Asian Studies

The Asian Studies major is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers and advanced study in topics including language, history, geography, government, and culture in specific regions of Asia not comprehensively covered by a major in a single department.

The Asian Studies Major

Students may choose one of three emphases: China, Japan, Korea, and acquire competency in the corresponding language or another approved Asian language; a broad knowledge of Asian civilization; and a more specialized knowledge in an academic discipline.

Where can I learn more about majoring in Asian Studies?

Interested students should meet with either the Asian Studies faculty coordinator, Professor Masakazu Watabe or one of the counselors at the Kennedy Center Advisement Center (273 HRCB).

How do I declare a major in Asian Studies?

Go to the Kennedy Center Advisement Center (273 HRCB), where the secretaries will assist you. Seniors must meet with an academic advisor before approval to switch to the major will be granted.

What are the major’s requirements?

See the BA in Asian Studies page in the BYU Undergraduate Catalog

What knowledge and skills may I expect to gain as an Asian Studies major?

For the expected Learning Outcomes for the Asian Studies major China click here, Japan click here, Korea click here.

The Asian Studies Minor

The Asian Studies minor allows students who have completed a mission, internship, or study abroad in Asia—or simply have a love for Asia’s people and cultures—to expand their knowledge of the continent and receive a formal credential signaling their international expertise. Requiring 12–28 hours beyond the GE language requirement, a minor in Asian Studies is a perfect way to complement a degree in just about any field.

Faculty Coordinator

Masakazu Watabe
Professor of Asian and Near Eastern languages
209 HRCB
(801) 422-2945

Office Hours: by appointment only

Governance

The major is governed by an interdisciplinary Executive Committee of faculty from at least two disciplines that meets as needed. An interdisciplinary group of affiliated faculty, made up of a larger group of faculty from various disciplines, approves the work of the Executive Committee and makes major curriculum changes. Most of the assessment of the major is done by the major coordinator through competency exams and surveys of graduates. The Executive Committee and the affiliated faculty review the results of these exams and surveys and make recommendations for needed changes. The results of the assessment work are communicated annually to all faculty affiliated with the major. At that time the faculty comment on the assessment results and those same results inform decisions regarding the curriculum structure of the major.

Affiliated Faculty Directory

Clubs and Honor Societies

Asian Studies in Action (ASiA), Model United Nations, International Society, foreign language clubs, choirs, and honor societies. See the clubs page.

Internships

Recent experience has proven that Asian Studies majors and minors who have completed internships fare significantly better when applying for jobs or graduate school. The gold standard is spending a semester or summer interning in Asia.

If finances or life circumstances make it impossible to leave Provo, you can still have an outstanding internship experience through local providers. Visit the Internships page for more information.

Career Opportunities

This major is useful to those contemplating careers in academic areas, private industry, or government service. The import-export field and international services are particularly interested in persons who have a strong background in Asian Studies.

These alumni notes appeared in past issues of Bridges, the Kennedy Center’s alumni magazine.