Asian Studies
Program Director: Kiri Lee
610-758-4490; kjl2@lehigh.edu
Professors. Constance Cook, Ph.D. (U.C., Berkeley), Modern Languages and Literature; Norman Girardot, Ph.D. (Chicago), Religion Studies; Kenneth Kraft, Ph.D. (Princeton), Religion Studies; David Pankenier, Ph.D. (Stanford), Modern Languages and Literature; Nicola Tannenbaum, Ph.D. (Iowa), Sociology and Anthropology; Raymond Wylie, Ph.D. (London, England), Professor Emeritus, International Relations.
Associate Professors. Gail Cooper, Ph.D. (U.C., Santa Barbara), History; Vera Leigh Fennel, Ph.D. (Chicago); Kiri Lee, Ph.D. (Harvard), Modern Languages and Literature; Michael Mendelson Ph.D. (San Diego), Philosophy; Robert Rozehnal, Ph.D. (Duke), Religion Studies; Amardeep Singh, Ph.D. (Duke), English.
Assistant Professors. Nandini Deo, Ph.D. (Yale); John Jirik, Ph.D. (Texas at Austin); Yuping Zhang, Ph.D. (University of Pennsylvania).
The Asian Studies program provides undergraduates an opportunity to acquire a systematic knowledge of East Asia, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. The program focuses on the rich historical and cultural heritage of the countries of Asia, as well as their growing importance in world affairs.
The overall program is administered by the Asian Studies Committee, an interdisciplinary body of faculty with special interests in the region. This committee oversees both the formal academic work within the program as well as extracurricular activities. It also Cooperates with the Asian Cultural Society and other student organizations involved in Asian Studies.
The courses listed are regularly offered in the program and new ones are currently under development in several subject areas. (Consult the Registrar’s Schedule of Classes for specific offerings in any particular semester.)
Courses offered at other LVAIC institutions may be taken for credit by Lehigh students. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of extracurricular activities that are offered by the Asian Studies Program, such as special lectures and seminars, films, performances, and exhibits.
Major in Asian Studies
The Asian Studies major is designed to accomplish three goals: to ground the student in a regional language and culture, to survey various disciplines in Asian Studies more broadly, and to provide advanced research opportunities. The program, when successfully completed, prepares the student for further graduate work, professional education, or employment in the public or private sector. There is an increasing demand for graduates who combine a major in a disciplinary field (e.g., business, economics, international relations) with a second major (or minor) in Asian Studies, including Chinese or Japanese language competence.
The major in Asian Studies may have a Chinese studies or a Japanese studies concentration, each requiring a minimum of 9 courses (36 credits). The distribution of credits is as follows:
2 years (or 16 credits) of an Asian language which is not the student’s native language;
3 courses (or 10 credits) of humanities and social science courses under the 200 level (see list below);
2 courses from either:
Advanced language and culture, or
Humanities and social sciences. At least one course must be at the 300 level.
The academic advisor is the director of the Asian Studies Program. Students may also request an advisor from among the Asian Studies faculty.
Minor in Asian Studies
The minor in Asian Studies is intended to complement a student’s major field of study and it is flexible according to individual needs. Students are free to survey the field broadly or concentrate in a specific area such as Chinese or Japanese studies. The minor comprises a minimum of 4 courses (16 credits) in Asian studies, chosen from an approved list in consultation with the director of the Asian Studies Program.
While students minoring in Asian Studies are encouraged to study languages, only 8 credits of language study count towards the Asian Studies minor. Students interested only in language study are encouraged to minor in Chinese or Japanese language (see MLL).
Study Abroad Programs
Students are encouraged to spend a summer, semester, or year in an approved study program in China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, India, or elsewhere in Asia. Students who wish to study abroad, and who wish to have the academic work taken in that program count toward a Lehigh degree, must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Any student with a lower GPA may petition the Committee on the Standing of Students for an exception to this rule before applying to an approved study abroad program. These programs are open to all LVAIC students subject to the regulations of their home institutions. For details on all programs, consult Study Abroad Office, Coxe Hall, 32 Sayre Dr, 610-758-3351, (www.lehigh.edu/studyabroad) Asian Studies offers a limited number of study abroad travel grants.
I. Core Requirements
A. Language and Culture: Chinese or Japanese or other approved Asian languages to intermediate level (2 years); or 4 courses (16 credits), based on placement, chosen from the following *:
ASIA 91 Elementary Asian Language and Culture Abroad (1-8)
ASIA 191 Intermediate Asian Language and Culture Abroad (1-8)
CHIN, JPNS 91 Language and Culture Abroad I (1-8)
CHIN, JPNS 191 Language and Culture Abroad II (1-8)
CHIN 001 Beginning Chinese Reading & Writing I (2)
CHIN 002 Beginning Chinese Reading & Writing II (2)
CHIN 003 Beginning Spoken Chinese I (2)
CHIN 004 Beginning Spoken Chinese II (2)
CHIN 011 Intermediate Chinese Reading & Writing I (2)
CHIN 012 Intermediate Chinese Reading & Writing II (2)
CHIN 013 Intermediate Spoken Chinese I (2)
CHIN 014 Intermediate Spoken Chinese II (2)
CHIN 021 Survival Chinese (2)
CHIN 111. Advanced Chinese Reading & Writing I (2)
CHIN 112 Advanced Chinese Reading & Writing II (2)
CHIN 113 Advanced Spoken Chinese I (2)
CHIN 114 Advanced Spoken Chinese II (2)
JPNS 1 Elementary Japanese I (4) fall
JPNS 2. Elementary Japanese II (4) spring
JPNS 11 Intermediate Japanese I (4) fall
JPNS 12 Intermediate Japanese II (4) spring
JPNS 131 Advanced Japanese Reading and Writing I (3) fall
JPNS 132 Advanced Japanese Reading and Writing II (3) spring
JPNS 141 Advanced Japanese I (4) fall
JPNS 142 Advanced Japanese II (4) spring
JPNS 151 Advanced Spoken Japanese (1)
*Note: Students with prior knowledge of Chinese or Japanese will be placed on the basis of a competence test. Native speakers placing out of one Asian language will be required to study another Asian language.
B. Humanities and Social Science: 3 courses (minimum 10 credits) Chosen from any Asia listed course 100 level or below.
II. Advanced Electives
Two courses (7 or 8 credits) chosen from any 200 level or above Asia course or below listed language coureses, one course of which must be at the 300 level. Other suitable courses at LVAIC or other approved institutions in the United States or courses in approved study abroad programs in Asia may be substituted with the Director’s approval.
CHIN 251 Special Topics (1-4)
CHIN 252 Business Chinese (1-2)
CHIN 253 Chinese Fiction (1-2)
CHIN 254 Intensive Conversation (1-2)
CHIN 255 Newspaper Readings in Chinese (1-2)
JPNS 231 Advanced Japanese Reading and Writing I (2)
JPNS 232 Advanced Japanese Reading and Writing II (2)
JPNS 290 Special Topics (1-4)
CHIN, JPNS 291 Language and Culture Abroad III (1-8)
CHIN 371 Advanced Readings in Chinese (1-4)
JPNS 390 Special Topics (1-4)
Undergraduate Courses
For descriptions of beginning, intermediate, and advanced Chinese and Japanese language courses, please refer to the Modern Languages and Literature course listings in section V.
ASIA 012. (REL 012) Introduction to Asian Religions (4)
This course explores the principal religions of Asia, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and Shinto. What is each tradition's view of human potential? How is ultimate reality depicted and experienced? What do home altars, boisterous festivals, and silent meditation halls have in common? Several primary texts are read in translation. (HU)
ASIA 60. (REL 60) Religions of South Asia (4)
A thematic introduction to the foundational religious traditions of South Asia: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam. Students explore the social and spiritual dimensions of these religious worlds through scripture, ritual practices, narrative and teaching traditions, music and art. (HU)
ASIA 61. (IR 61) Pacific Asian International Relations (4)
Introduction to Pacific Asian international relations, with emphasis on post1945 period: historical background; Cold War conflicts; China’s rise to power; Japan’s growing role; Korea and the NIC’s; Southeast Asia; U.S. and Russian policies; current and future issues. (SS)
ASIA 64. (REL 64) Religions of China (4)
History and meaning of the major forms of Chinese religion, especially Confucianism and Neo-Confucianism, Taoist mysticism, Buddhism (Ch’an/Zen), and popular religion. (HU)
ASIA 65. (REL 65) Religions of Japan (4)
A survey of Japan’s diverse religious heritage and its impact on contemporary culture. Japanese approaches to the self, the world, and the sacred are considered in comparative perspective. Topics covered include: Shinto, Buddhism, Zen, Confucianism, the way of the warrior, folklore, and postwar movements (HU)
ASIA 67. (REL 67) Japanese Civilization (4)
This course explores the history and culture of Japan from the sixth century to the nineteenth century. How did Japan develop its distinct sense of itself? What aspects of Japanese culture have gained recognition on an international scale? Special consideration is given to the rise of the warrior class, the flowering of religious expression, and the dynamics of family life (HU)
ASIA 68. (MLL 68) Japanese Language: Past and Present (4)
Historical and contemporary aspects of the Japanese language, including the origins of Japanese in relation to Korean, the influence of Chinese, syntactic features which reflect the hierarchical character of Japanese society, differences in female and male speech, and use of foreign loan words. Prerequisite JPNS 1. (HU)
ASIA 73. (GCP 73, MLL73, WGSS 73) Film, Fiction, and Gender in Modern China (4)
Study of the struggle for an individual “modern” identity out of traditionally defined roles for men and women as depicted by Chinese writers and filmmakers. Class, texts, and films in English. Students interested in setting up a corollary Chinese language component for credit as Chin 251, may discuss this possibility with the professor. (HU)
ASIA 74. (MLL 74) Chinese Cultural Program (1-8)
A summer program in China, taught in English. (HU)
ASIA 75. (HIST 75, MLL 75) Chinese Civilization (4)
The development of traditional Chinese thought, beliefs, technology, and institutions from a historical perspective, from earliest times to China’s encounter with the West. (H/S)
ASIA 76. (HIST 76, MLL 76) Understanding Contemporary China (4)
An overview of recent history, politics, economy, religion, problems of modernization, popular culture, and attitudes. Contemporary Chinese society viewed against the backdrop of tradition and the tumultuous history of twentieth-century China. (SS)
ASIA 77. (REL 77) The Islamic Tradition (4)
A thematic introduction to Islamic history, doctrine and practice. Topics include: Qur’an; prophecy and sacred history; ritual practices; community life; legal interpretation; art and aesthetics; mysticism; politics and polemics. (HU)
ASIA 78. (MLL 78) Asian-American Studies (4)
A survey of issues concerning Asians living in the United States from the perspectives of history, language, literature, and film. (HU)
ASIA 79. (DES 79, MLL 79) Digital Bridges (2)
Run as an independent study; research ancient Chinese bridges, gardens, and pavilions. Digitize images and website design. Create photographic documentation of the Bridge Project. Produce documentary from historical materials concerning history of Chinese students at Lehigh. Bridge Project students could continue project work in Shanghai and Beijing. May be repeated for credit. (HU)
ASIA 91. Elementary Asian Language and Culture Abroad (1-8)
Elementary language and culture abroad other than Chinese or Japanese. (HU)
ASIA 100. Seminar in Asian Studies (1-4)
Topics in Asian Studies. May be repeated for credit. (HU/SS depending on topic)
ASIA 114. (SSP 114) Social Issues in Contemporary China (4)
Dramatic economic, cultural and social changes are underway in China today and have aroused much debate among social scientists East and West. The following social issues are critical for understanding China's development trajectory: in equality and poverty; rapid demographic shifts; provision of health care services; provision of education services; and becoming an "information society." We will explore how these issues intersect with old hierarchies in China, urban-rural differences, and gender differences.
ASIA 125. (MLL 125) Immortal Images: Traditional Chinese Literature in Translation (4)
Explore age-old themes in literature as diverse as pre-modern novels, ghost stories, poetry, divination manuals, and medical texts. Students interested in setting up a corollary Chinese language component for credit as CHIN 251, may discuss this possibility with the professor. (HU)
ASIA 127. (MLL 127, GCP 127) ORIENTations: Approaches to Modern Asia (4)
A survey of the rapid economic, political, and social changes occurring in East, South, and Southeast Asian countries. How do the contemporary societies and historical traditions of Asian countries differ from the West? What distinguishes our perspectives on politics, individual liberties, civic responsibility, religious faith, the “pursuit of happiness”? How are Asians represented (or misrepresented) in the West, and how will the ongoing process of globalization change, and be changed by, Asian cultures? (H/S)
ASIA 140. (PHIL 140) Eastern Philosophy (4)
Survey of selected texts and issues in the eastern philosophical traditions. Attention will be given to the development and interrelations of these traditions as well as a comparison of western and eastern treatments of selected issues. Areas of focus may include Confucianism, Taoism, and Zen Buddhism. (HU)
ASIA 145. (GCP 145, REL 145) Islam and the Modern World (4)
Examines how numerous Muslim thinkers, religious scholars, modernists, and Islamists have responded to the changes and challenges of the colonial and postcolonial eras. Special emphasis is placed on the public debates over Islamic authority and authenticity in contemporary South Asia. (HU)
ASIA 146. (REL 146) Islam in South Asia (4)
A survey of the dynamic encounter between Islamic and Indic civilizations. Topics include: Islamic identity, piety and practice; art and aesthetic traditions; intercommunal exchange and conflict; the colonial legacy; and the politics of contemporary religious nationalism. (HU)
ASIA 160. (REL 160) The Taoist Tradition (4)
Consideration of the religious and cultural significance of Taoism in its various historical forms. Primary attention will be given to a close reading of some of the most important texts of the early philosophical tradition (e.g. Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tzu) and of the later religious tradition (e.g. Pao P’u Tzu and other selections from the Tao Tsang). Contemporary implications of Taoist thought will also be considered (e.g. “The Tao of Physics”, “a Taoist on Wall Street”, and “the Tao of Japanese Management”). (HU)
ASIA 161. (IR 161) China in World Affairs (4)
China in world affairs, emphasizing role in Pacific Rim: historical background; domestic politics; foreign and security policies; relations with regional and global powers; policies toward Asia and Third World; current and future issues. (SS)
ASIA 162. (REL 162) Zen Buddhism (4)
History, doctrines, and practices of Zen Buddhism in China, Japan, and the West. Monastic life, notable Zen masters, Zen’s cultural impact, and enlightenment. Current aspects of the Zen tradition. (Optional meditation workshop.) (HU)
ASIA 163. (IR 163) Japan in World Affairs (4)
Japan in world affairs, emphasizing role in Pacific Rim: historical background; domestic politics; foreign and security policies; relations with regional and global powers; policies toward Asia and Third World; current and future issues. (SS)
ASIA 165. (GCP 165, MLL 165) Love and Revolution in Shanghai (4)
This project-based course will examine human relationships and political-economic changes in Shanghai through the lens of literature, film, and a selection of other readings. Students will discuss the conflicts between and influences of pre-communist, communist, and capitalist systems as played out in the Shanghai area. Students will write research papers on aspects of historical or modern Shanghai, and present their results to the class. They will also be responsible for Course Site and in-class discussions of assigned readings and films. (HU)
ASIA 166. (REL 166, GCP 166) Religious Nationalism in South Asian (4)
This course explores the conflation and conflict of religion and politics in one of the most complex, dynamic and volatile regions on the planet (South Asia). Through literature, film and scholarly writings, students will examine the history of Cooperation and conflict between the Muslim and Hindu communities in South Asia from the movements for national independence to twenty-first century identity politics. (HU)
ASIA 167. (REL 167) Engaged Buddhism (4)
Examines a contemporary international movement that applies Buddhist teachings and practices to social, political, and environmental issues. Topics include: important thinkers, forms of engagement, and areas of controversy. (HU)
ASIA 168. (REL 168) Buddhism in the Modern World (4)
Explores contemporary Buddhism in Asia, America, and Europe. Topics include the plight of Tibet, Buddhist environmentalism, and the emergence of a socially engaged Buddhism. How are Westerners adapting this ancient tradition to address present day concerns? (HU)
ASIA 170. (HIST 170) The Last Samurai(4)
Explores the revolutionary character of the political upheaval in 1868 that led to the fall of the ruling shogun and the dissolution of the elite samurai class. Examines both the causes of these major political and social changes and their continuing impact upon Japanese culture and society. (HU)
ASIA 175. (GCP 175, REL 175) Sufi Saints and Muslim Missionaries (Lehigh India Summer Program) (6)
This month-long summer study-travel program in north India focuses on the intersection of religion and politics among South Asia's dynamic Muslim communities. The course focuses in particular on two distinct traditions of Islamic piety: Sufism (Islamic mysticism) and the conservative, transnational political movement, the Tablighi Jama'at. Students travel to a range of important historical sites, mosques, Sufi shrines and university campuses and engage local experts through a series of guest lecturers. (HU)
ASIA 177. (HIST 177, MLL 177) China Enters the Modern Age (4)
The collapse of the imperial order and China's agonizing transformation into a modern nation-state over the past 150 years. The impact of imperialism, war, radical social change, and protracted revolution on Chinese traditions, values, and institutions. (H/S)
ASIA 187. (ANTH 187) Peoples and Cultures of Southeast Asia (4)
Peoples and cultures of Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. World view, religion, economy, politics, and social organization. (SS)
ASIA 188. (ANTH 188) Southeast Asian Migrants and Refugees (4)
Focus on migrants and refugees from Southeast Asia to the United States; examines cultures and practices while in Southeast Asia, the migration process, and the ways in the people and their cultural practices have changed in the United States. (SS)
ASIA 191. Intermediate Asian Language and Culture Abroad (1-8)
Intermediate language and culture abroad other than Chinese and Japanese. (HU)
ASIA 201. (POLS 201, GS 201) Democracy and Dictatorship in South Asia (4)
Theories of democracy and democratization explored in the South Asian context. Relationship of democracy to economic development and identity considered. How do historical legacies and conflict shape contemporary outcomes? (SS)
ASIA 220. (REL 220) Classics of Asian Religion (4)
Sacred scriptures of Asia and an introduction to the religions they represent. What do these texts teach about reality, humanity, divinity, and society? How is the path of spiritual practice presented in the different traditions? (HU)
ASIA 221. (REL 221) Topics in Asian Religions (4)
Selected thematic and comparative issues in different Asian religious traditions. May include Buddhism and Christianity, religion and martial arts, Asian religions in America, Taoist meditation, Zen and Japanese business, Buddhist ethics. May be repeated for credit. (H/S)
ASIA 234 (REL 234) Buddhist Visions of a Good Society (4)
This course examines Buddhist visions of a better world. Present-day Buddhist teachers, most notably the Dalai Lama, propose "zones of peace," advocate "a policy of kindness," and extol "compassionate consumption." Are there wiser ways to pursue happiness? What is the relation between individual transformation and social transformation? Can we imagine a community guided by altruism and nonviolence? The process of contemplating alternative societies is also a way to achieve a clearer understanding of one's own highest ideals. (HU)
ASIA 240. (PHIL 240) Figures/Themes in Eastern Philosophy (4)
This seminar course will involve in-depth focus upon a major figure in Eastern thought or upon the Eastern treatment of a particular theme or set of themes. Content varies. May be repeated more than once for credit. Prerequisite: One HU designated course in philosophy (HU)
ASIA 247. (REL 247) Islamic Mysticism (4)
Sufism, the inner or ‘mystical’ dimension of Islam, has deep historical roots and diverse expressions throughout the Muslim world. Students examine Sufi doctrine and ritual, the master-disciple relationship, and the tradition’s impact on art and music, poetry and prose. (HU)
ASIA 254. (REL 254, ES 254) Buddhism and Ecology (4)
Buddhism's intellectual, ethical, and spiritual resources and reexamined in light of contemporary environmental problems. Is Buddhism the most green of the major world religions? What are the moral implications of actions that affect the environment? (HU)
ASIA 291. Advanced Asian Language and Culture Abroad (1-8)
Advanced language and culture abroad other than Chinese and Japanese. (HU)
ASIA 337. (REL 337, ANTH 337) Buddhism and Society (4)
In this course we explore ways in which Buddhism is localized to become lived religions in Thailand, Tibet, Japan, and the United States. We examine how Buddhist practices are integrated into local traditions and how religious practices become part of the larger social, political, and value systems. Students will develop a comparative framework that includes Theravada, Tibetan, and Zen Buddhism. (SS)
ASIA 339. (GS 339, POLS 339) The Rise of the Modern State in Modern East Asia (4)
An examination of Asian nationalism in the construction of the modern state form in Asia. (SS)
ASIA 340. (HIST 340) Japanese Industrialization (3-4)
Explores economic growth in the traditional economy, the rise of an entrepreneurial class, the importation of western technology, and the social, political and economic institutions which support industrial society since the early nineteenth century. (SS)
ASIA 343. (AAS 343, GS 343, POLS 343) Global Politics of Race: Asia and Africa (4)
An examination of the concept of “race” and its impact on domestic and international politics. (SS)
ASIA 361. Internship in Asian Studies (1-4)
Internship in public or private agency involved in some aspect of Asian studies. Individual faculty mentor. Written report required. May be repeated for credit. Program permission required. (HU/SS depending on topic)
ASIA 364. (IR 364) International Relations of Pacific Asia (4)
Research oriented seminar on contemporary international relations of Pacific Asia. Special emphasis on China, Japan and regional and global powers. Substantial research paper on topic of student’s own choice is required. Prerequisite: IR 61 or 161 or 163 or 164. (SS)
ASIA 371. Advanced Readings in Asian Studies (1-4)
Directed course of reading and writing in advanced topic not covered in regular Asian Studies course offerings. May be repeated for credit. Program permission required. (HU/SS depending on topic)
ASIA 381. Special Topics in Asian Studies (1-4)
Advanced study of aspects of Asian studies not covered in regular course offerings. Individual faculty supervision. Research paper required. May be repeated for credit. Program permission required. (HU/SS depending on topic)
ASIA 386. (GCP 386) Chinese Culture in a Multinational Workplace (3)
Students explore the interaction between Chinese and non-Chinese cultures at a variety of work sites in the city of Shanghai, a port city that has involved people of many nationalities since its birth in the 1840s. This project-based course involves a faculty mentored practicum at one or more specific sites related to the student’s own field or major, assigned readings, weekly electronic Course Site discussions, and a written summary of the experience. (H/S)
ASIA 391. Senior Seminar in Asian Studies (1-4)
Advanced seminar focusing on discussion and research on specialized subjects in Asian studies. Variable subject matter. Offered by faculty on rotating basis. May be repeated for credit. Program permission required. (HU/SS depending on topic)
ASIA 399. Senior Thesis in Asian Studies (1-4)
Advanced, individual research project on topic agreed between faculty and student. Research paper and oral defense required. May be repeated for credit. Open to Asian studies majors only. Program permission required. (HU/SS depending on topic)