Fall 2023

  • ASST 100: The Cultural Life of Plants in China

    This seminar will examine the role plants have played in China from ancient times through the end of the imperial era. It will investigate the uses of different types of plants (fruits, vegetables, flowers, grasses, etc.) in such areas as medicine, food, literature, art, and landscape management. We will seek to understand the ways in which plants function across and make connection between various aspects of human activities. In addition, the course will emphasize how plants have actively helped form Chinese cultural practices and systems of meaning throughout various historical periods.

     6 credits; Argument and Inquiry Seminar, International Studies, Writing Requirement; offered Fall 2023 · Kathleen Ryor

  • ASST 101: Buddhist Studies India Program: Elementary Hindi

    An introduction to basic colloquial Hindi speaking and writing skills for everyday interactions in Northern India. Essential grammar is introduced and reviewed in morning meetings, and conversational and reading abilities are developed in afternoon practice. Students are encouraged to practice speaking and listening comprehension by conversing with Hindi speakers outside of class. Formerly LCST 101.

     Prerequisites: Participation in GEP India Program 7-8 credits; Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Fall 2023 · Arthur McKeown

  • ASST 101: Buddhist Studies in India Program: Elementary Tibetan

    This course seeks to develop students’ level of proficiency in spoken Tibetan for basic communication, as well as the ability to read and write simple sentence constructions. Learning is grounded in written Tibetan, covering the alphabet, pronunciation, grammar, and basic vocabulary. Reading and comprehension skills are enhanced through direct translation of essential texts such as the Heart Sutra and a prayer of Manjushri. Students gain facility with spoken Tibetan through classroom drills and informal practice with Tibetans in Bodh Gaya. Students will also improve their understanding of Tibetan culture and society through this course. Formerly LCST 101

     Prerequisites: Participation in GEP India Program 7-8 credits; Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Fall 2023 · Arthur McKeown

  • ASST 103: Buddhist Studies India Program; Intermediate Hindi

    This course builds on the student’s previous training in spoken and written Hindi language. Students will gain the ability to initiate and sustain conversations with Hindi speakers, read and write in Hindi about personal and social situations, as well as extract the main idea and information from descriptive and narrative texts. Students will apply their language learning and deepen their understanding of Indian culture through interaction with local residents and participation in seasonal festivals and other activities.

     Prerequisites: Participation in GEP India Program 7-8 credits; Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Fall 2023 · Arthur McKeown

  • ASST 255: Buddhist Studies in India Program: Introduction to Field Methods and Ethics

    This course introduces students to the skills and ethics needed to conduct fieldwork for their independent study project in South Asia. In consultation with their adviser, students generate an independent study proposal (ISP) concerned with some aspect of Buddhist Studies (philosophy, ritual, meditation, the arts, culture, etc.) utilizing the unique resources available in India and neighboring countries. The ISP proposal outlines the topic, research methods, and resources located/developed by the student. Topics covered in the course include: introduction to research ethics; conducting a literature review; design and implementation of data collection protocols, interviewing, and survey questionnaires; summary, analysis and presentation data.

     Prerequisites: Participation in Buddhist Studies in India Program 4 credits; Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Fall 2023 · Arthur McKeown

  • ASST 319: Buddhist Studies India Program: History of South Asian Buddhism

    This course provides students with an introduction to the history of South Asian Buddhism. Using primary and secondary sources and resources available to us in Bodh Gaya, we evaluate competing perspectives on the history of Buddhism and debate significant historical and ethical questions. How did Buddhism relate to other ancient Indian religions? What was the relationship between Buddhism and ancient Indian political, social, and economic structures? How did Buddhism change during its 2000 years in India? What impact did South Asian Buddhism have on the ancient and medieval world? What is the relationship between modern Buddhism and ancient Buddhism?

     Prerequisites: Participation in GEP India Program 7-8 credits; International Studies, Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Fall 2023 · Arthur McKeown

  • ASST 391: Buddhist Studies India Program: Independent Study Project

    Students spend three weeks of the program conducting field work for the self-designed independent study project proposed in ASST 255: Introduction to Field Methods and Ethics. Students demonstrate ability to carry out an independent study project that successfully incorporates appropriate field research methods and responsible approaches to interpretation of data, and effectively demonstrates what they have learned about their research topic. The progress of each research project is evaluated at regular intervals in relation to parameters established in conjunction with the Faculty Director and faculty adviser. Students present their research at the end of the ISP.

     Prerequisites: Participation in GEP India Program 3-4 credits; Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Fall 2023 · Arthur McKeown

  • ASST 400: Integrative Exercise

    1-6 credit; S/NC; offered Fall 2023, Winter 2024 · Kathleen Ryor, Amna Khalid, Asuka Sango

Winter 2024

Spring 2024

  • ASST 110: Elementary Hindi-Urdu

    This course will introduce students to basic spoken and written Hindi and Urdu, languages spoken widely across India and Pakistan. The course will teach speaking, listening, reading and writing skills as these are used in everyday social and cultural situations. While in elementary spoken form Hindi and Urdu are almost indistinguishable, they are written in two distinct scripts, both of which students will learn. 

     6 credits; Does not fulfill a curricular exploration requirement; offered Spring 2024 · Brendan LaRocque

For a list of Asian-related courses by regional focus, subdivided by distribution area, please see the Asian Studies Major Requirements.