Majors & Minors
Asian Studies
Major, Minor
Degree: Bachelor of the Arts
There's no question about the influence Asia has had on world history, as the birthplace of four major religions, written language, cartography and everything from gunpowder to paper.
Union's Asian Studies Program focuses on the language, culture and art of Asia, with emphasis on China and Japan. Our incredibly diverse faculty members offer courses in many disciplines across the spectrum of the humanities and social sciences—contributing their expertise and passions in everything from music and art history to economics and political science.
Courses
Students take a series of courses that teach both social scientific and humanistic ways of viewing and analyzing the world. They also develop their individual interests by concentrating on courses that explore a related theme, such as ancient Chinese civilizations, Japan or Asia as a global force. In all, there are more than 70 courses to choose from, enough to keep our students curious and engaged from the moment they set foot on campus until they graduate.
Other learning opportunities
Asian studies intersects with many different disciplines. With their acquired depth and breadth of knowledge, our students pursue a range of independent projects, research and theses. They work closely with their professors in an atmosphere of collaboration and personal exploration.
Union terms abroad are offered in China (Shanghai), Japan (Tohoku), Vietnam and Cambodia, with mini-terms in Bali, China (Tianjin) and India. Students’ unparalleled experiences in these countries are often a highlight of their undergraduate education.
A sampling of courses
The Changing Face of China
Students will gain insight into contemporary China and develop a higher level of Chinese proficiency through class discussions, written compositions, TV news clips and film analyses.
Indian Philosophy
An introductory survey of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Carvaka.
Japanese Drumming Ensemble
The ensemble rehearses weekly on a variety of Japanese drums and other forms of global percussion.
After Union
Our students are well prepared for a world and marketplace in which knowledge about Asia is critical. Graduates have gone on to advanced study and to careers in the arts, business, education, government service, journalism and law.
Here is what some of our alumni have been up to:
- Asia manager, Law Firm of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP
- Associate, Trail Runner International, Shanghai
- China assistant training coordinator, University of Minnesota
- Executive officer, U.S. Marine Forces Reserve
- M.B.A. candidate, Columbia Business School
- Social studies teacher, Bethlehem Central Senior High School
