B.A. Degree with a Major in Asian Studies

Requirements for the Major

A major in Asian Studies is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:

Required Core Courses

AST 122 (also HIS) or AST 123 (also HIS) and AST 132 (also REL) or AST 135 (also REL)

Required Capstone Course

AST 401

Required Distribution Courses

An additional five (5) course credits, with at least two at the 200 level or higher, chosen from: AST 101 (also JPN), 102 (also JPN), 103 (also JPN), 104 (also JPN), 122 (also HIS), 123 (also HIS), 132 (also REL), 135 (also REL), 204 (also PED), 205 (also PED), 206 (also THR), 208 (also PED), 229 (also HIS), 220 (also ARH), 260 (also REL), 308 (also REL), 322 (also HIS), 323 (also HIS), CHI 101, 102, 103, and 104, as well as the following when offered with Asian content—CFS 366 (also WGS), ECO 341, PED 248, and PSC 250. At least two terms of language are strongly recommended. With the approval of the Director of Asian Studies, other courses (including transfer , education abroad, etc.) may be used to meet these requirements.

If AST/HIS 122 or AST 123 are taken as Core Courses, they cannot also count as Distribution Courses.

Exploring the Major

Students considering Asian Studies as a major should begin exploring the discipline through introductory AST courses choosing one or more that appeals to them. Most 100-level or 200-level AST courses can serve this purpose.

Admission to the Major

No special curricular requirements must be met for admission to the Asian Studies major.

Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)

Students should enroll in AST/HIS 122, AST/HIS 123, AST/REL 132, or AST/REL 135 as soon as possible. In the earliest possible term, students interested in East Asia should enroll in AST/JPN 101 or CHI 101. All majors are required to take AST 401 in the Fall Term prior to their planned graduation.

Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major

In addition to completing specified course requirements, each student must satisfy program standards for effectiveness in written and oral communication.

Other Considerations or Recommendations

All potential majors should plan on spending at least one term, if not a full year, studying in Asia either through our exchange programs, Berea Term Abroad (BTA), Berea International Summer Term (BIST), or Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS). Currently, the College has exchange arrangements with Kyushu University (Japan), Kansai Gaidai University (Japan), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Keimyung University (South Korea), and Payap University (Thailand).

Asian Studies

• Program
• Courses
• Program Web Site