core curriculum
The Asian Studies program provides undergraduates in any college within Lehigh an opportunity to acquire a systematic knowledge of Asia, specifically East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. The program focuses on the rich historical and cultural heritage of the countries of Asia, as well as their growing importance in world affairs and their critical relationship to the national interests of the United States.
Courses offered at other LVAIC institutions and approved in the Study Abroad Programs may be taken for credit by Lehigh students. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities that are offered in Asian Studies, such as special lectures and seminars, films, performances, and exhibits.
The overall program is administered by the Asian Studies Committee, an interdisciplinary body of faculty with a special interest in the region. This committee oversees both the formal academic work within the program as well as the extracurricular activities sponsored at the university. It also cooperates with the Asian Cultural Society and other campus organizations involved in aspects of Asian Studies.
The courses listed are regularly offered in the program and new ones are currently under development in a number of subject areas. (Consult the Registrar's Schedule of Classes for specific offerings in any particular semester.)
For further information, interested students should consult Dr.Constance Cook, Director and Academic Advisor, Asian Studies Program, Maginess Hall, 9 W. Packer Ave, 758-3091 (cac8), or any of the Asian Studies faculty listed below (http://cas.lehigh.edu/asia).
Professors:
- John Gatewood, Ph.D. (Illinois), Sociology and Anthropology
- Norman Girardot, Ph.D. (Chicago), Religion Studies
- Kenneth Kraft, Ph.D. (Princeton), Religion Studies
- Michael Notis, Ph.D. (Lehigh), Materials Science and Engineering
- David Pankenier, Ph.D. (Stanford), Modern Languages and Literature
- Nicola Tannenbaum, Ph.D. (Iowa), Program Director, Sociology and Anthropology
- Raymond Wylie, Ph.D. (London, England), International Relations
Associate Professors:
- Constance Cook, Ph.D. (U.C., Berkeley), Modern Languages and Literature
- Gail Cooper, Ph.D. (U.C., Santa Barbara), History
- Alexander Levine, Ph.D. (San Diego), Philosophy
- Michael Mendelson, Ph.D. (San Diego), Philosophy
- Kiri Lee, Ph.D. (Harvard), Modern Languages and Literature
Assistant Professors:
- Amardeep Singh, Ph.D.(Duke), English
- Robert Rozehnal, Ph. D. (Duke), Religion Studies
- Elizabeth Vann, Ph. D. (Virginia),Sociology and Anthropology
back to top
Core Requirements
Language and Culture:
Chinese or Japanese or other approved Asian languages to intermediate level (2 years); or 4 courses (16 credits), based on placement, chosen from the following:*
Asia 91. Elementary Asian Language and Culture Abroad (1-8) Elementary Language and culture abroad other than Chinese or Japanese (HU)
Asia 191. Intermediate Asian Language and Culture Abroad (1-8) Intermediate language and culture abroad other than Chinese or Japanese (HU)
Chin, Jpns 91. Language and Culture Abroad I (1-8) Intensive study of converstaion in the language of the country; reading, development of writing skills and selected aspects of the culture. (HU)
Chin, Jpns 191. Language and Culture Abroad II (1-8) Intensive study of converstaion in the language of the country; rapid review of basic grammar, the reading and analysis of moderately difficult texts, development of rudimentary writing skills, supplemented study of selected aspects of contemporary civilization. Prerequisites: consent of chair and proficiency examination in the target country. (HU)
Chin 001. Beginning Chinese Reading & Writing 1(2) Introduction to the Chinese writing system and beginning character acquisition; reading practice with pinyin transcription system. (Fall) Co-requisite: Chin 003 or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Chin 002. Beginning Chinese Reading & Writing 11(2) Continuation of Chin 001: continued character acquisition, reading practice in pinyin and simple character texts. (Spring) Prerequisites: Chin 003, Chin 004 or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Chin 003. Beginning Spoken Chinese 1(2) Introduction to Mandarin Chinese pronunciation, the pinyin transcription system, and modern colloquial Chinese; emphasis on oral proficiency. Not open to native speakers. (Fall) Co requisite: Chin 001 or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Chin 004. Beginning Spoken Chinese 11(2) Continuation of Chin 003: further practice with text-based dialogues in modern colloquial Chinese; emphasis on oral proficiency. Not open to native speakers. (Spring) Prerequisite: Chin 002 or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Chin 011. Intermediate Chinese Reading & Writing 1(2) Continued focus on vocabulary/character acquisition and text-based reading and writing exercises using Chinese characters. (Fall) Prerequisites: Chin 013 or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Chin 012. Intermediate Chinese Reading & Writing II (2) Continuation of Chin 011: vocabulary/character acquisition and text-based reading and writing exercises using Chinese characters. (Spring). Prerequisites: Chin 013, Chin 014, or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Chin 013. Intermediate Spoken Chinese 1(2) Further development of communicative skills in Chinese using situational dialogues and class discussion; emphasis on oral proficiency. Not open to native speakers. (Fall) Prerequisite: Chin 004, Chin 011, or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Chin 014. Intermediate Spoken Chinese II (2) Continuation of Chin 013: further development of communicative skills in Chinese using situational dialogues and class discussion; emphasis on oral proficiency. Not open to native speakers. (Fall) Prerequisite: Chin 012, Chin 013, or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Chin 111. Advanced Chinese Reading & Writing 1(2) Reading, translation, and writing practice using text-based exercises, short stories, essays, and other selected materials. (Fall). Prerequisites: Chin 014, Chin 113 or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Chin 112. Advanced Chinese Reading & Writing II(2) Continuation of Chin 111: reading, translation, writing exercises using text-based exercises, short stories, essays, and other selected materials. (Spring). Prerequisites: Chin 111, Chin 113, or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Chin 113. Advanced Spoken Chinese 1(2) Topical discussions and oral presentations in Chinese. (Fall) Prerequisite: Chin 014, Chin 111, or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Chin 114. Advanced Spoken Chinese 11(2) Continuation of Chin 113: topical discussions and oral presentations in Chinese. (Fall) Prerequisite: Chin 112, Chin 113, or permission of the instructor. Staff. (HU)
Jpns 1. Elementary Japanese 1(4) fall Introduction to the oral and written language with emphasis on spoken Japanese and syllabaries. Language laboratory. (HU)
Jpns 2. Elementary Japanese 11(4) spring Continuation of Japanese 1. Prerequisite: Japanese 1 or equivalent. (HU)
Jpns 11. Intermediate Japanese I (4) fall Continuation of Japanese 2. Structural patterns in both spoken and written languages. 150 kanji (Chinese characters). Prerequisite: Jpns 2 or equivalent. (HU)
Jpns 12. Intermediate Japanese II (4) spring Continuation of Japanese 11. Prerequisite: Japanese 11 or equivalent. (HU)
Jpns 141. Advanced Japanese I (4) fall Advanced reading and oral comprehension. Conversation and writing practice. Prerequisite: Jpns 12 or equivalent. (HU)
Jpns 142. Advanced Japanese II (4) spring Continuation of Jpns 141. Prerequisite: Jpns 141 or equivalent. (HU)
*Note 1. Students with prior knowledge of Chinese or Japanese will be placed on the basis of a competence test. Native speakers placing out of the language requirement in part or in whole will be required to take additional Asian studies courses to make up a minimum of 36 credit hours.
back to core requirements
Humanities and Social Science
3 courses (minimum 10 credits) chosen from the following:
ASIA 61. (IR 61) Pacific Asian International Relations (4) Introduction to Pacific Asian international relations, with emphasis on post-1945 period: historical background; Cold War conflicts; China's rise to power; Japan's growing role; Korea and the NIC's; Southeast Asia; U.S. and Russian policies; current and future issues. Wylie (SS)
Asia 60. (Rel 60) Religions of South Asia (4) A thematic introduction to the foundational religious traditions of South Asia: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam. Students explore the social and spiritual dimensions of these religious worlds through scripture, ritual practices, narrative and teaching traditions, music and art. Rozehnal. (HU)
Asia 62. (Rel 62) Religions of India (4) Origin, development and meaning of the major forms of Indian religious traditions. Attention to elite and popular forms of Hinduism, Yoga, early Buddhism. (HU)
Asia 64. (Rel 64) Religions of China (4) History and meaning of the major forms of Chinese religion- especially Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism, Taoist mysticism, Buddhism (Ch'an/Zen), and popular religion. Girardot. (HU)
Asia 65. (Rel 65) Religions of Japan (4) A survey of Japan's diverse religious heritage and its impact on contemporary culture. Japanese approaches to the self, the world, and the sacred are considered in comparative perspective. Topics covered include: Shinto, Buddhism, Zen, Confucianism, the way of the warrior, folklore, and postwar movements. Kraft. (HU)
Asia 67. (Rel 67) Japanese Civilization (4) The history and culture of Japan from its origins to the present. Special consideration will be given to the rise and fall of the warrior class, developments in art and religion, the dynamics of family life, and Japan's "economic miracle." Kraft. (H/S)
Asia 68. (MLL 68) Japanese Language Past and Present (4) Historical and contemporary aspects of the Japanese language, including the origins of Japanese in relation to Korean, the influence of Chinese, syntactic features which reflect the hierarchical character of Japanese society, differences in female and male speech, and use of foreign loan words. Prerequisite Jpns 1. ( HU)
Asia 73. (MLL 73, WS 73) Film, Fiction, and Gender in Modern China (4) Study of the struggle for an individual “modern” entity out of traditionally defined roles for men and women as depicted by Chinese writers and filmmakers. Class, texts, and films in English. Students interested in setting up a corollary Chinese language component may discuss this possibility with the professor. (HU)
Asia 74. (MLL 74) Chinese Cultural Program (1-8) A summer program in China , taught in English. (HU)
Asia 75. (Hist 75, MLL 75) Chinese Civilization (4) The development of traditional Chinese thought, beliefs, technology, and institutions from a historical perspective, from earliest times to China ’s encounter with the West. (H/S)
Asia 76. (Hist 76, MLL 76) Understanding Contemporary China (4) An overview of recent history, politics, economy, religion, problems of modernization, popular culture, and attitudes. Contemporary Chinese society viewed against the backdrop of tradition and the tumultuous history of twentieth-century China. (SS)
Asia 77. (Rel 77) The Islamic Tradition (4) A thematic introduction to Islamic history, doctrine and practice. Topics include: Qur'an; prophecy and sacred history; ritual practices; community life; legal interpretation; art and aesthetics; mysticism; politics and polemics. Rozehnal. (HU)
MLL 78. (Asia 78) Asian-American Studies (4) A survey of issues concerning Asians living in the United States from the perspectives of history, language, literature, and film. (HU)
ASIA 100. Seminar in Asian Studies (1-4) Topics in Asian Studies. May be repeated for credit. (HU/SS depending on topic)
Asia 125. (MLL 125) Immortal Images: Traditional Chinese Literature in Translation (4) Explore age-old themes in literature as diverse as pre-modern novels, ghost stories, poetry, divination manuals, and medical texts. (HU)
Asia 140 (Phil 140) Eastern Philosophy (4) Survey of selected texts and issues in the eastern philosophical traditions. Attention will be given to the development and interrelations of these traditions as well as a comparison of western and eastern treatments of selected issues. Areas of focus may include Confucianism, Taoism, and Zen Buddhism. (HU)
Asia 141 (STS 141) Science and Technology in East Asia (4) The development of science and technology in East Asia with emphasis on Japan and China. (SS)
Asia 145. (Rel 145) Islam and the Modern World (4) Examines how numerous Muslim thinkers-religious scholars, modernists, and Islamists have responded to the changes and challenges of the colonial and post-colonial eras. Special emphasis is placed on the public debates over Islamic authority and authenticity in contemporary South Asia. Rozehnal. (HU)
Asia 146. (Rel 146) Islam in South Asia (4) A survey of the dynamic encounter between Islamic and Indic civilizations. Topics include: Islamic identity, piety and practice; art and aesthetic traditions; inter-communal exchange and conflict; the colonial legacy; and the politics of contemporary religious nationalism. Rozehnal. (HU)
Asia 160. (Rel 160) The Taoist Tradition (4) Consideration of the religious and cultural significance of Taoism in its various historical forms. Primary attention will be given to a close reading of some of the most important texts of the early philosophical tradition (e.g. Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tzu) and of the later religious tradition (e.g. Pao P'u Tzu and other selections from the Tao Tsang). Contemporary implications of Taoist thought will also be considered (e.g. "The Tao of Physics", "a Taoist on Wall Street", and "the Tao of Japanese Management"). Girardot. (HU)
ASIA 161. (IR 161) China in World Affairs (4) China in world affairs, emphasizing role in Pacific Rim: historical background; domestic politics; foreign and security policies; relations with regional and global powers; policies toward Asia and Third World; current and future issues. Wylie. (SS)
Asia 162. (Rel 162) Zen Buddhism (4) History, doctrines, and practices of Zen Buddhism in China, Japan, and the West. Monastic life, notable Zen masters, Zen's cultural impact, and enlightenment. Current aspects of the Zen tradition. (Optional meditation workshop.) Kraft. (HU)
ASIA 163. (IR 163) Japan in World Affairs (4) Japan in world affairs, emphasizing role in Pacific Rim: historical background; domestic politics; foreign and security policies; relations with regional and global powers; policies toward Asia and Third World; current and future issues. Wylie. (SS)
ASIA 164. (IR 164, Re] 164) Japan's Response to the West (4) A survey of Japanese history and culture from 1500 to the present, following the theme of Japan's contact with the West. What enabled Japan to modernize and Westernize so successfully? Topics covered include: the expulsion of Christianity, the first samurai mission to the U.S., the postwar American occupation, and contemporary issues. Readings include Japanese novels and short stories (in translation). Kraft. (SS)
Asia 167. (Rel 167) Engaged Buddhism (4) Examines a contemporary international movement that applies Buddhist teachings and practices to social, political, and environmental issues. Topics include: important thinkers, forms of engagement, and areas of controversy. Kraft. (HU)
Asia 168. (Rel 168) Buddhism in the Modern World (4) Explores contemporary Buddhism in Asia, America, and Europe. Topics include the plight of Tibet, Buddhist environmentalism, and the emergence of a socially engaged Buddhism. How are Westerners adapting this ancient tradition to address present-day concerns? Kraft. (HU)
Asia 169. (Rel 169) Classics of Asian Religion (4) Sacred scriptures of Asia and an introduction to the religions they represent. What do these texts teach about reality, humanity, divinity, and society? How is the path of spiritual practice presented in the different traditions? Prerequisite: one prior course in Religion or Asian Studies. Kraft, Girardot. (HU)
Asia 177. (Hist 177, MLL 177) China Enters the Modern Age (4) The collapse of the imperial order and China's agonizing transformation into a modern nation-state over the past 150 years. The impact of imperialism, war, radical social change, and protracted revolution on Chinese traditions, values, and institutions. (H/S)
Anth 184. (Asian Studies 184) Cultures of the Pacific (4) Cultures of the Pacific Islanders prior to substantial disruption by European influences. Culture histories, language families, social organizations, and religions of Australian, Melanesian, Polynesian, and Micronesian peoples. Gatewood. (SS)
Anth 187. (Asian Studies 187) Peoples of Southeast Asia (4) Peoples and cultures of Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. World view, religion, economy, politics, and social organization. Tannenbaum. (SS)
back to core curriculum
Advanced Electives
Two courses (7 or 8 credits) chosen from the following, 1 course (4 credits) of which must be at the 300 level:
Language and Culture
Chin 251. Special Topics (1-4) Literary and linguistics topics not covered in regular courses. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. (HU)
Jpns 290. Special Topics (1-4) Literary or linguistics topics not covered in regular courses. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: consent of instructor. (HU)
ASIA 291. Advanced Asian Language and Culture Abroad (1-8) Advanced language and culture abroad other than Chinese and Japanese. (HU)
Chin, Jpns 291. Language and Culture Abroad III (1-8) Intensive practice of speaking and writing in the language of the country aimed at providing the student with extensive proficiency of expression and the ability to discriminate linguistic usage. Idiomatic expressions and an introduction to stylistics. Reading and analysis of more difficult texts, supplemented by in-depth study of selected aspects of contemporary civilization. Prerequisites: consent of chair and proficiency examination in the target country.(HU)
Chin 371. Special Topics (1-4) Directed study of an author, genre, or period not covered in regular courses. May be repeated once for credit. Prerequisite: consent of the instructor. (HU)
Humanities and Social Science
Asia 221. (Re] 221) Topics in Asian Religions (4) Selected thematic and comparative issues in different Asian religious traditions. May include Buddhism and Christianity, religion and martial arts, Asian religions in America, Taoist meditation, Zen and Japanese business, Buddhist ethics. May be repeated for credit. Girardot, Kraft. (H/S)
Asia 247. (Rel 247) Islamic Mysticism (4) Sufism, the inner or `mystical' dimension of Islam, has deep historical roots and diverse expressions throughout the Muslim world. Students examine Sufi doctrine and ritual, the master-disciple relationship, and the tradition's impact on art and music, poetry and prose. Rozehnal. (HU)
Asia 254. (Rel 254) Buddhism and Ecology (4) Buddhism's intellectual, ethical, and spiritual resources are reexamined in light of contemporary environmental problems. Is Buddhism the most green of the major world religions? What are the moral implications of actions that affect the environment? Prerequisite: One prior course in religion, environmental studies, or Asian studies. Kraft. (HU)
Asia 240 (Phil 240) Figures/Themes in Eastern Philosophy (4) This seminar course will involve in-depth focus upon a major figure in Eastern thought or upon the Eastern treatment of a particular theme or set of themes. Content varies. May be repeated for credit. (HU)
Asia 340 (Hist 340) History of Japanese Industrialization Since 1800 (3-4) The late Tokugawa economic development, rise of an entrepreneurial class, importation of western technology, and the rise of social, political and economic which support industrial growth. Cooper. (SS)
ASIA 361. Internship in Asian Studies (1-4) Internship in public or private agency involved in some aspect of Asian studies. Individual faculty mentor. Written report required. May be repeated for credit. Program permission required. (HU/SS depending on topic)
ASIA 364. (IR 364) International Relations of Pacific Asia (4) Research-oriented seminar on contemporary international relations of Pacific Asia. Special emphasis on China, Japan and regional and global powers. Substantial research paper on topic of student's own choice is required. Prerequisite: IR 61 or 161 or 163 or 164. Wylie. (SS)
ASIA 371. Advanced Readings in Asian Studies (1-4) Directed course of reading and writing in advanced topic not covered in regular Asian Studies course offerings. May be repeated for credit. Program permission required. (HU/SS depending on topic)
ASIA 381. Special Topics in Asian Studies (1-4) Advanced study of aspects of Asian studies not covered in regular course offerings. Individual faculty supervision. Research paper required. May be repeated for credit. Program permission required. (HU/SS depending on topic)
ASIA 391. Senior Seminar in Asian Studies (1-4) Advanced seminar focusing on discussion and research on specialized subjects in Asian studies. Variable subject matter. Offered by faculty on rotating basis. May be repeated for credit. Program permission required. (HU/SS depending on topic)
ASIA 399. Senior Thesis in Asian Studies (1-4) Advanced, individual research project on topic agreed between faculty and student. Research paper and oral defense required. May be repeated for credit. Open to Asian studies majors only. Program permission required. (HU/SS depending on topic)
Other suitable courses at LVAIC or other approved institutions in the United States. Other suitable courses in approved study abroad programs in Asia.
back to top