Asian Studies Major

Requirements for the Major

A major in Asian studies requires a total of eight courses in the humanities and social sciences, one of which must be a seminar. In addition, the first two years of coursework, or equivalent competency, in an appropriate Asian language are required. These courses should be chosen to form a coherent program with clear emphasis on a single discipline or a single region of Asia. As an introduction to the field, students are advised to begin with HIST 060 PO - Asian Traditions . 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. In addition, all seniors will complete a research thesis on Asia in the first semester of the senior year.

The faculty in Asian Studies encourages a period of residence and study in an Asian country for all interested 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. Arrangements can be made for qualified students to study Japanese language and culture in Tokyo and live with a Japanese family or with Japanese students in dormitories in Osaka. Chinese language students may apply to study in Beijing or Shanghai in the People’s Republic of China. Students may also study in Nepal for one semester.  Students interested in study abroad should contact the Study Abroad and Global Education (SAGE) Office at Scripps College.