Course Descriptions
ASPA 201
Asian Civilizations
3 Semester Hours
A study of Asian civilizations through history, literature, art, philosophy, and film. Topics to be covered will emphasize the intellectual, cultural, social, and political factors which shaped the civilizations of Asia and the Pacific.
ASPA 298
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
ASPA 299
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
ASPA 301
Geography of Asia and the Pacific
3 Semester Hours
An introductory geography class in which basic geography concepts and the relationship between humans and nature are presented in the context of East and Southeast Asia. Emphasis will be placed on the study of resource base and the impact of the economy upon settlement, agriculture, transportation, and industrial growth in Asian countries and regions.
ASPA 304
Politics of Asia
3 Semester Hours
This course deals with the politics of East Asia, emphasizing China, South Korea, and Japan. In particular, the concept of democratization is examined by looking at the political institutions, history, culture, ideologies, and economies of these countries.
ASPA 305
Economic and Political Issues in Contemporary Asia
3 Semester Hours
This course covers various issues that contemporary Asia, the most politically, economically, and socially dynamic region in the world today, is facing. Some of the issues to be dealt with are: economic uncertainties in Asian nations, population, human rights, reunification, and others.
ASPA 321
Arts of Asia: Zen
3 Semester Hours
(See ARHS 321.)
ASPA 385
Buddhism
3 Semester Hours
(See THST 385.)
ASPA 386
Introduction to Asian Literature
3 Semester Hours
An introductory course in Asian literature from China, Japan, and India. Various literary genres such as poetry, fiction, diary, biographies, and drama and their relation to the Asian literary tradition will be examined.
ASPA 387
China's Women and One Child Family
3 Semester Hours
Course traces the development of Chinese female roles from the traditional to the modern periods. Footbinding, infanticides, and the three obediences gave way to Communism, which provided women freedom and recognition for their contribution. Is the One Child Policy a relief to women?
ASPA 388
Imperial China
3 Semester Hours
(See HIST 482.)
ASPA 397
Popular Culture in East Asia
3 Semester Hours
(See HIST 397.)
ASPA 398
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
ASPA 399
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
ASPA 486
Topics in Asian Literature
3 Semester Hours
The subject matter of this course will vary from semester to semester.
ASPA 487
Asian Mythology
3 Semester Hours
This class will examine mythology and folktales from various Asian traditions: China, Japan, Korea, and India. The reading materials will be examined through psychological, philosophical, and cultural approaches. The topics for discussion include creation myths, heaven and hell, the mythic hero, metamorphosis, and immortality.
ASPA 488
Modern Asian Fiction
3 Semester Hours
This course examines twentieth-century Chinese and Japanese fiction through the study of novels, short stories, novellas, biographies, diaries, and film. The class will also study major literary trends and movements.
ASPA 498
Special Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
ASPA 499
Independent Studies
1-3 Semester Hours
ASPA 500
Senior Integrating Seminar
3 Semester Hours
This requirement enables the students to integrate their work in Asian and Pacific Studies. The actual content of the course will depend on the student’s chosen focus. Students write a senior thesis under the guidance of a faculty member. The thesis, while focused on a particular topic, is intended to be interdisciplinary.
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