Asian Studies (ASIA)

Courses

ASIA 010 (PHIL 010, REL 010) Intro to Buddhism: Love Death and Freedom 4 Credits

This course will introduce students to Buddhist practices, philosophical systems, and cultural forms, from Buddhism's Indian origins to its spread across Asia and globally. Students will explore how Buddhists have approached the problem of death, the possibility of freedom, and the forms of social and individual love and concern. Course materials include poetry, biographies, philosophical writings, art and film.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU

ASIA 012 (REL 012) Mountains, Buddhas, Ancestors: Introduction to East Asian Religions 4 Credits

This course explores the principal religions of East Asia, including Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, Shinto, and Shamanic Traditions. What is each tradition’s view of human potential? How is ultimate reality depicted and experienced? What do home altars, boisterous festivals, and silent meditation halls have in common? Several primary texts are read in translation.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU

ASIA 050 (MLL 050, WGSS 050) Dreaming in Pre-modern China 4 Credits

Life is a cosmic allegory experienced by a group of all-too-human incarnated spirits of the 18th century novel Story of the Stone (aka Dream of the Red Chamber). A unique depiction on the inner emotional landscape of young women and the quest for identity by Precious Jade--is he a real boy? Read and discuss in English. Option to combine with CHIN 371 for those who wish to also read and research it in Chinese.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU, W

ASIA 053 (THTR 053) Bollywood Dance 2 Credits

Bollywood is a term compounded from "Bombay" (now Mumbai) and “Hollywood.” Bollywood dance is the movement form used in Indian films - a unique and energetic style inspired by Indian folk dance and Indian classical dance, Middle Eastern, and modern dance. Explore how each of these unique styles combine to create modern Bollywood dance. Learn the fundamental movements, gestures, and expressions that create the Bollywood dance aesthetic, and how they are applied in choreographed sequences.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU

ASIA 055 (THTR 055) Indian Classical Dance 2 Credits

Introduction to the history and practice of Bharatanatyam, a classical dance style of India. Understanding basic footwork, hand gestures, and body movements, and how they are combined to convey emotion, meaning, and imagery. Traditional repertoire, music, terminology, and the spectator's experience of the dance.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU

ASIA 057 Globalization in Asia through Time and Space 4 Credits

Have you ever wondered about Asia? It covers a vast geographic territory; it is divided into East, South, and Southeast Asia and each sub-region contains numerous different ethnic groups, cultures and nations. The time span for these cultures is similarly vast going back to pre-history and continuing through modern times. The topics we investigate range from popular culture to technology, music, gender, languages, and so on. Students will have a chance to participate in hands-on experience sessions on these topics.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU

ASIA 060 (REL 060) Religions of South Asia 4 Credits

A thematic introduction to the foundational religious traditions of South Asia: Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Islam. Students explore the social and spiritual dimensions of these religious worlds through scripture, ritual practices, narrative and teaching traditions, music and art.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU

ASIA 061 (IR 061) East Asian International Relations 4 Credits

Introduction to East Asian international relations, with emphasis on post-1945 period: historical background of Asian international system; Cold War conflicts; China's rise and regional responses; Japan's changing international role; the two Koreas; ASEAN and Asian regionalism; U.S. and Russian policies; current and future issues.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW

ASIA 063 (IR 063) U.S.-China Relations 4 Credits

Introduction and analysis of the historical context and key aspects of contemporary US-China relations: Cold War US containment, rapprochement and diplomatic normalization; American arms sale and the Taiwan controversy; conflict and cooperation in the Korean Peninsula; economic interdependence and frictions; human rights and security relations; Asian regional disputes. Students may not receive credit for both IR/ASIA 063 and IR/ASIA 163.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW

ASIA 066 (IR 066) Japan in a Changing World 4 Credits

This course explores Japanese foreign policy through its historical and international context; domestic determinants; foreign and security policymaking processes; policy toward major regional players; foreign economic policy; current grand strategic debates.
Attribute/Distribution: SS, SW

ASIA 072 (MLL 072) Ghosts, Monsters, and J-Horror 4 Credits

What’s behind our fascination with the ghost stories? What are some of the social issues that the horror stories examine? What makes us afraid? Examining Japan’s long tradition of horror stories of ghosts and monsters, this course introduces students to various Japanese horror stories, ranging from the classical texts to “J-Horror,” and explores how contemporary forms of popular culture such as anime, manga, and films draw on, or depart from, the traditional images of supernatural beings. No prerequisites. In English.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU, W

ASIA 074 (MLL 074) Chinese Cultural Program 1-8 Credits

A summer program in China, taught in English.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU

ASIA 075 (HIST 075, MLL 075) Chinese Civilization 4 Credits

This course reviews the evolution of Chinese culture from the Neolithic up to the end of the imperial age in 1911. While the framework is historical, students are exposed to all facets of what defines civilization, including social traditions, philosophy, religion, material culture, literature, art and architecture, military science, education, law, and institutional history. Students are encouraged to continue their study of China afterwards with the course on Modern Chinese Civilization.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, SS, W

ASIA 077 (GS 077, REL 077) The Islamic Tradition 4 Credits

A thematic introduction to Islamic history, doctrine and practice. Topics include: Qur’an; prophecy and sacred history; ritual practices; community life; legal interpretation; art and aesthetics; mysticism; politics and polemics.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU, W

ASIA 078 (MLL 078) Asian-American Studies 4 Credits

A survey of issues concerning Asians living in the United States from the perspectives of history, language, literature, and film.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU

ASIA 079 (DES 079) Digital Bridges 2 Credits

Run as an independent study; research ancient Chinese bridges, gardens, and pavilions. Digitize images and website design. Create photographic documentation of the Bridge Project. Produce documentary from historical materials concerning history of Chinese students at Lehigh. Bridge Project students could continue project work in Shanghai and Beijing.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.

ASIA 080 (HIST 080) In Search for Modern China 4 Credits

This course is designed as a survey history of modern China from the late Ming to the present. We will ask some important questions over the course of the semester. When does "modern" China begin? How do we approach modern Chinese history? What are the boundaries of China/Chinese identity? Could these concepts stretch to include the Chinese diaspora? How has Chinese imperial history affected contemporary China’s state and society?
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, SS, W

ASIA 091 Special Topics 1-4 Credits

A topic, genre, or intensive, research-oriented study of a subject or issue in Asian Studies not covered in other courses.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, CC, HE, HU, SS, SW, W

ASIA 099 (ARAB 099, CHIN 099, FREN 099, GERM 099, HEBR 099, JPNS 099, MLL 099, RUSS 099, SPAN 099) Language & Culture Abroad I 0-8 Credits

Elementary language and culture abroad other than Chinese or Japanese.
Attribute/Distribution: AL, HU

ASIA 110 (MLL 110, REL 110) Drinking and Immortality 4 Credits

This class explores modes of transcendence and their expression in literature and art, but most especially poetry. The primary focus is the role of drinking alcoholic beverages in traditional Chinese society and religion, but also on other modes and what is meant by the search for immortality - and the use of inner versus outer alchemy - will be examined.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU, W

ASIA 114 (SOC 114) Social Issues in Contemporary China 4 Credits

Dramatic Economic, cultural and social changes are underway in China today and have aroused much debate among social scientists East and West. The following social issues are critical for understanding China’s development trajectory: inequality and poverty; rapid demographic shifts; provision of health care services; provision of education services; and becoming an “information society.” We will explore how these issues intersect with old hierarchies in China, urban-rural differences, and gender differences.
Attribute/Distribution: SS

ASIA 115 (MLL 115, WGSS 115) Sex, War, Women, Art 4 Credits

Through the study of selected visual and literary works in their historical and social contexts, students will gain knowledge of Japan. This course examines various cultures from the perspectives of gender and sexuality as constitutive factors of Japanese society. Materials include a film depicting a romantic life of samurai, art works by contemporary women artists, and writings on sex workers, impacted by the Japanese empire. Students will be exposed to feminist theories in this course; taking WGSS001 is recommended prior.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W

ASIA 119 (GS 119, REL 119) The Podcast and the Lotus 4 Credits

Buddhism is increasingly a global phenomenon. Contemporary Buddhist teachers stay in touch with students via podcasts, WeChat, Twitter and Facebook. Buddhists from Singapore, Tibet, Japan, Mexico, Taiwan or Pennsylvania now meet via new technology. This class asks, how is Buddhism now a global religion? what effect has this had? How is Buddhism a "modern" religion? Students explore issues of conversion, modernity, globalization, new technology, migration and travel. Sources include autobiography, film, travel writing, political essays, interviews, social media, ethnography.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W

ASIA 130 (MLL 130, REL 130) Monkey Business 4 Credits

Read and discuss in English the premodern Chinese enlightenment odyssey, the Journey To The West, featuring the famous mischievous and magical martial arts master, the Monkey King. Familiarize yourself with a cultural icon that has entertained and inspired since the 16th century and continues to inspire spin-off dramas, comics, acrobatic and TV shows, movies, and video games.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU, W

ASIA 135 (MLL 135, WGSS 135) POWER, (WO)MEN, SILENCE 4 Credits

What do women say in their writings when their voices are silenced? How does silence speak to you? How do gender, sexuality, class, and power articulate one another? Through the study of selected short stories, novels, films, and anime, this course examines various voices, cultures, histories, and societies in Japan. No prior knowledge of Japanese language is required. An introductory course taught in English.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU, W

ASIA 140 (PHIL 140) Eastern Philosophy 4 Credits

Survey of selected texts and issues in the eastern philosophical traditions. Attention will be given to the development and interrelations of these traditions as well as a comparison of western and eastern treatments of selected issues. Areas of focus may include Confucianism, Taoism, and Zen Buddhism.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU

ASIA 142 (PHIL 142) Zen and Art of the Everyday 4 Credits

The Japanese conception of beauty is strikingly different to our own: it is associated with impermanence, imperfection, and austerity. Moreover, attention to beauty pervades even everyday activities in Japan, such as wrapping purchases at the dollar store or putting out garbage. This course explores principles that guide the Japanese aesthetic sensibility with an eye to its expression in Japanese literature, film, and traditional arts, such as the tea ceremony and gardening.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU

ASIA 145 (GS 145, REL 145) Islam and the Modern World 4 Credits

Examines how numerous Muslim thinkers-religious scholars, modernists, and Islamists-have responded to the changes and challenges of the colonial and post-colonial eras. Special emphasis is placed on the public debates over Islamic authority and authenticity in contemporary South Asia.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W

ASIA 152 (GS 152, MLL 152) Chinese Literature in the World 4 Credits

What place does Chinese literature occupy in the world? In this course we will read and discuss important works of modern Chinese fiction and drama alongside critical and theoretical writings on world literature. Student papers will integrate these discussions to reflect on questions such as center/periphery, national form, and canon formation. The course objectives are to introduce students to current debates on the topic of world literature and to resplendent modern Chinese short stories, novellas, and plays. Taught in English.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HU, W

ASIA 163 (IR 163) U.S.-China Relations 4 Credits

Introduction and analysis of the historical context and key aspects of contemporary US-China relations: Cold War US containment, rapprochement and diplomatic normalization; American arms sale and the Taiwan controversy; conflict and cooperation in the Korean Peninsula; economic interdependence and frictions; human rights and security relations; Asian regional disputes. This is an advanced course on US-China relations. Students may not receive credit for both IR/ASIA 063 and IR/ASIA 163.
Prerequisites: IR 010 or IR 061
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS

ASIA 164 (IR 164) Japan in a Changing World 4 Credits

ASIA 169 (REL 169) Enlightening Lives: Buddhist Auto/Biography in Asia and the US 4 Credits

How do Buddhists imagine a "good life"? Buddhist biographies, autobiographies, poems, paintings, and films from Asia and the US reveal how Buddhists describe an ideal human life, addressing love, art, war, religious awakening.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W

ASIA 172 (REL 172) Tibetan Buddhism and Society 4 Credits

This course examines the history, rituals, practices and art of the Tibetan Buddhist world, and the interaction of Tibetan Buddhism with the Tibetan Bon religion and Tibetan Islam. Students will explore film, autobiography, visual arts, and religious writings, asking, How has Tibetan Buddhism shaped Tibetan societies, as well as neighboring cultures in East Asia and Inner Asia? In what ways is Tibetan Buddhism now a global religion?
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU, W

ASIA 173 (REL 173, WGSS 173) Sex, Celibacy and Sainthood: Gender and Religion in East Asia 4 Credits

This course explores themes of sexuality, celibacy, gender, and sainthood in East Asian religions. We will pay special attention to the experiences of religious women from many walks of life and time periods, from traditions including Buddhism, Daoism, and shamanism. Through film, poetry, autobiography, philosophical writing, visual art, and descriptions of visionary experience, students will encounter Buddhist and Daoist nuns, lay women, mothers, shamanic healers, oracles, activists, and royalty, from Tibet, Korea, Japan, China, and the U.S..
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W

ASIA 186 (SOC 186) Understanding China through Films 4 Credits

We will use documentary and feature films to demonstrate how Chinese people experience and interpret social, political, economic and cultural changes. Through sociological interpretation of film, we will focus on education provision, migration, environmental concerns, gender relations, poverty, and changing cultural norms and values. We will explore how these social issues have been intensified with economic reform and how they intersect with major historical hierarchies in China.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW

ASIA 187 (ANTH 187, GS 187) Contemporary Southeast Asia 4 Credits

Peoples and cultures of Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines. World view, religion, economy, politics, and social organization.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW

ASIA 191 Special Topics 1-4 Credits

ASIA 199 (ARAB 199, CHIN 199, FREN 199, GERM 199, HEBR 199, JPNS 199, MLL 199, RUSS 199, SPAN 199) Language & Culture Abroad II 0-8 Credits

Intermediate language and culture abroad other than Chinese and Japanese.
Attribute/Distribution: HU

ASIA 201 (GS 201, POLS 201) South Asian Politics 4 Credits

Examines the politics of countries in South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives). Some of the key themes are 1) the lasting legacy of colonialism, 2) ways in which ethnic and religious diversity is managed, 3) distinctiveness of political institutions like parliament and constitutions in South Asia, and 4) how politics, economics, and culture relate to one another. The focus of the course changes each year in order to reflect current developments and student interest.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW

ASIA 213 (MUS 213) Drums and Gongs: Asian Musical Cultures 3 Credits

A study of Asian music history, theory, aesthetics, and cultures through hands-on performance workshops, lectures, and seminars.
Attribute/Distribution: HU

ASIA 220 (REL 220) Poet, Meditator, King: Classics of East Asian Religion 4 Credits

Classic texts of East Asia and an introduction to the traditions they represent. What do these texts teach about reality, humanity, divinity, virtue and society? How is the path of personal and social transformation presented?
Attribute/Distribution: HU

ASIA 221 (REL 221) Topics in Asian Religions 4 Credits

Selected thematic and comparative issues in different Asian religious traditions. May include Buddhism and Christianity, religion and martial arts, Asian religions in America, Taoist meditation, Zen and Japanese business, Buddhist ethics.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.

ASIA 240 (PHIL 240) Eastern Philosophy Seminar 4 Credits

Advanced seminar in Eastern Philosophy. Content varies. Check department website for term-specific content. May be repeated for credit if the content differs. Student must have completed at least one Philosophy course at the 100-level.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU

ASIA 247 (GS 247, REL 247) Islamic Mysticism 4 Credits

Sufism, the inner or ‘mystical’ dimension of Islam, has deep historical roots and diverse expressions throughout the Muslim world. Students examine Sufi doctrine and ritual, the master-disciple relationship, and the tradition’s impact on art and music, poetry and prose.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W

ASIA 254 (ETH 254, EVST 254, REL 254) Buddhism and Ecology 4 Credits

Buddhism’s intellectual, ethical, and spiritual resources are re-examined in light of contemporary environmental problems. Is Buddhism the most green of the major world religions? What are the moral implications of actions that affect the environment?
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HE, HU, W

ASIA 256 (HIST 256, MLL 256, WGSS 256) Women in Pre-Industrial China 4 Credits

This seminar focuses on the role of women as defined by medical, philosophical, legal, historical, religious, literary and other Chinese texts from ancient through early modern times. Attention is how women contributed to the evolution of traditional Chinese civilization and culture. The course materials are in English.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU, W

ASIA 257 (HIST 257, HMS 257, MLL 257) Traditional Chinese Medicine: Historical Perspectives 4 Credits

This seminar focuses on conceptions of the human body and health that evolved from the ancient through early modern times. Special attention is paid to healing strategies, the roles of healers and patients, and the evolution of a medical canon. The course materials are in English.
Attribute/Distribution: HE, HU, W

ASIA 291 Special Topics 1-4 Credits

ASIA 299 (ARAB 299, CHIN 299, FREN 299, GERM 299, HEBR 299, MLL 299, RUSS 299, SPAN 299) Language & Culture Abroad III 0-8 Credits

Advanced language and culture abroad other than Chinese and Japanese.
Attribute/Distribution: HU

ASIA 339 (POLS 339) The Rise of the State in Modern East Asia 4 Credits

An examination of the role of Asian nationalism in the construction of the modern state form in Asia.
Attribute/Distribution: SS

ASIA 343 (AAS 343, GS 343, POLS 343) Global Politics of Race: Asia and Africa 4 Credits

An examination of the concept of “race” and its impact on domestic and international politics.
Attribute/Distribution: SS

ASIA 361 Internship in Asian Studies 1-4 Credits

Internship in public or private agency involved in some aspect of Asian studies. Individual faculty mentor. Written report required. Program permission required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HU, SS, W

ASIA 364 (IR 364) Chinese Foreign Policy 4 Credits

Research-oriented seminar focusing on the sources of Chinese foreign policy preferences and goals, foreign policy decision-making processes, international implications of the rise of China, and the pressing regional and global issues that China is facing now and in the future. Students are strongly recommended to take at least one China/East Asia course before, or simultaneously with, IR364. Consent of department required.
Prerequisites: IR 010 or IR 061 or ASIA 061 or IR 062 or ASIA 062 or IR 063 or ASIA 063 or IR 161 or ASIA 161 or IR 163 or ASIA 163
Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, W

ASIA 369 (GS 369, POLS 369, WGSS 369) Women's Movement in China 4 Credits

We will examine the state-sponsored, state-directed mass movement for the liberation of Chinese women. Beginning with Confucian notions of mother/daughterhood, to imperial system, to the role of women in the founding and establishment of the Communist Party of China, to the participation of women and girls in the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution. Gender equality issues have been a central focus of the Party. The class will look at post-reform era women's status and ask, “did the Party liberate women?”
Attribute/Distribution: SS

ASIA 371 Advanced Readings in Asian Studies 1-4 Credits

Directed course of reading and writing in advanced topic not covered in regular Asian Studies course offerings. Program permission required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HU, SS, W

ASIA 381 Senior Seminar in Asian Studies 1-4 Credits

Advanced seminar focusing on discussion and research on specialized subjects in Asian studies. Variable subject matter. Offered by faculty on rotating basis. Program permission required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HU, SS, W

ASIA 386 Chinese Culture in a Multinational Workplace 3 Credits

Students explore the interaction between Chinese and non-Chinese cultures at a variety of work sites in the city of Shanghai, a port city that has involved people of many nationalities since its birth in the 1840s. This project-based course involves a faculty mentored practicum at one or more specific sites related to the student's own field or major, assigned readings, weekly electronic Course Site discussions, and a written summary of the experience.

ASIA 389 Honors Project 1-6 Credits

An opportunity for majors who want to undertake a project with the potential for program honors. Requires approval of program advisor.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, W

ASIA 391 Special Topics 1-4 Credits

ASIA 399 Senior Thesis in Asian Studies 1-4 Credits

Advanced, individual research project on topic agreed between faculty and student. Research paper and oral defense required. Open to Asian studies majors only. Program permission required.
Repeat Status: Course may be repeated.
Attribute/Distribution: CC, HU, SS, W