar in the fall semester (ASIA 190) and to submit a thesis in the spring semester (Asia 191). Students can submit a thesis in the fall semester without taking a senior seminar.

A period of residence and study in an Asian country is recommended for students majoring in the field. Such study is usually arranged for at least one semester through a recognized semester abroad program. Study should be planned to follow the third or fourth semester of language training.

Students interested in study abroad should contact the Study Abroad and Global Education (SAGE) Office at Scripps College.