We offer an interdisciplinary, regionally-focused major in Asian Studies with a wide variety of courses on Asia in ten departments (Art History, Asian Languages and Literatures, Economics, English, History, Linguistics, Music, Religion, Sociology and Anthropology, Political Science). We attract students with an overriding interest in one or more regions of Asia who want to explore complex cultural or social phenomena without being confined to one department. We also offer minors in East Asian Studies and in South Asian Studies for students majoring in traditional departments to bring focus to their choice of electives.
Language learning: One year of study of an Asian language is required in our major and minor. Our regular offerings include Chinese and Japanese. Languages available through special arrangement include Hindi, Tamil, Urdu, and Uzbek.
Off campus studies experiences: One term of off campus study (OCS) in Asia is required in our major and minors, and many of our students participate in more than one program. Faculty-led Carlton programs are very popular. Film, Literature, and Culture in Mumbai and Seoul provides opportunities for students to learn about the influence of Indian and Korean television and pop culture, both in Asia and throughout the world. Globalization and Local Responses in India focuses on social structures and institutions in India and the intersections with development, sustainability and gender relations.
In addition, Buddhist Studies in Bodh Gaya (Carleton Global Engagement Program) introduces students to both the theory and practice of Buddhism. Carleton also cooperates with several other colleges to sponsor the Associated Kyoto Program, and Waseda University sponsored by the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) for students interested in Japan. Opportunities to study in Asia also are available through a variety of non-Carleton programs.
As the culmination of these three components of our program, our students work on a wide variety of senior comprehensive projects (called “Comps” at Carleton).