Asian Studies B.A.
Degree Requirements
A major in Asian Studies is achieved by completion of the following requirements, in addition to the General Education and electives required for a degree:
Required Core Courses
Required Capstone Course
| AST 401 | Senior Sem-Asian Studies | 1 Course Credit |
Required Distribution Courses
An additional five (5) course credits, with at least two at the 200 level or higher, chosen from:
As well as the following when offered with Asian content
| HHP 248 | World Dance | 1 Course Credit |
| PSC 250 | International Relations | 1 Course Credit |
| THR 213 | First Theatre in Human Culture | 1 Course Credit |
At least two terms of language, as well as education abroad in an Asian country, are strongly recommended.
With the approval of the Chair of Asian Studies, other courses (including transfer, education abroad, etc.) may be used to meet these requirements.
NOTE: If AST 122/HIS 122 or AST123/HIS 123 or AST 132/REL 132 or AST 135/REL 135 are taken as Core Courses, they cannot also count as Distribution Courses.
Exploring the Major —Students considering Asian Studies as a major should begin exploring the discipline through introductory AST courses choosing one or more that appeals to them. Most 100-level or 200-level AST courses can serve this purpose.
Admission to the Major —No special curricular requirements must be met for admission to the Asian Studies major.
Course Sequencing Considerations (in order to complete degree requirements within eight terms)— Students should enroll in AST 122/HIS 122, AST 123/HIS 123, AST 132/REL 132, or AST 135/REL 135 as soon as possible. In the earliest possible term, students interested in East Asia should enroll in AST 101/JPN 101 or CHI 101. All majors are required to take AST 401 in the Fall Term prior to their planned graduation.
Proficiency Requirements for Retention in and Completion of the Major —In addition to completing specified course requirements, each student must satisfy program standards for effectiveness in written and oral communication.
Other Considerations or Recommendations— All potential majors should plan on spending at least one term, if not a full year, studying in Asia either through our exchange programs, Berea Term Abroad (BTA), Berea International Summer Term (BIST), or Kentucky Institute for International Studies (KIIS). Currently, the College has exchange arrangements with Kyushu University (Japan), Kansai Gaidai University (Japan), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Keimyung University (South Korea), and Payap University (Thailand).