UB Programs At-A-Glance

Asian Studies, East Asian Studies

Asian Studies Program
College of Arts and Sciences
714 Clemens Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4610

Phone: 716.645.3474
Fax: 716.645.3473
Web: www.asianstudies.buffalo.edu
Email: asian-studies@buffalo.edu

Thomas W. Burkman
Program Director

About the Program

Why Learn about Asia? We live in an age in which major, cultures that formerly were assigned to particular geographical regions of the globe are now found globally. North America is no longer an outpost of Europe, but an invigorating composite of Asian, African, Latin, and European ingredients. Asian economies have worldwide presence, and political issues in that part of the world affect us profoundly at home. In art, theater, cinema, religion, and cuisine, Asia is here. By studying Asian civilizations and contemporary societies, we come to understand a significant part of humanity and acquire insight into ourselves.

The Asian Studies Program supports teaching, research, study abroad, and cultural events concerning Asia. The current focus of the program lies in the region of China, Japan, and Korea, with secondary attention to Southeast and South Asia.

Several Asian languages are taught in the Department of Linguistics. Chinese, Japanese, and Korean are each offered through the fourth-year level. Undergraduate minors may be elected in these languages. UB students may also study Arabic, Hindi, and Sanskrit.

Students may study abroad in Asia, undertaking language study, nonlanguage classes, and graduate research. UB students can spend an academic year, a semester, or a summer at fine universities in China, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Academic credit can be transferred to UB. For information, refer to the Study Abroad section.

About Our Degrees

The Major in Asian Studies

The interdisciplinary major permits the student to explore several regions and cultures of Asia as well as the Asian experience in America. At the same time, it requires a focus on one region or culture of Asia and a related Asian language.

The Minor in East Asian Studies

As a companion to a major in an academic or professional field, the interdisciplinary minor broadens and enriches the student’s academic experience. It conveys skills and concepts needed for appreciating the rich civilizations of China, Japan, and Korea and for dealing professionally with Asian peoples. The minor is a valuable credential for graduate study and an international career.

Acceptance Criteria - B.A., Minor

A minimum grade of "C" in any two courses is required for the major/minor.

Acceptance Information

Deadlines: Rolling
Total number of majors currently enrolled: 5

Degree Requirements

See the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Courses

Suggested Introductory Courses

  • AS 220 Culture and the Arts in East Asia
  • HIS 182 Asian Civilizations
  • PSC 229 East Asian Political Economy
  • An elementary course in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, or another Asian language


Asian American Studies

Every semester, the Asian Studies Program offers courses exploring the history, literature, and social dynamics of peoples of Asian origin in North America.

For course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.

About Our Faculty

Over twenty Asian specialists in a variety of humanities and social sciences fields, focusing on China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and South Asia.

Practical Experience and Special Academic Opportunities

Students may study abroad in Asia, undertaking language study and non-language classes. UB students can spend an academic year, a semester, or a summer at fine universities in China, India, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Academic credit can be transferred to UB. For information, see Study Abroad Programs.

Extracurricular Activities

Students may join clubs which focus on Asian cultures. These include:


Also, at UB there are sororities and fraternities that focus on Asia.

The Asian Studies Program sponsors an on-going series of brown bag lunches called Asia at Noon, hosts exhibitions and performing artists from Asia, and organizes special lectures and conferences. The Asian Studies picnic in the fall is a major social event. A monthly newsletter, Asian Studies Notes, keeps students apprised of these opportunities.

See the UB Student Association.

Complementary Programs and Courses

Majors that Complement Asian Studies


Other Academic Concentrations at UB With a Focus on Asia

Career Information and Further Study

Students who concentrate in Asian Studies find job opportunities in international business, government service, non-governmental organizations, and the arts. Some go on to professional schools in such fields as management, finance, diplomacy, and law. Others pursue graduate degrees in a variety of disciplines and enter Asia-related academic careers. Students who combine the major in Asian Studies with another field through a double major or a joint major are particularly well suited for jobs that require professional training coupled with Asian linguistic ability and cultural understanding.

Career Choices

  • Banking
  • Diplomacy
  • International business
  • International NGOs
  • Law
  • Public service
  • Research
  • Teaching
  • The arts

Links to Further Information About This Program

Last Modified: Tuesday, 7-Nov-2006 10:26:03 EST