The Asian and Asian American Studies major is designed to accomplish three goals: to ground the student in a regional language and culture, to survey various disciplines in Asian and Asian American Studies, and to provide advanced research opportunities. The program prepares students for further graduate work, professional education, or employment in the public or private sector. There is also an increasing demand for graduates who combine a major in a disciplinary field (e.g., business, economics, international relations) with a second major in Asian and Asian American Studies, including Asian language competence.
Requirements
The major in Asian and Asian American Studies requires a minimum of 32 credits for the standard track and 35 credits for the Honors track, which includes study abroad. All students must reach Intermediate II level in an Asian language, participate in an Asian International Experience, and complete courses in the following categories:
A. One Foundational Core Course (4 credits)
B. Depth Concentration (12-16 credits)
- Students choose 3-4 courses in Asian Humanities and Social Sciences.
C. Advanced Asian Studies Course (4 credits)
- Students choose one advanced Asian Studies course at the 200 level or above. This may include an advanced Asian language course.
D. Asian Studies Electives (3-8 credits)
- Students choose 1-2 additional elective courses.
E. One Asian International Experience (3-4 credits)
- Asian Studies majors are eligible for Asian Studies travel support if they participate in a Lehigh-approved program. After declaring the major, students will meet with the Study Abroad adviser to design their Asian International Experience. Students may also choose to take part of their Asian Studies course credits through Study Abroad. If Study Abroad is difficult academically or financially, other arrangements can be made upon major advisor’s approval.
F. Senior Capstone (4-8* credits)
- Pre-Capstone (2-4 credits in Fall); Capstone (2-4 credits in Spring)
- Students are encouraged to build on earlier coursework or work with primary sources under supervision of a faculty member.
- *Credit load varies depending on whether student chooses Honors or standard track.
Explore specific requirements and courses on the Course Catalog