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.

Asian Studies Scholarship and Fellowship Opportunities

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

Taiko Club Interview

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

Alum Feature: Aya Goto '19

Aya Goto graduated in May 2019 with a double major in Japanese and Comparative Politics. She is currently working as a Coordinator for International Relations through the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program.  Click here to read about Aya’s experience working in Japan. 

Denise Glover Participates in Fujian Normal University Faculty Exchange

Professor Denise Glover (SOAN, Asian Studies) visited Fujian Normal University (FNU) for two weeks in June 2019 through the Fujian Faculty Exchange Program. Click here to read about her experience.​

Alum Feature: Nicholas Navin '19

Nicholas Navin graduated in May 2019 with a major in SOAN and a minor in Japanese. He is currently working as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant.  Click here to read about Nicholas's experience working in Indonesia.