Asian Studies
Division V Chair: S. Gowler
Department Chair: J. Richey
Faculty: R. Bates, R. Foster, G. Gray, L. McKee, N. Patton, J. Richey, and J. Wang
Website: http://www.berea.edu/ast/
Courses: AST Courses
Course Sequencing Table: Asian Studies
Entrance to the Major Information: Progression for AST
Major/Minor Requirements: Asian Studies B.A.; Asian Studies Minor
Asian Studies is a multidisciplinary approach to studying the cultures of Asia. The Asian Studies Department draws upon courses from a number of academic departments that focus for a significant part of the academic term on one or more aspects, past and present, of Asia. Students are strongly encouraged to take a foreign language and to plan to spend at least one term studying in Asia (usually in the third year).
Asian Studies graduates develop a broad understanding of Asian cultures, and may use this education as a springboard for graduate work, but most will be able to apply their knowledge and skills in a wide variety of non-academic enterprises as Asia becomes more important on the national and international stages. Past graduates have gone to graduate or law school, have become teachers in Kentucky high schools, and have become English teachers in Asia, among other pursuits.
The College offers both a major and a minor in Asian Studies.
In addition to supporting students' achievement of the Aims of General Education, the Asian Studies Department seeks to assist students in meeting the following learning goals and associated learning outcomes:
Asian Studies Student Learning Goals & Outcomes
Learning Goal 1: Broaden Understanding
Learning Outcome 1.1: Develops a broad understanding of Asian cultures.
Learning Outcome 1.2: Acquires a broad competence in the history, language, and thought of Chinese and/or Japanese culture.
Learning Goal 2: Apply Knowledge and Skills
Learning Outcome 2.1: Successfully applies knowledge and skills in a wide variety of non-academic enterprises related to or impacted by Asia.
Learning Outcome 2.2: Becomes prepared for graduate work in Asian Studies.