Asian Studies Minor

Program Director: HaiLin Zhou, Ph.D.
Office Location: Gary Hall 34
Telephone: (610) 519-6996
Website

About

Asia is a dynamic world region and its cultures and societies are a complex mix of both ancient traditions and modern ideas. Asia has the fastest growing economy in the world and is the birthplace of many of our new technologies. Asia is rapidly changing, democratizing, and internationalizing in ways that present both perils and possibilities for people across the globe.

In the Villanova Asian Studies Program, we offer a Major in Asian Studies as Global Interdisciplinary Studies specialization as a way for undergraduates to learn to examine the world — and themselves — through the lens of another language and culture.

The Asian Studies program offers a major and minor within the Department of Global Interdisciplinary Studies (GIS) that helps students understand the diverse histories, politics, economies, cultures, religions, arts and literatures of Asia. The program encourages in-depth study while also promoting more general inquiry into fundamental issues, such as cultural differences among Asian nations and their social and political implications, as well as learning critical thinking and problem solving to prepare students to be responsible global citizens. The program offers them not only specialized knowledge and appreciation of a region that has had, and will undoubtedly continue to have, a profound impact on the material and spiritual well-being of humanity, but also prepares them to play their own roles in a globalized world in the “Asian Century.”

Minor: Asian Studies (15 credits or 5 courses)

Program Notes

  • Courses that fulfill minor requirements may be used to fulfill other requirements (i.e., primary major, core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives).
  • Up to two Asian language courses at any level may count.
  • Courses with the AS attribute may count towards the minor.
  • The courses must cover at least 2 countries or areas, and no more than 3 may focus on a single country.  For example, if a student takes two Japanese-language courses, then only one Japanese-culture course may count; the other two courses must focus on cultures other than Japanese.
  • Courses taken as part of a Study Abroad program and one internship done abroad may count towards the minor.
Course
Title
Credits
3 Asian Cultural Elective Courses  +
9
2 Asian Cultural Elective or Asian Language Courses  +
6
Sub-Total Credits
15
Total Credits:
15

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Fall 2023 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived handbook available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Minor

Curriculum Guide

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