Asian Studies
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, or AST 135 as soon as possible. In the earliest possible term, students interested in East Asia should enroll in CHI 101 or JPN 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 department 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).