Students choosing an Asian Studies major are advised to select one of two tracks for the degree. The student may choose an area of studies track, concentrating on one or more specific Asian societies, such as China, Japan, India, or Southeast Asia. Or, the student may choose to focus on an Asian American Studies track and combine the study of Asian Americans as ethnic minorities with supporting investigation of the countries of their historical origin.
Upper Division: A minimum of 21 units; students should select one of the following two tracks:
21 units of upper division work, including A/ST 492 (Proseminar in Asian Studies), and additional courses selected from the list of approved electives with the following provisions: (1) no more than 9 units shall be counted in a single discipline such as art or history, (2) no more than 9 units shall be credited that concentrate upon any one area of Asia, chosen from among the following: China, India, Japan, or Southeast Asia. No more than 6 units of courses on the Americas can be applied toward this requirement (N.B. In the case of seminar, thematic, or variable topic courses, the assignment of a disciplinary and/or geographic category will be made by the undergraduate advisor in consultation with the appropriate faculty member).
21 units of upper division work, selected from the list of approved electives with the following provisions: (1) A/ST 492 (Proseminar in Asian Studies [3 units]); (2) 12 units of upper division Asian American Studies including ASAM 310 and 345; (3) the remaining upper division units focusing on one geographical area of Asia, chosen from among the following: China, India, Japan, or Southeast Asia.
A student may earn a Certificate in Asian Studies with a concentration on China, Japan, India, or Southeast Asia. Where applicable, courses used to meet the certificate requirements also may be used to satisfy the General Education requirement and the major and teaching minor requirements of the cooperating departments.
Requirements
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian American Studies provides an interdisciplinary approach to explore the diverse histories, cultures, communities, and contemporary realities in Asian America. It is designed to offer students an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the complexities of Asian American experiences and to prepare them to function in a multiethnic society and multicultural world. The communication and critical analysis skills which are stressed in the program will be instrumental to students pursuing postbaccalaureate degrees in “traditional” disciplines, including History, Geography, Sociology, Psychology, and Literature; in interdisciplinary programs like Ethnic Studies and Women’s Studies; and in professional fields such as Law, Business Administration, and Social Work. The program’s curriculum and broad liberal arts perspectives likewise will prepare students for employment in several professions, including education, public policy, community development, media, social services, and human resources. Admission to the program requires completion of the G.E. Foundation courses.
Requirements
A major in Asian American Studies requires a minimum of 34 units, with at least 18 units earned in residence at CSULB. The 34 required units are to consist of:
Lower-Division Core Courses (6 units): ASAM 120, 221.
Upper-Division Core Courses (16 units): A/ST 300I, 301I, or 310; ASAM 305, 345, 346, 495
Upper-Division Electives (12 units): selected from at least two of the following groups:
Requirements
The Minor in Asian American Studies is available to all majors. A minimum of 22 units which must include:
Students pursuing any approved degree or credential degree or credential program of the University may at the same time earn a Certificate in Asian American Studies. Courses taken to meet the requirements may simultaneously be used, where applicable, to meet General Education requirements or the degree or credential requirements of cooperating departments. Certification of successful completion of requirements will be issued upon the recommendation of the Department Chair.
Requirements
Interested students should apply to the department office.
