BA in Asian Studies

Asia is the world's most populous region. It is home to the oldest continuous civilizations and some of the world's most vibrant economies. For many years, U.S. trade across the Pacific has been far greater than trade across the Atlantic. Asian societies have worked out their own distinctive solutions to some of humanity's most enduring predicaments. Today, Asia's ancient religions and beliefs are showing remarkable flexibility in adapting to the challenges of the modern world. For those intrigued by this fascinating region of the world, the Asian Studies major offer courses including Japanese and Chinese language, ancient and modern history, religions as varied as Sikhism and Buddhism, explorations of social issues, art and literature, and much more.

Mission

The B.A. in Asian Studies at California State University, Chico helps prepare students to assume responsibility in a democratic community and a global society by (1) educating students about the cultures, religions, economies, and politics of Asia; (2) cultivating understanding of the internal diversity of Asia; (3) empowering students with the facility in writing and speech that befits a well-educated professional; (4) equipping students with marketable skills in Asian languages.

Goals & Objectives

• Graduates will understand the cultural, religious, economic, and political dimensions of Asia.
• Graduates will understand the internal diversity of Asia.
• Graduates will communicate effectively in speech and writing. Graduates will acquire basic communication skills in an Asian language at the second-semester level or beyond.

Learning Outcomes

1. Students can identify factual knowledge of Asia in the following realms: cultural, religious, economic, political.
2. Students can compare the handling of a particular cultural, religious, economic, or political problem in one part of Asia to that of another part.
3. Students can deliver a clear, intelligent presentation in both spoken and written English.
4. Students can read basic text in an Asian language and respond orally and/or in writing to questions derived from that text.