Asian Studies
The minor in Asian studies provides a broad background in Asian culture, history, language and politics, allowing you to explore Asia from a variety of disciplinary perspectives.
At AddRan College of Liberal Arts, you have the freedom to design your own course of study for the minor, choosing among courses in anthropology, business, Chinese, economics, English, history, Japanese, political science and religion. You’ll develop your critical thinking skills, refine your written and oral communication skills, and gain a greater sense of cultural awareness to become a better global citizen.
Why Study Asia?
Did you know that India is the world’s largest democracy? Or that China has the world’s fastest growing economy? More importantly, do you know some of the cultural traditions of these countries? Who their political leaders are? Or how the countries differ politically, economically and socially?
As Asia becomes an increasingly important region of the world, minoring in Asian studies will prepare you for success in business, law, education, government and international service work. You’ll acquire the skills and information to think and act as an ethical leader and responsible citizen in the global community.
Academics
Students are required to take 18 hours, selected from at least three departments, from a variety of courses focusing on the history and thought of the peoples in Asia.
No more than nine hours may be taken in any one department, and at least nine hours
must be at the 30000 level or above.
Up to six hours of a single foreign language (Japanese or Chinese), at the second
semester level or higher, may be applied to minor requirements. The culture and civilization
courses (CHIN 30113 and JAPN 30113) may be counted in addition to the six language
credits.
Taking Chinese or Japanese as a foreign language is NOT required for the minor.
See the course catalog for a complete list of course offerings and descriptions.
Course Catalog Faculty & Staff
What Our Students Say
“Whether a student is preparing for a career in business, engineering, military or politics, no liberal arts education should be considered complete anymore without a practical understanding of Asian nations and their cultures. China, Japan, South Korea and India are all in the top 10 countries for America’s foreign trade. Each of these countries pose strategic significance to a multitude of American interests; and to be prepared for any career with global reach requires a student be familiar with their customs, systems of government, and current affairs.
Not a year went by in my career as an Air Force intelligence officer that I didn’t rely on the knowledge I gained as an Asian studies minor, and I wasn’t even stationed in the Pacific theater!”
“I think an Asian studies minor is important to have because of the heavy involvement that the United States has with countries in Asia. Particularly in political and economic relations. It’s also good to further expand one’s outlook on the world.”
“TCU prides itself on developing ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community, and there is arguably no greater area of strategic importance than Asia. By any measure (from politics and business to music and architecture), the region is already a global force. But the first thing any student of Asian Studies will learn about is Asia’s incredibly rich diversity. Asia is important, but it’s also enormously complex with real depth that requires much more than a superficial knowledge base.
The Asian studies minor at TCU offers students a deep and practical understanding of this increasingly important region of the world. It provides a vital tool that students will carry with them after graduation, regardless of the industry they ultimately pursue.”
“I found Asia’s history and development so interesting, because it differs greatly from the West’s. Despite their great differences, the East and West are increasingly becoming intertwined due to globalization, and the interplay that unfolds is fascinating and complex. Regardless of your career, there is no greater skill to acquire than to read, write and think critically. Asian studies at TCU helped me develop and hone these skills through its diverse and challenging curriculum.