Founded in 1964, Carleton’s Program in Asian Studies is administered by a committee of faculty drawn from multiple departments. It involves a wide variety of courses and activities aimed at enhancing appreciation and understanding of the art, life, and thought of the cultures of Asia, past and present.
We concentrate on three regions:
East Asia
- China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam
South Asia
- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tibet
Central Asia
- Afghanistan, Bhutan, Iran, the Islamic former Soviet republics, Manchuria, inner and outer Mongolia, Tibet, Xinjiang
The program consists of courses on Asia in nine departments, extracurricular events on campus, and off-campus studies. An interdisciplinary, regionally-focused major in Asian Studies is offered, which is especially suitable for students with an overriding interest in one or more regions of Asia whose academic needs cannot be met by majoring in a regular department. Students who major in other departments may minor in East Asian Studies or South Asian Studies.
Info for First-Year Students
Asian Studies focuses on three regions: East Asia, South Asia, and Inner Asia. The program includes courses on Asia in nine departments, extracurricular events on campus, and opportunities for off-campus study.
Can I major in Asian Studies?
Yes, there is a major in Asian Studies, along with a minor in East Asian Studies and a minor in South Asian Studies.
Topics explored
Asian art, languages, literature, religions, society, politics, economics, and history.
How to get started
Students interested in Asian Studies are encouraged to begin the study of an Asian language and/or take introductory classes related to Asia in any of the various departments that contribute to the program.