DEGREE OFFERED: B.A.

Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary major that explores the complex interaction between political, social, religious and other important spheres of human life in Asia. Emphasis is placed not only on the diversity and achievements of Asian civilizations, but also on the ways an understanding of Asia may shed new light on Western cultural traditions. The major is built around courses in the humanities and social science divisions and a team-taught interdisciplinary core course, Introduction to Asian Civilizations. Some "Residential College Course" may qualify for Asian Studies credit.

Requirements: The undergraduate Asian Studies major will consist of thirty hours or more of course work. All majors must take the core course, ASIA 211, and nine additional courses drawn from at least three of the departments offering courses in Asian Studies. At least six of these courses must be chosen from the 300 level or above, and no more than four semesters of Asian languages may be counted towards the major. Any changes in the requirements for the major must be approved by the Director of Asian Studies.

Degree Requirements:

• ASIA 211 Introduction to Asian Civilizations
• 9 additional courses drawn from at least three of the departments offering courses with predominantly Asian content. Note: In the case of cross-listed courses, any one of the departments or programs appearing in the cross-listing can be used to satisfy this particular "distribution" requirement.
• 6 courses at the 300 level or above
• 2 years of a single Asian language (this may include an Asian language other than those offered by Rice), though students may count no more than four semesters of Asian languages toward the major. Students who have placed into the third year (300-level) or higher of an Asian language at Rice will have satisfied our proficiency requirement for the Asian Studies major. Such students may, of couse, continue with the same or another language and receive up to four semesters of credit toward the major for this additional language coursework

Any changes in the requirements for the major must be approved by the director of Asian Studies.

One or more independent reading courses (ASIA 401 for the fall and ASIA 402 for the spring) taught by Asian Studies faculty in these departments may be counted towards the major. Students may also use certain residential college courses to fulfill their major requirements, subject to the approval of the director of Asian Studies.

See the following link that includes the courses that may be used to satisfy the major requirements.

Click here to view the  COURSES

Updated 03/03/2006.  Please direct comments to asia@rice.edu.