The Asian Studies Certificate enables students to organize their general education courses around an interdisciplinary program providing a focus on Asia. While pursuing the certificate, students have the opportunity to acquire specialized knowledge of the art, literature, history, politics, and/or religions of Asia, thereby developing an understanding and appreciation of this culturally diverse, economically vibrant, and technologically innovative region. As we move further into the Asian Century, expertise in this vital area of the world represents a skill set that employers and graduate admissions committees should find increasingly desirable. The Asian Studies Certificate will give students a competitive advantage as they engage in advanced graduate work in a wide variety of disciplines or pursue careers in such diverse fields as business, the arts, government service, and education.
The Asian Studies Certificate requires 12 credits for completion and is available to all majors. Students may choose from among a broad range of courses, and the certificate may serve as a "bridge" to Penn State's Asian Studies minor. A number of certificate courses count toward GA (General Arts), GH (General Humanities), International (IL), and US Cultures (US) requirements. To apply, please complete the form linked at bottom, making certain to submit your application at least six weeks prior to completion of the certificate program.
| Requirements: | |||
| Students must have a C or better in each certificate course, and at least one course must have been completed in or after Spring 2011. | |||
| One core 3-credit survey course from among the following choices: | |||
| HIST 174 | The History of Traditional East Asia | 3 credits | Satisfies GH;IL |
| HIST 175 | The History of Modern East Asia | 3 credits | Satisfies GH;IL |
| 9 elective credits from an approved list, which includes the following courses: | |||
| ART H 120 | Asian Art and Architecture | 3 credits | Satisfies GA;IL |
| ART H 320 | Chinese Art | 3 credits | Satisfies GA;IL |
| CHNS 001 | Level One Chinese A | 4 credits | |
| CHNS 120 | Introduction to Chinese Literature and Culture | 3 credits | Satisfies GH;IL |
| CMLIT 004 | Introduction to Asian Literatures | 3 credits | Satisfies GH;IL |
| HIST 172 | Survey of Japanese Civilization | 3 credits | Satisfies IL |
| HIST 173 | Vietnam in War and Peace | 3 credits | Satisfies GH;IL |
| RL ST 103 | Introduction to Hinduism | 3 credits | Satisfies GH;US;IL |
| RL ST 104 | Introduction to Buddhism | 3 credits | Satisfies GH;US;IL |
| RL ST 107 | Introduction to Islam | 3 credits | Satisfies GH;US;IL |
| Students can also use 400-level courses from an approved list to complete their electives. | |||
| These include the following courses: | |||
| ECON 473 | China in the Modern Economy | 3 credits | Satisfies IL |
| HIST 481 | Modern Japan Since 1800 | 3 credits | Satisfies IL |
| HIST 486 | Twentieth-Century China | 3 credits | Satisfies IL |
| PL SC 484W | The Foreign Policy of Soviet Successor States | 3 credits | |
The Asian Studies coordinator may approve other Penn State courses that deal substantially with some aspect of Asia in any discipline, courses dealing with Asia taken while participating in a study abroad program, and up to 2 courses (6 credits) from another institution that appear on a student's Penn State transcript as transfer credits. Students may also include up to 6 credits of study in an approved Asian language.
To apply for this certificate, complete the
Application for Certificate Completion Form.
Contacts:
Dr. Catherine Bae, Assistant Professor of History
Ms. Qi Chen, Lecturer in Chinese
Dr. Elena Corbett, Assistant Professor of History
Dr. Zachary Irwin, Associate Professor of Political Science
Dr. Brad Lint, Lecturer in English
Dr. Kenneth Louie, Associate Professor of Economics
Dr. John Rossi, Associate Professor of History
Dr. Aileen Wang, Lecturer in Art History
Dr. Lili Zhang, Visiting Fullbright Scholar, Lecturer in Women's Studies