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B.A. in Asian Studies

The Asian Studies B.A. enhances the mission of Florida International University to achieve excellence in diverse aspects of its international studies programming. This degree is designed for students who possess a desire for intellectual growth that focuses on their interest in Asia. It serves the urban population of Miami, which seeks employment opportunities and economic advancement through cultural and commercial connections with Asia. The study of this increasingly important world region, with an emphasis on China, Japan, India, and Central and Southeast Asia, provides a multidisciplinary approach covering the languages and culture, philosophy and religion, arts and literature, as well as issues in history, politics, geography, sociology/anthropology, international relations, education and business.

The degree provides students with a foundation in the traditional cultures and modern socio-economic societies of Asia and its dynamics in the global environment. Asian Studies provides instruction, advising, and experiential opportunities for students in an environment promoting scholarship, critical thinking, free inquiry, and clear and candid communication.

Application

Students interested in the B.A. in Asian Studies can complete the FIU Undergraduate Admissions on-line application.

Concentrations/Tracks

All majors must select one of the following concentrations within the B.A. The following concentrations/tracks, excluding the fully online track, are not available to fully online degree seeking students.

Asian Area Studies Concentration

The Asian Area Studies concentration emphasizes language studies and regional studies in political economy or cultural history, and requires two years of language.

  • six (6) credits of an Asian Language, level 3 and above are required. Level 1 and 2 of an Asian Language are considered pre-requisite.

East Asian Studies Concentration

The East Asian Studies concentration emphasizes advanced language studies by requiring six (6) semesters of Chinese, Japanese, Korean or other Asian language, which may be done with:

  • four (4) semesters in one Asian language, levels 3 and 4 will count towards the major and two (2) semesters in another Asian language levels 1 and 2 (only 6 credits will be counted from the second language for this requirement).

Asian World Affairs Concentration

The Asian World Affairs Track emphasizes the role of Asia in contemporary world affairs, and requires one year of language but encourages additional study. In the 21st century, it is crucial for students interested in current issues of Asian economies and policies, trade and investment, and cross-cultural exchanges and intellectual activities to be well-versed in an interdisciplinary study of the area. Familiarity with a relevant Asian language is required for students to better understand Asia and world affairs. For this track students select:

  • four (4) courses in contemporary and/or comparative Asian issues, visit the course list. Please see advisor about other course options; advanced language courses can be used to fulfill the electives (only level 1 and level 2 of an Asian Language are required).

Japanese Area Studies Major

For this track, 12 credits of Japanese Language are required, excluding levels 1 and 2 which are pre-requisites.

Chinese Area Studies Major

For this track, 9 credits of Chinese Language are required, excluding levels 1 and 2 which are seen as pre-requisites.

Fully Online

Please note that this is the only track in the Asian Studies Program which fully online students can sign up for. For this track, only levels 1 and 2 of an Asian Language that is offered fully online is required.

Major Requirements (36 credits)

Students must earn a grade of "C" or higher in all courses required for the major. A grade of "C-" or lower is NOT acceptable in any required course. This is a university rule as stated in the Undergraduate Catalog under the Steven J. Green School of International and Public Affairs.

  • For a full list of course offerings that can potentially be used to satisfy major requirements visit the Undergraduate Courses page.
  • Requirement Checklist - Please note that this checklist is only applicable for the tracks/concentrations in Asian Area Studies, East Asian Studies and Asian World Affairs.

Core & Capstone Courses (6 credits)

  • ASN 3410 Introduction to East Asia (3 credits) (fulfills the Global Learning UCC Foundations OR Discipline-Specific; and the Gordon Rule with Writing)
  • ASN 4510 Dynamics of Asia OR ASN 4390 Modern Asia (3 credits) (or equivalent based on approval of Program Director)

NOTE: Although one course, either Dynamics of Asia (ASN 4510) OR Modern Asia (ASN 4390), is required, both can be taken a second time for credit as a repeat course.

ASN-prefix Courses (9 credits)

Students will complete 9 credits of ASN-prefix courses.

Asia-Related Courses (9 credits)

Students will complete 9 credits of Asia-related coursework. Courses can be from multidisciplinary approaches covering the humanities and arts and/or the social scientific studies which have a focus in Asian Studies. Students are encouraged to complete their coursework on areas including: Art, Art History, Economics, Geography, History, International Relations, Literature, Philosophy, Politics, Religion, Sociology/Anthropology.

Language Requirement (6 credits)

Students must achieve two semesters (6 credits) of Intermediate-level (2000) or higher in Chinese, Japanese, Korean or other Asian Language, unless pursuing Asian World Affairs track (see above). For most students, this will require a pre-requisite of Introductory-level (1000) courses or demonstrating proficiency through testing, interview, etc. If a student tests out of language courses, s/he must fulfill the requirements with additional course work.

Students may also receive credits through Study Abroad in Asia and Internship programs. 

Main Concentration (6 credits)

For the main concentration, students will choose from the following tracks: Asian Area Studies, East Asian Studies, or Asian World Affairs.

  • For the Asian Area Studies track, this could include area studies and/or language courses.
  • For the East Asian Studies track this must be one year in a second Asian language.
  • For the Asian World Affairs (see above) and click here for a sample course list.

Students may also take up to six (6) credits in independent studies and may receive credits through Study Abroad courses or an Internship program.

If you have any advising questions or a question about a specific course, please email asian@fiu.edu.