Asian Studies draws from a broad range of courses in the liberal arts, including anthropology, art history, communication, English, film, history, philosophy, political science, and sociology.
Ten courses (minimum of 30 credits) are required for the major. Students should demonstrate elementary proficiency or the equivalent of the first year of instruction in Chinese (Mandarin), Japanese, or another Asian language in consultation with the Director of the Program. They are also expected to demonstrate an ability to locate, evaluate, and use research materials relevant to Asian Studies as evidenced by an upper level seminar.
Finally, students should demonstrate breadth by taking at least one elective course concerning the East Asian region (i.e. China, Korea, or Japan), and at least one elective course outside of that region – for example, a class on Vietnam or Malaysia.
Please consult the online schedule of classes for courses approved for credit in Asian Studies in a given semester. Students can also contact the Director of the Program for more information.
Ten courses (minimum of 30 credits) are required for the major.
Major Requirements
Course List | Course ID | Title | Credits |
| ASTA 1800 | Intro to Asian Studies | 3 |
| 6-8 |
| 19-21 |
| |
| |
1ASTA 1800 is only offered in the spring semester. Students are strongly encouraged to take this course during their Freshman or Sophomore year, although it may be taken by any student including Juniors and Seniors.
2A maximum of four language courses may count toward the major, replacing 6-8 credits of elective courses. Language classes used to fulfill the NTC language requirement cannot also be counted towards the Asian Studies major.
3Upper Level courses may also count towards the geographic distribution requirement, and vice versa.
Language Course List
1This course is not offered every year.
Electives Course List
Course List | Course ID | Title | Credits |
| ANTH 3160 | Peoples of The Pacific | 3 |
| ANTH 3370 | Locating Southeast Asia | 3,4 |
| ANTH 3770 | Global Vietnam | 3,4 |
| ANTH 6770 | Global Vietnam | 3 |
| ARHS 3111 | Tombs and Temples: East Asian Art before 1300 | 3 |
| ARHS 3112 | Monks and Merchants: East Asian Art from Medieval to Contemporary | 3 |
| ARHS 6871 | Art of Death: Funerary Art and Ritual in Ancient China | 3,4 |
| ASTA 3180 | Peoples & Cultures of S. Asia | 3 |
| ASTA 3511 | Intro to Chinese Linguistics | 3 |
| ASTA 3520 | Modern Japanese Culture | 3 |
| ASTA 3540 | Anime, Japan & Globalization | 3 |
| ASTA 3550 | Feudal Japan: Age of the Samurai | 3 |
| ASTA 3770 | Chinese Cinema | 3,4 |
| ASTA 3810 | Modern Chinese Lit and Society | 3 |
| ASTA 3910 | Special Offerings In Asian Studies | 3,4 |
| ASTA 4500 | Special Topics | 3 |
| ASTA 4600 | Dragon and Lotus | 3,4 |
| ASTA 4910 | Independent Study | 1-3 |
| ASTA 4990 | Honors Thesis | 3 |
| ASTA 5000 | Honors Thesis | 4 |
| COMM 2405 | Topics in Comparative and Transnational Asian Media | 3 |
| COMM 4650 | Asians in American Film & TV | 3 |
| HISC 2010 | History of China to 1800 | 3 |
| HISC 2020 | History of China since 1800 | 3 |
| HISC 2910 | Special Topics | 1-3 |
| HISC 3910 | Special Topics | 1-3 |
| HISC 6110 | Women in East Asian History | 3,4 |
| HISC 6210 | The PRC: China under Communism | 3,4 |
| HISC 6310 | China Revolution 1900-1949 | 3 |
| HISC 6410 | Empire and Rebellion in China | 3 |
| HISC 6610 | Seminar on Modern Japan | 3,4 |
| HISC 6910 | Special Topics | 1-3 |
| HISU 3642 | US War in Vietnam | 3 |
| PHIL 3490 | Buddhist Ethics | 3 |
| PHIL 3500 | Buddhism | 3 |
| POLC 3380 | Asian Governments | 3 |
| POLC 4350 | Chinese Politics | 3 |
| POLC 6930 | Regime Change in Asia | 4 |
| SOCI 1460 | Asian-Amer Communities | 3 |
| THEA 3030 | Suzuki Method of Acting | 2 |
Total Credit Hours: 30 (minimum)
China Studies within the Asian Studies Program
Students selecting to pursue the China track within the Asian Studies major must complete five Chinese-related classes as part of the overall requirements for the major. At least two ASTC courses at the 3000-level or above must be included within the five required track courses, and no more than five ASTC courses can be applied to the major. In addition, at least half of the required credits must be taken on the Tulane campus or through a Tulane approved off-campus program. Specific measurable learning outcomes of students graduating with a coordinate major in Asian Studies with a concentration in the China track include:
- Demonstrate at least an advanced proficiency in Chinese as demonstrated by completing two ASTC courses at the 3000-level or above.
- Possess at least a basic understanding of the historical, social, and cultural background of China.
- Locate, evaluate and utilize research materials germane to Chinese studies.
Japan Studies within the Asian Studies Program
Students selecting to pursue the Japan track within the Asian Studies coordinate major must complete five Japanese-related classes as part of the overall requirements for the major. At least two ASTJ courses at or above the 3000-level must be included within the five required track courses, and no more than five ASTJ courses may be applied to the major. In addition, at least half of the required credits must be taken on the Tulane campus or through a Tulane approved off-campus program. Specific measurable learning outcomes of students graduating with a coordinate major in Asian Studies with a concentration in the Japan track include:
- Demonstrate at least advanced proficiency in Japanese by having passed two ASTJ courses at the 3000-level and above.
- Possess at least a basic understanding of the historical, social, and cultural background of Japan.
- Locate, evaluate and utilize research materials germane to Japanese studies.
