Asian Studies

Program Description

The undergraduate certificate in Asian Studies provides students with a rich learning experience about a fascinating and increasingly important region of the world, and is intended to enhance the student's competitiveness upon graduation. The program provides a multidisciplinary approach covering the philosophy, religion, art history, language, and literature of Asia as well as issues in history, politics, geography, sociology/anthropology, and international relations. This certificate is only available to degree-seeking students.

Unlike other Certificates offered by the Asian Studies program, this certificate cannot be done in conjunction with the Asian Studies Major and/or Minor.

A new online version of this certificate is now available for for fully online degree seeking students. 

Requirements (18 Credits)

A grade of "C" or better is required for all courses (C- is not acceptable).

  • Two semesters (6 credits) of Introductory-level (1000) or higher in Chinese, Japanese, Korean or other Asian Language. (First year language courses are 5-credits each, for a total of 10, but a maximum of 6 credits will be applied to the certificate)
  • 12 credits focusing on Asian Studies and Asian Area Studies from the coursework listed below to be chosen with the approval of the Director with a “C” or better, with 6 credits of ASN prefix courses; in addition to the courses listed here, relevant special topics, area studies, or comparative studies courses may also be applied. These courses represent a partial list; students should consult with an advisor for the certificate program about current course offerings and a full list of courses accepted for the certificate.

All ASN-prefix courses are applicable

Asian Studies Courses (6 credits)

  • ASN 3016 China Then and Now
  • ASN 3125 Spirituality of Japan
  • ASN 3143 Corporate Culture of China
  • ASN 3153 Topics in Korean Culture
  • ASN 3154 Traditional and Modern Korea
  • ASN 3200 Asian Through Film
  • ASN 3202 Japanese Anime and Manga
  • ASN 3329 Women in Asian Society
  • ASN 3403 Zen and the Art of Tea Ceremony
  • ASN 3410 Introduction to East Asia -- GL
  • ASN 3414 Pop Culture of East Asia
  • ASN 3503 Exploring East Asia: Virtual Reality
  • ASN 3931 Travel Special Topics in Asian
  • ASN 4111 Studies Japan and the New East
  • ASN 4810 East Asian Texts in Translation

Language Courses (6 credits)

  • CHI 1130 Chinese I
  • CHI 1131 Chinese II
  • CHI 2200 Intermediate Chinese
  • CHI 2201 Intermediate Chinese II
  • CHI 3440 Business Chinese
  • JPN 1130 Japanese I
  • JPN 1131 Japanese II
  • JPN 2200 Intermediate Japanese I
  • JPN 2201 Intermediate Japanese II
  • JPN 3140 Japanese for Business
  • JPN 3400 Advanced Japanese I
  • JPN 3401 Advanced Japanese II
  • JPN 4930 Special Topics in Japanese
  • JPN 3500 Japanese Culture and Society – GL
  • JPN 4930 Special Topics in Japanese
  • KOR 1113 Korean I
  • KOR 1132 Korean II
  • KOR 2220 Intermediate Korean I

Area Studies Courses (6 Credits)

  • ASH 3440 History of Japan
  • ASH 4300 East Asian Civilization
  • ASH 4451 Samurai, Shogun, Sumo and Shopkeepers: A Social and Cultural History of Edo Japan
  • ASH 4707 History of China
  • CHT 3502 Chinese Culture and Society
  • CPO Comparative Political Economics of Asia
  • ESC 3200 Economics of Asia
  • INR 3224 International Relations of East Asia
  • JPN 3500 Japanese Culture and Society
  • REL 3308 Studies in World Religions
  • REL 3310 Introduction to Asian Religions
  • REL 3316 Healing in Asian Religions
  • SYD 4412 Cities in Asia

For a complete list of available courses, visit the Undergraduate Courses page. 

Study Abroad (Optional)

Students are encouraged to earn credits through a study abroad (summer travel) or student exchange (one or two semesters travel) program with a university in Asia. Several programs are offered. Students may earn three to six credits for study abroad and up to fifteen credits for student exchange. Please inquire with the Director or with the Office of Education Abroad about international programs.

For questions about a particular course, please email asian@fiu.edu.