Program Overview
The University of Toledo's Asian Studies program offers a comprehensive education in Asian affairs, focusing on language, culture, politics, economics, and business. Students develop language proficiency in Japanese or Chinese and gain a deep understanding of Asian history, culture, and politics. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, government, international business, and non-governmental organizations.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The University of Toledo offers an interdisciplinary Asian Studies degree program designed to provide students with a comprehensive and systematic education in Asian affairs. The program focuses on language, culture, political science, economics, history, and geography, as well as business and related areas. The program's objectives are to:
- Provide students with a deep understanding of the history, culture, and politics of Asia
- Develop students' language skills in Japanese or Chinese
- Prepare students for careers in academia, government, international business, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations
Outline:
The Asian Studies degree program consists of 124 credit hours. The curriculum includes:
- Core courses: These courses provide students with a foundation in the history, culture, politics, and economics of Asia.
- Language courses: Students are required to take at least two years of Japanese or Chinese language study.
- Electives: Students can choose elective courses from a variety of disciplines, including anthropology, economics, history, political science, and sociology. Sample Course Schedule:
First Year
- Fall Semester
- Introduction to Asian Studies
- Chinese or Japanese I
- History of Asia I
- Social Sciences Elective
- Spring Semester
- Intermediate Chinese or Japanese I
- History of Asia II
- Arts and Humanities Elective
- Natural Sciences Elective
Second Year
- Fall Semester
- Advanced Chinese or Japanese I
- Politics of Asia
- Economics of Asia
- Cultural Elective
- Spring Semester
- Advanced Chinese or Japanese II
- Asian Religions
- Literature of Asia
- Social Sciences Elective
Third Year
- Fall Semester
- Special Topics in Asian Studies
- Asian Business
- History of China or Japan
- Electives
- Spring Semester
- Study Abroad (optional)
- Electives
Fourth Year
- Fall Semester
- Senior Seminar
- Electives
- Spring Semester
- Electives
- Capstone Project
Assessment:
Students in the Asian Studies program are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams: Students are required to take exams in all of their courses.
- Papers: Students are required to write papers in many of their courses.
- Presentations: Students are required to give presentations in some of their courses.
- Participation: Students are expected to participate actively in all of their classes.
Teaching:
The Asian Studies program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education. The faculty members use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and simulations. They also incorporate a variety of resources into their teaching, such as films, documentaries, and guest speakers.
Careers:
Graduates of the Asian Studies program are prepared for careers in a variety of fields, including:
- Academia
- Government
- International business
- International organizations
- Non-governmental organizations Graduates of the program have gone on to work as:
- Consumer advocates
- Cultural affairs officers
- Customs/immigration officers
- English teachers in Asian countries
- International business consultants
- International relations specialists
- Journalists
- National security officers
- University administrators and staff members
