Asian Studies | University of Lethbridge

Faculty of Arts & Science

Asian Studies Minor

Pack your bags—discover Asia Are you intrigued by Asian culture? Do you find yourself wondering about Asian religions? Are you ready to pack your bags, jump on an airplane and discover a far off land? Would you like to understand what links the civilizations of South, Southeast, and East Asia?

ulethbridge.ca/asianstudies

About the Asian Studies at uLethbridge Interest in Asia, exchange programs with universities in Asia, and cultural influences from Asia have deep roots at the University of Lethbridge and in the broader community. The first Buddhist temple in Canada east of the Rocky Mountains was in the nearby town of Raymond, Alberta.

The university’s oldest exchange program is with Hokkai-Gakuen University in Sapporo, Japan. Professors have been teaching at each other’s campuses for more than thirty years, and students have participated in this exchange with Japan for almost that long.

University of Lethbridge students now study in Malaysia and many other parts of Asia. They can also learn more about Asian history, geography, literature, religion, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, politics, economics, global health, gender, and social issues right here at uLethbridge. There are ever-growing ties between our university (and region) and many places, institutions, and people throughout Asia.

Opportunities Abroad. As a University of Lethbridge student interested in Asian sudies, there are many opportunities for you to travel abroad. Participating in a student exchange opportunity at one of our partner institutions in Asia can add an invaluable element to a well-rounded and successful academic experience.

Asian Studies Minor. Students may wish to consider declaring a minor for a variety of reasons: to enhance the depth of knowledge in a diverse area, to gain exposure to a range of perspectives, to build a foundation for an intended career, to pursue multiple passions, or to broaden talents. We seek to create greater opportunities for students interested in Asia by offering the minor in Asian studies. The minor will and help students discover the rich array of courses, speakers, exchange programs, and faculty research areas connected to Asia.

Asian Studies Courses. The minor in Asian studies is available as an adjunct to all majors in the BA, BSc, and BASc. It examines the histories, cultures, and societies of Asia in relation to diversity across time and space while also emphasizing commonalities in the civilizations of South, Southeast, and East Asia. Thematic organization will make reference to history, geography, literature, religion, philosophy, anthropology, sociology, politics, economics, global health, gender, and social issues to provide a broad introduction to Asia.

With a minor in Asian studies, you’ll have the opportunity to concentrate on your field of study through specialized courses on particular topics and by taking independent and applied studies courses tailored to your interests.

Courses may include: • Introduction to Asia • China in the 19th & 20th Centuries • Main Themes in East Asian History • Seminars in East Asian History • Japan and the Japanese • Study Tour of Japan • Ethnography of Southeast Asia • Beginners Japanese I & II • Intermediate Japanese I & II

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Advanced Japanese The Hindu Tradition The Buddhist Tradition East Asian Religions Studies in Indian Religion Studies in East Asian Religion Seminars in Eastern Religions Global Mental Health: China Cross Cultural Study in Malaysia

Learn more about the minor in Asian studies at uLethbridge, visit: ulethbridge.ca/asianstudies

Our Faculty & Their Research Faculty members at the University of Lethbridge are happy to involve undergraduate students in their research projects and as such support and supervise students in their research initiatives. Our faculty members often collaborate with other departments, community members and employers on research projects — giving you the opportunity to get additional hands-on experience.

Current Research & Areas of Interest: • Japanese Buddhism & Cross-cultural Exchange • Colonialism & India • Mumbai as Emerging Global City • Indian Religion, Philosophy & Culture • Medieval & Modern Hinduism • Asian Religious Teachers & Spiritual Seekers • The Hindu Great Goddess Durga • Japanese Religion & Culture • Modern & Global Buddhism • Buddhism in the West • Japanese Second Language Acquisition • Japanese Pedagogy • Development & Displacement • Social & Intellectual History of Japan • Labour Market Issues • Meiji Japan • Gender & Globalization • Japanese Society

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Women, Migration & Citizenship Religion & Sexuality Activism & Advocacy Addiction Food & Eating Trauma & Family Relationships Social Capital & Lived Multiculturalism Global Health Ageing Population in Relation to Social Policies International Social Policy Global Population Political & Economic Anthropology Water Economics, Policy & Governance Domesticity & Gender Geography of China Child Studies Indonesian Society & Culture

Your Future Prospects Skills Acquired. Asian studies will help you develop the analytical skills critical to succeeding in teaching, research, advocacy, business, policy analysis, public service and programming. It provides you with the ability to analyze a wide range of social and cultural situations. You will also develop your written and oral communication skills and work both independently and within a group setting.

Related Fields. Many graduates who add the Asian studies minor to their program will cross over into another field, applying their knowledge to a wide range of institutional and cross-cultural situations. This knowledge often helps assess and rectify social issues and problems in areas such as: • Library Science • Humanitarian Aid • Translation & Interpreting • Health Education & Promotion • Government • Public Relations • Foreign Affairs • Educator • Publishing • Marketing & Advertising • Travel & Tourism • Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) • Technical Writing • Politics • Journalism • Web Design, Blogging or Editing

University of Lethbridge 4401 University Drive Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 403-317-2834 asian.studies@uleth.ca ulethbridge.ca/asianstudies

Academic Advising SU060 Students’ Union Building 403-329-5106 artsci.advising@uleth.ca ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

Put Your Knowledge to Work Whether you’re looking for a more in-depth learning experience by assisting with research projects or by testing your knowledge in a real-life setting, we can help. Combined with your required coursework, the opportunities outlined below will provide you with a solid foundation for further studies and an excellent framework for a challenging and rewarding career — whatever direction you decide to go.

Applied Studies

Earn course credit for career-related paid, volunteer or community service work experience. This program is specially designed to allow you to integrate principles learned in the classroom in a practical work setting.

For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/appliedstudies

Co-operative Education (Co-op)

uLethbridge is proud to offer you the chance to participate in co-op. Co-op allows you to gain work experience directly related to your studies and make invaluable contacts in the workforce, all while earning a competitive salary. Completion of the program allows you to receive a co-op designation on your degree and, most importantly, a kick-start to your career the minute you graduate. For more information, visit: ulethbridge.ca/coop

Participate in Research

In addition to your regular courses, you can contribute to departmental research activities. For example, you can complete an independent study course or gain employment as a research assistant. If your GPA is high enough, you can also enrol in undergraduate thesis-based courses where research is a component of your studies.

Contact your department to learn more!

Academic Advising Your decision to explore a university education is the first step toward a great future — now let us help you navigate your degree options at uLethbridge and set you on the road to success. Do you have questions about what field of study best suits you? Would you like help with program and registration planning and just can’t find the answers? If so, you should speak to an academic advisor today — advisors have the answers to these questions and many more.

To learn more about our support services, visit: ulethbridge.ca/artsci/advising

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*This brochure should be used in conjunction with the University of Lethbridge calendar, which is the final authority regarding program requirements and academic regulations.