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Asian Studies

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A World of Opportunities

From Amman to Tokyo, Ulaanbaatar to Jakarta, become immersed in Asia with the guidance of nearly 20 professors across multiple disciplines who specialize in various regions and themes. You'll gain perspective on, and develop understanding of, diverse cultures, politics, arts and economies in addition to learning about their histories. You can also study languages such as Chinese, Japanese, Arabic or Vietnamese and participate in culturally resonant experiences like cooking, dancing and music.

Asian Studies News

 

Student SpotlightTucker Budd '25

majors: Asian studies, Computer science 

“My favorite experience so far has been the opportunity to learn Japanese thoroughly and to test my skills within the Technos International program. Associate Professor of Asian Studies James-Henry Holland has been my professor since second semester freshman year. Now he is my adviser and my biggest supporter. I was recently a First-Year Seminar mentor for him and throughout all of my classes, he has always been helpful and very thoughtful.” 

 

Experiential EducationEmbrace New Experiences

View Asian art first-hand through the Colleges’ art collection at the Davis Gallery or learn to cook new dishes at the Intercultural Affairs Center.

At HWS, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact, practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.

 

Explore and Experience at the HWS Centers

GRADUATE WITH LEADERSHIP DISTINCTION

Amplify your Asian Studies degree with the skills, knowledge and ethical foundation needed to be a leader in the 21st century. In partnership with the Centennial Center for Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, our department offers the opportunity to engage in leadership development that culminates in a degree with leadership distinction and provides a competitive edge when applying to internships, jobs and graduate or professional school.

To graduate with leadership distinction, you will complete a series of foundational, action-oriented and reflective milestones within the Asian Studies and Leadership curriculum. We encourage you to begin your leadership journey as early as your second semester on campus.

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No Borders:Global Education

Explore the marine ecology of Australia, examine the impact of economics on the evolution of wildlife in China or research the impact of environmental policy on the lives of Vietnamese women.

Wherever you go, you’ll apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.

Study Abroad Options

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Belonging, Diversity and Equity

Learning Asian Studies is innately obtaining a knowledge of diversity. Asia is home to more than 2,000 languages and cultures and has historically been the center for world commerce, religious traditions and cultural exchange. Asian Studies courses at the Colleges challenge the 19th and 20th Century paradigms that continue to shape academia, and put the Asia Indo-Pacific region, the leading force of the world, at the forefront.

 

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Immerse yourself in all aspects of Asia, including history, culture, politics, language and more.

ASN 101 TREKKING THROUGH ASIA

Explore Asia’s past and present through writings and travelogues of the people and lands that shaped the continent.

ASN 110 HIMALAYAN CHALLENGES – SUMMER STUDY ABROAD IN DARJEELING AND SIKKIM

Learn how environmental, labor, and identity politics intersect in areas which are simultaneously at the periphery and forefront of our global economy.

POL 208 GENDER AND POLITICS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Gain insight into politics and gender in countries like Jordan, Syria and Turkey through topics such as women’s engagement in revolutions, political parties and monarchical government.

ASN 125 JAPAN: SUPERNATURAL BEINGS

Explore the relevance of the supernatural in Japanese pop-culture.

Asian Studies Courses and Curriculum Asian Studies Faculty Directory

Chinese and Japanese Programs

If you want to specialize your studies in China or Japan, consider concentrating in the Chinese and Japanese programs within Asian Studies. These programs feature comprehensive language components where you’ll learn and practice the language. At HWS, you’ll find opportunities to study and work in China or Japan that are often only found at large universities.

Chinese Program Japanese Program

 

Alum ImpactDarius Brummell '21

analyst, citibank 

"My time at Hobart has allowed me to foster and develop key relationships with my classmates and alumni which have made my college experience that much greater. Especially, Brian Schiele and Joe Escamillia who I first interned with at Fellowship Home Loans and all of the Alums at CPB. They all immediately took me in and are mentors who I can’t thank enough for where I find myself today."

Meet More Recent Grads

COMPANIES THAT EMPLOY OUR GRADUATES

  • Amazon
  • Asia Society
  • CitiBank
  • Global Health Strategies
  • Mass General Brigham
  • Novetta
  • Public Consulting Group
  • Santander Bank
  • Wright State University

UNIVERSITIES WHERE OUR GRADUATES ARE STUDYING

  • Columbia University
  • George Washington University
  • Georgetown University
  • Harvard University
  • Keio University
  • Stanford University
  • Suffolk University
  • SUNY Downstate  
  • The College of William and Mary
  • The New School 
  • University of Kansas