Asian Studies Minor
Coordinator
John Sagers, Ph.D.
Following geographic convention, “Asia” encompasses four cultural areas: Japan; China and its neighbors (Mongolia, Taiwan, the Koreas); insular and mainland Southeast Asia; and the Indian subcontinent, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the Himalayan “kingdoms.”
The interdisciplinary Asian Studies minor invites students to explore the diverse histories, cultures, and contemporary issues of Asia from a broad perspective. It fosters global awareness, cross-cultural understanding, and the analytical skills essential for thoughtful citizenship in an increasingly interconnected world. When paired with a complementary major, the minor supports preparation for careers in such fields as business, education, healthcare, international affairs, public service, and nonprofit work—while cultivating the cultural fluency and ethical insight needed for meaningful global engagement.
Minor Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Choose 20 credits from the following list. 1 | 20 | |
| Other courses with relevant content may be approved by the program director. Participation in Linfield Jan Term and semester abroad programs in Asia is especially encouraged. 2 | ||
| EAST ASIA SINCE 1800 | ||
| MODERN CHINA | ||
| MODERN JAPAN | ||
| GENDER AND SOCIAL HISTORY OF EAST ASIA | ||
or HIST 222 | GENDER AND SOCIAL HISTORY OF EAST ASIA | |
| PHILOSOPHY EAST & WEST | ||
| COMPARATIVE PHILOSOPHY: ASIAN THOUGHT | ||
| LOVE, SEX, AND DEATH IN CHINESE CULTURE | ||
| Total Credits | 20 | |
- 1
At least 12 credits must be at the 200-level or above.
- 2
Courses must have a substantial focus on Asian histories, cultures, and/or contemporary issues. They may explore issues such as: economics, development, and environment; gender, identity, and social structures; history and politics; languages, literature and the arts; philosophies, religious, and ethical traditions.