Asian Studies (ASIA)

Minor in Asian Studies

The Asian Studies Minor at the University of North Carolina Asheville offers students the opportunity to take interdisciplinary courses which have a substantial Asian focus and/or content. Students must complete at least 18 hours for the minor from the list of courses below. The courses must be chosen from at least three disciplines, with at least 6 hours at the 300-level or above. Appropriate courses may be substituted with the approval of the director of the Asian Studies Minor. Students must earn a minimum 2.00 grade-point- average on all minor courses taken at UNC Asheville. One-half of the hours required for a minor must be completed at UNC Asheville, to include at least 6 semester hours of 300-400 level courses.

Courses in Asian Studies Minor:

(Choose six courses from at least three disciplines from the list below)

• ASIA 173 Elementary Chinese I
• ASIA 174 Elementary Chinese II
• ASIA 274 Intermediate Chinese I
• ASIA 373 Great Chinese Writers
• ASIA 374 Chinese Cinema
• ASIA 373 East Asian Literature in Translation Pre-1900
• ASIA 373 Taekwon-Do: Practice, History, and Culture
• HIST 380 Imperial China
• HIST 381 Revolutionary China
• HIST 383 Women in China
• HIST 384 History of Japan
• HIST 388 Introduction to Islam
• LIT 349 Studies in Contemporary Literature: Introduction to Postcolonial Literature
• PHIL: Oriental Philosophy
• PHIL 352 Contemporary Philosophy: Gandhi & King: Peace & Non-Violence
• POLS 366 Democracy in Asia
• POLS 369: Governments & Politics of Southeast Asia
• POLS 380 Globalization & Its Critics
• RELS 280 Asian Religious Traditions 
• RELS 373 Religion and Business in Asia
• RELS 381 Religions of South Asia
• RELS 386 Buddhism
• RELS 388 Introduction to Islam

Full Listing of Courses in the Asian Studies Minor

ASIA 173-001 Elementary Chinese (3)

Elementary Chinese for beginners who have no prior knowledge of the language. Students learn to read, write, and speak in Chinese. They will also acquire knowledge of Chinese culture, traditions, and studies.

ASIA 373-001 East Asian Literature in Translation: Pre-1900

This course is an introduction to canonical East Asian literature in translation before 1900 with the primary focus on China and Japan. Students will read important literary works, organized by several important themes, topics, and authors. No prior knowledge of East Asian literature or languages is required to enroll in this course.

ASIA 373-002 Taekwon-Do: Practice, History, and Culture

This course is designed for beginner through advanced students interested in the Korean martial art of Taekwon-Do. Studies will include actual "hands-on" practice of the traditional Chang Hun style of Taekwon-Do. Students will learn kicking, boxing, and striking, Ho Sin Sul (self-defense techniques) and the performance of traditional Hyungs (stylized movement patterns inspired by mythical events and figures from Korean history). This course will include classroom study of Taekwon-Do within its historical, philosophical, and cultural contexts. Topics will include the evolution of the Korean martial arts from the 6th century A.D. through Korea's liberation from Japan in the 20th century. Students will be introduced to Zen practices in Asian martial arts, as well as the cultural components of Korean society including Korean shamanism, Confucianism, and the fine arts.     

HIST 380 Imperial China (3)

History of China from Neolithic times to Ming Dynasty (1368–1644).

HIST 381 Revolutionary China (3)

A treatment of Chinese history from the Qing Dynasty (1644–1912) to the present, including the demise of the imperial system, the Nationalist period, Communist China and post-Deng reforms.

HIST 383 Women in China (3)

An introduction to gender, family and social organization in Chinese history. The reading of autobiographies and memoirs will be combined with historical analyses that provide context for women’s experiences. Particular attention is given to women in the Qing Dynasty and the 20th century.

HIST 384 History of Japan (3)

A survey of Japanese history from legendary times to the present. In addition to political and institutional history, it examines the complex cultural responses toward foreigners and militarism. Particular attention is given to Japan’s astonishing modernization during the Meiji period.

HIST 388 (RELS 388) Introduction to Islam (3)

Explores Islam as a faith and way of life. In addition to studying the Quran and Prophetic traditions, it will closely examine the dynamics of Islamic law and its role in everyday life in addition to Muslim ritual and devotional practices.

LIT 349 Studies in Contemporary Literature: Intro to Postcolonial Literature

New forms of poetry and fiction by current authors. Emphasis on imaginative qualities as well as critical analysis. Prerequisite: LIT 323; or permission of instructor.

PHIL 313 Oriental Philosophy (3)

A survey of the main philosophies/religions of the Orient: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism. Their content, context and relevance to Western thought.

PHIL 352 Contemporary Philosophy: Gandhi & King: Peace & Non-Violence

A major tradition of 20th-century philosophy, e.g. American pragmatism, Phenomenology, linguistic analysis, hermeneutics, contemporary ethics, philosophy of science, or con-temporary political philosophy. Prerequisite: two courses in philosophy or permission of instructor. May be repeated as subject matter changes.

POLS 366 Democracy in Asia (4)

Examines the Western concept of liberal democratic government and the political and cultural challenges of transplanting it to nations such as India, China, Japan and the countries of Southeast Asia.

POLS 369 Government and Politics of Southeast Asia (4)

Examines contemporary political, cultural and economic developments, processes and institutions in various Southeast Asian nations including Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore.

POLS 380 Globalization & Its Critics (4)

Examines the political, economic and cultural dimensions of globalization and its historic antecedents. Emphasis is placed on how globalization is experienced and interpreted by non-Western cultures and their responses to globalizations challenges.

RELS 280 Asian Religious Traditions (3)

A comparative examination of the development of the religious traditions that originated in South and East Asia, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism. Electives in Asian Studies

RELS 381 Religions of South Asia (3)

A study of the history, beliefs and practices of the major indigenous religions of south Asia (Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism) as well as their development in relation to imported traditions such as Islam and Christianity.

RELS 386 Buddhism (3)

A study of the life of the Buddha and his teachings as they influenced and transformed the cultures of South and Southeast Asia, China, Japan and the modern West. Topics include meditation, the participation of women, "socially engaged Buddhism" and Buddhist views on ecology, war, and human rights.

ASIA 499 Undergraduate Research in Asian Studies (1-6)

Independent research under the supervision of a faculty member. An IP grade may be awarded at the discretion of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. See Director of Asian Studies Minor.

179, 379, 479 Liberal Studies Colloquia (LS 179, 379, 479) (3)

Colloquia offered to fulfill ILS requirement. See Liberal Studies for course descriptions. May not be used to fulfill minor requirements.