Asian Studies

What are the territorial and conceptual boundaries of Asia? How is Asia connected to the rest of the world? How have perceptions of Asia changed throughout history? What are the key themes and patterns found in Asian literary and artistic traditions, and how does an understanding of Asia enhance our understanding of cultural, social, and political processes?

The vast region labeled “Asia” is complex and diverse, and Asian peoples and institutions have greatly influenced human experience throughout the world. Asian Studies offers courses in multiple disciplines, including art and art history; business; history; international political economy; languages and literature; politics and government; philosophy; religion; and, sociology and anthropology. In addition to offering an interdisciplinary minor, Asian Studies also offers majors and minors in Chinese and Japanese through its subsidiary Asian Languages and Cultures Program.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Asian Studies students participate in a wide variety of co-curricular activities, including talks from renowned scholars, Lunar New Year celebrations, Taiko drumming, batik workshops, tea ceremonies, and calligraphy demonstrations. Students also participate in intensive language study abroad programs in China, Japan, and Taiwan, as well as faculty-led field school programs in Southeast Asia.

AFTER PUGET SOUND 

Asian Studies students develop skills that prepare them to live and work in different cultural contexts, including the societies of Asia. Alumni pursue graduate study or employment in a diverse range of fields, including art, business, education, history, linguistics, politics, and religious studies.

Meet Yige Dong, the Barnett Chair of Contemporary China Studies

The Asian Studies Program is pleased to announce the appointment of Yige Dong as the Suzanne Wilson Barnett Chair in Contemporary China Studies. Yige will join Puget Sound in Fall 2019.  Learn more about Yige.

Chinese Innovation Forum 2019

The 5th Chinese Innovation Forum, Oct. 25–26, 2019, will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, innovation trade fair presentations, and many opportunities to meet and network with other K-16 educators. A key feature of the forum is to encourage the exchange of ideas and to foster collaboration among peers. Full details.

Taiko Club Interview

Recent SOAN graduate and former Taiko Club President, Nicholas Navin, shares his experience with Yume Daiko at Puget Sound.  

Asian Studies Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities

Information about scholarship and fellowship opportunities available to Asian Studies students.

2019 Thailand Field School

With the support of the LIASE program, Puget Sound students taking IPE 333 (Political Economy of Southeast Asia) are spending one month of their summer in Chiang Mai, Thailand studying Thai language, living in homestays with local families, and conducting research with Thai university students. 

Interview with Asian Studies Director

In an interview conducted for President Isiaah Crawford's Annual Report, Asian Studies Director Nick Kontogeorgopoulos discusses the strengths, community connections, and future direction of Asian Studies at Puget Sound.