College of Arts and Humanities
Asian Studies
Minor
Minor in Asian Studies
In our minor, you’ll explore Asia’s vibrant cultures, rich history, and diverse societies.
Our interdisciplinary program offers a dynamic blend of courses, providing a unique and holistic perspective. By pursuing this minor, you'll develop invaluable skills such as cross-cultural communication, critical thinking, and global awareness that are highly sought after in today's job market.
Questions? Contact Us.
Asian Studies Contact
Find Your Community
What You'll Study
Academic Catalog | Asian Studies Website
Courses
- AST 102 - Introduction to Asian Studies
- CHIN 151 - First-year Chinese
- CHIN 152 - First-year Chinese
- CHIN 153 - First-year Chinese
OR
- JAPN 151 - First-year Japanese
- JAPN 152 - First-year Japanese
- JAPN 153 - First-year Japanese
OR
- KRN 151 - Elementary Korean I
- KRN 152 - Elementary Korean II
- KRN 153 - Elementary Korean III
Department-Approved Electives
Social Sciences
- ANTH 344 - Cultures of Asia
- ANTH 345 - Cultures of Southeast Asia and Oceania
- AST 310 - Japan Today
- AST 348 - Contemporary China
- AST 350 - Korea Now
- GEOG 375 - Geography of Asia
- POSC 366 - Government and Politics of East Asia
- POSC 367 - Politics of Japan
- POSC 369 - Korean Politics
- POSC 373 - International Politics of the Pacific Rim
Aesthetic Experience
- AST 301 - Chinese Literature in Translation
- CHIN 461 - Chinese Cinema
- ENG 333 - Asian American Literature and Cultures
- JAPN 462 - Japanese Cinema
- KRN 311 - Korean Cinema and Visual Culture
- TH 375 - Asian Drama
Humanities
- HIST 380 - Modern East Asia
- HIST 383 - East Asian Civilization
- HIST 468 - Modern Japanese History: Tradition and Change
- HIST 477 - Vietnam: Revolution in Full Circle
- HIST 479 - History of Korea
- HIST 483 - Modern China
- HIST 485 - Trauma, History, and Memory in East Asia
- PHIL 345 - Chinese Philosophy
- RELS 350 - Korean Religion and Philosophy
- RELS 351 - Religions of China and Japan
- RELS 352 - Religions of India
- RELS 401 - The Daoist Tradition
- RELS 403 - Buddhist Thought and Practice
Broaden Your Perspective
Complement your major with an interdisciplinary approach that enriches your education and prepares you for global citizenship.
Study Abroad
Take advantage of CWU’s exchange programs, allowing for immersive experiences in different Asian cultures and languages.
Diverse Expertise
Learn from faculty with diverse research interests across multiple departments, offering insights into various aspects of Asian societies.
Practical Experience
Engage in high-impact practices like community-based learning and collaborative projects that prepare you for real-world applications.
Apply
Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.
Financial Aid
Our Financial Aid staff are here to help you navigate financial aid.
Student Life
Pursue your interests in a supportive community. Learn more.
Visit
The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself.
Why Study Asian Studies at Central?
- Experience a comprehensive curriculum that combines an introduction to Asian Studies language courses and elective courses across the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Aesthetic Experiences.
- Study a wide range of topics, including the Geography of Asia, Contemporary China, Korean Cinema and Culture, and East Asian Civilization, for a deep understanding of contemporary Asia.
- Benefit from faculty dedicated to student success, encouraging participation in study abroad programs and providing guidance for research projects.
