Asian Studies

Overview

Choose from a broad background in traditional and contemporary Asian cultures, emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach.

You can take not only Asian Studies courses at University of Hawaii at Manoa, but also other Asia-related courses in other departments: anthropology, art, economics, geography, history, linguistics, literature, music, philosophy, political science, religion, sociology, theater and dance, and urban and regional planning.

Learning Objectives

The Asian Studies undergraduate program provides the student with a broad interdisciplinary approach to Asian national and cultures. Upon receiving an area studies degree, the student should have the following skills:

• Students possess basic skills in at least 1 Asian language. Demonstrate college-level fluency in reading, writing, speaking at basic and intermediate levels.
• Students can demonstrate a basic understanding of the interrelationship of economy, politics, literature, religion, the arts, history of Asian countries.
• Demonstrate an understanding of major themes in Asian history and cultural development.
• Be able to explain how Asian Studies is constituted in the West.
• Be able to explain the ways in which global forces have interacted with the Asian regional context in shaping the character and course of societies in Asia today.