Asian Studies Concentration

Ann A. Pang-White, Ph.D., Director

With the role of Asia on the world stage becoming increasingly prominent, a better understanding of Asian cultures is an indispensable element for world citizenship and leaders of tomorrow.  Any student with an interest in entering governmental services, law, business, education, journalism, medicine, human resources, and counseling, etc., will open up new opportunities by adding Asian Studies Concentration to their traditional career tracks.

 Asian Studies at the University of Scranton is an interdisciplinary program that aims to provide students with the vital understanding of this culturally diverse and vibrant region of the world that includes China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, India, the Philippines, etc.  The program seeks to engage students in the study of Asia through courses drawn from multiple departments across the University.  The concentration is open to all majors.  Cross-listed Asian Studies courses may also fulfill major, minor, cognate, and general education requirements. Concentration requirements are as follows:

• 24 credits of course work.
• 9 credits in the area of core emphasis which includes language study and a foundation course. Another 9 credits in Area Studies and 6 credits in infused courses.  Students who take more than 9 credit courses in the Area Studies may reduce their 6 credits of infused-courses load as long as they meet other program requirements.
• One-year (2 courses, 6 credits) language study at appropriate level in one Asian language. Placement in a previously studied language will be determined by placement testing at the University’s Language Learning Center.  To maintain a balance of subjects studied and to facilitate a broader understanding of the region, ordinarily no more than12 credits from Asian language studies can count toward the 24 credits program requirement unless special circumstance occurs.  When this happens, the student must consult with the program director for approval.
• Students who study abroad or take courses at another higher education institutions with an emphasis in Asian Studies may petition to substitute courses and are required to speak to the director of the program prior to completing the credits they wish to substitute.
• At least 12 of the 24 credits must be taken at the University of Scranton.
• Prerequisite requirements for some courses if applicable, students should consult the University catalogue for these requirements.