Asian Studies Minor
The Asian Studies minor at Elizabethtown College is perfect for those who have an interest in Asian cultures, languages, and peoples. Immerse yourself in countries on the other side of the planet, right from our campus in Pennsylvania! The program allows you to focus on a particular area of interest, or take a wider look at multiple Asian countries. A minor in Asian Studies fosters an appreciation for diverse cultures and encourages global understanding.
Students can apply their learning outside the classroom by studying abroad in a variety of Asian countries, including
- China
- Japan
- Thailand
- India
At the end of your studies, you will have developed a deep appreciation of Asian cultures, with a firm grasp of an Asian language of your choice (Chinese, Japanese, or Sanskrit). Asian Studies programs are interdisciplinary in nature, preparing students for a variety of careers and graduate programs.
Asian Studies Courses
Courses in the Asian Studies minor focus on history, society, business, art, entertainment, philosophy, and religion, and range from ancient to modern times. Some of the available electives are listed below.
- BA 280 - Doing Business in China
- BA 281 - Exploring China - History, Culture, and Business
- CHN 133 - NCH Introduction to Chinese Culture and Society
- HI 224 - History of Modern China
- HI 225 - History of Modern Japan
- JA 240 - NCH History of Japanese Art and Aesthetics (ART 240)
- JA 245 - NCH From Anime to Zen: Japanese Society, Business, and Culture
- JA 250 - Discovering Contemporary Japan: A Three-Week Cultural Immersion Experience
- REL 290 - NCH Dharma Traditions: Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Sikh
- REL 391 - Modern Hinduism
- REL 392 - Religion in China and Japan
- REL 393 - Indian Philosophy
Asian Studies Careers
An Asian Studies minor doesn’t narrowly focus on just one career outcome. Instead, it takes a broad liberal arts approach, building critical thinking, analysis, and writing and communication skills. These are necessary skills for graduate study, and many students in the program go on to earn their master’s degree or PhD.
Some possible career paths for an Asian Studies minor include:
- Diplomacy
- Business
- International Public Relations
- Translation
- Art and Animation
- Government
- Politics
- Nonprofit/Charity
Extracurricular Opportunities
Elizabethtown College offers vibrant and diverse clubs, including:
Additionally, the campus community hosts various events that examine Asian culture, such as movie nights, lectures, and panel discussions. Events scheduled for the year can be found on the Campus News and Events calendar.
For more information about the Asian Studies Minor, contact Dr. David Kenley, Professor of Asian Studies and History, at kenleyd@etown.edu.