200-399 Regular Undergraduate Courses

ASIA 211 – The Silk Road: Markets, Metaphysics, and Music (3):

This course examines interactions across the Eurasian continent between Russians, Chinese, Mongolian nomads, Arabs, and Europeans during the last millennium and a half as empires rose and religions, trade, and cultures flowed across this vast space. While we will treat the Silk Road as one entity, there were actually three distinct Silk Roads.
Instructor(s): Dr. Mark Driscoll Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 211 – The Silk Road: Markets, Metaphysics, and Music (3):

This course examines interactions across the Eurasian continent between Russians, Chinese, Mongolian nomads, Arabs, and Europeans during the last millennium and a half as empires rose and religions, trade, and cultures flowed across this vast space. While we will treat the Silk Road as one entity, there were actually three distinct Silk Roads.
Instructor(s): Dr. Mark Driscoll Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 228 – Contested Souls: Literature, the Arts, and Religious Identity in Modern India (3):

An analysis of how historical interactions between Hinduism and Islam have inspired the creation of philosophies and great works of literature and art that continue to inform Indian society today.
Instructor(s): Dr. Afroz Taj Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN

ASIA 228 – Contested Souls: Literature, the Arts, and Religious Identity in Modern India (3):

An analysis of how historical interactions between Hinduism and Islam have inspired the creation of philosophies and great works of literature and art that continue to inform Indian society today.
Instructor(s): Dr. Afroz Taj Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN

ASIA 229 – Breakdancers, Vocaloids, and Gamers: East Asian Youth Cultures (3):

Youth subcultural practices studied across East Asia. Course examines how young people create meaningful social worlds, from cosplay to skateboarding to video gaming communities. Considers how changes in consumerism, body image, education, and family produce a volatile landscape for youth along the Pacific Rim.
Instructor(s): Dr. Dwayne Dixon Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-SS, CON-BN

ASIA 229 – Breakdancers, Vocaloids, and Gamers: East Asian Youth Cultures (3):

Youth subcultural practices studied across East Asia. Course examines how young people create meaningful social worlds, from cosplay to skateboarding to video gaming communities. Considers how changes in consumerism, body image, education, and family produce a volatile landscape for youth along the Pacific Rim.
Instructor(s): Dr. Dwayne Dixon Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-SS, CON-BN

ASIA 231 – Bollywood Cinema (3):

This course explores the development of the Indian cinema, with particular emphasis on the Hindi-Urdu films produced in Mumbai (Bollywood).
Instructor(s): Dr. Afroz Taj Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-VP, CON-BN

ASIA 231 – Bollywood Cinema (3):

This course explores the development of the Indian cinema, with particular emphasis on the Hindi-Urdu films produced in Mumbai (Bollywood).
Instructor(s): Dr. Afroz Taj Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-VP, CON-BN

ASIA 233 – Drugs, Sex, and Sovereignty in East Asia, 1800-1945 (3):

East Asia's thousand-year superiority in global trade was lost when Britain began illegally selling massive amounts of opium in the 18th century, causing cultural and political changes in Japan and China. This course will analyze these changes in terms of sexuality and political sovereignty from 1800 until World War II.
Instructor(s): Dr. Mark Driscoll Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 233 – Drugs, Sex, and Sovereignty in East Asia, 1800-1945 (3):

East Asia's thousand-year superiority in global trade was lost when Britain began illegally selling massive amounts of opium in the 18th century, causing cultural and political changes in Japan and China. This course will analyze these changes in terms of sexuality and political sovereignty from 1800 until World War II.
Instructor(s): Dr. Mark Driscoll Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 235 (JWST 235) – Israeli Cinema: Gender, Nation, and Ethnicity (3):

The course explores major periods and trends in Israeli cinema. Focus is given to issues pertaining to gender, ethnicity, and the construction of national identity.
Instructor(s): Dr. Yaron Shemer Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-VP, CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 235 (JWST 235) – Israeli Cinema: Gender, Nation, and Ethnicity (3):

The course explores major periods and trends in Israeli cinema. Focus is given to issues pertaining to gender, ethnicity, and the construction of national identity.
Instructor(s): Dr. Yaron Shemer Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-VP, CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 240 (MUSC 240) – Performance in Southeast Asia: Gongs, Punks, and Shadow Plays (3):

The study and comparison of contemporary Southeast Asian performance genres (music, theatre, dance, ritual) in historical and cultural contexts. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 252 (CMPL 252) – Popular Culture in Modern Southeast Asia (3):

This course examines popular culture in Southeast Asia as a response to colonialism, nationalism, modernization, the state, and globalization. Topics include theater, film, pop songs, television, rituals, and the Internet. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-VP, CON-BN

ASIA 252 (CMPL 252) – Popular Culture in Modern Southeast Asia (3):

This course examines popular culture in Southeast Asia as a response to colonialism, nationalism, modernization, the state, and globalization. Topics include theater, film, pop songs, television, rituals, and the Internet. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-VP, CON-BN

ASIA 255 (CMPL 255) – The Feast in Film, Fiction, and Philosophy (3):

Comparative and interdisciplinary study of feasting and its philosophical underpinnings, with special attention to the multiple purposes and nuances of food and feasting in literature, film, and the visual arts. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-VP

ASIA 255 (CMPL 255) – The Feast in Film, Fiction, and Philosophy (3):

Comparative and interdisciplinary study of feasting and its philosophical underpinnings, with special attention to the multiple purposes and nuances of food and feasting in literature, film, and the visual arts. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-VP

ASIA 256 (CMPL 256) – Love in Classical Persian Poetry (3):

We will examine the binaries of sacred and profane love, transgression and the law, self and the other, human diversity and inclusiveness in classical Persian poetry. We will explore the intersections of class, gender, sexuality, religion, etc. We will explore the poems inside their historical, cultural, and social contexts.
Instructor(s): Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-CI, CON-WB

ASIA 256 (CMPL 256) – Love in Classical Persian Poetry (3):

We will examine the binaries of sacred and profane love, transgression and the law, self and the other, human diversity and inclusiveness in classical Persian poetry. We will explore the intersections of class, gender, sexuality, religion, etc. We will explore the poems inside their historical, cultural, and social contexts.
Instructor(s): Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-CI, CON-WB

ASIA 258 (CMPL 258) – Iranian Prison Literature (3):

This course explores literature written in prisons, particularly under the Islamic Republic. Students will read documents to understand human rights (and violations thereof) from a historical perspective. Since literature, film, philosophy, and theory offer invaluable perspectives, we will examine their contributions in the reflection on human rights in Iran's prisons.
Instructor(s): Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN, CON-CI

ASIA 258 (CMPL 258) – Iranian Prison Literature (3):

This course explores literature written in prisons, particularly under the Islamic Republic. Students will read documents to understand human rights (and violations thereof) from a historical perspective. Since literature, film, philosophy, and theory offer invaluable perspectives, we will examine their contributions in the reflection on human rights in Iran's prisons.
Instructor(s): Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN, CON-CI

ASIA 260 (LING 260) – Languages of Southeast Asia (3):

This course surveys languages spoken in Southeast Asia, an area rich in linguistic diversity, which is home to more than five distinct language families and well over 1,000 individual languages. Students will investigate the languages--in situ and in the diaspora--through the lens of descriptive linguistics, and will explore the social, cultural, and political aspects of languages in the region. This course is appropriate for students with an interest in linguistics or in Southeast Asia. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN

ASIA 260 (LING 260) – Languages of Southeast Asia (3):

This course surveys languages spoken in Southeast Asia, an area rich in linguistic diversity, which is home to more than five distinct language families and well over 1,000 individual languages. Students will investigate the languages--in situ and in the diaspora--through the lens of descriptive linguistics, and will explore the social, cultural, and political aspects of languages in the region. This course is appropriate for students with an interest in linguistics or in Southeast Asia. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN

ASIA 261 (CMPL 261) – India through Western Eyes (3):

Examines Western views of India and Indian culture and how these views differ from the way Indians in India and Indian immigrants in the West understand themselves and express their relationship to India through novels and travelogues.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-GL

ASIA 261 (CMPL 261) – India through Western Eyes (3):

Examines Western views of India and Indian culture and how these views differ from the way Indians in India and Indian immigrants in the West understand themselves and express their relationship to India through novels and travelogues.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-GL

ASIA 262 – Nation, Film, and Novel in Modern India (3):

Focus on how modern Indian writers and filmmakers have represented the creation of an Indian national identity through such historical periods as British colonialism, the Rebellion of 1857, the Indian Independence Movement, the Partition, and the eras of national integration and globalization.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-GL

ASIA 262 – Nation, Film, and Novel in Modern India (3):

Focus on how modern Indian writers and filmmakers have represented the creation of an Indian national identity through such historical periods as British colonialism, the Rebellion of 1857, the Indian Independence Movement, the Partition, and the eras of national integration and globalization.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-GL

ASIA 265 (GEOG 265) – Eastern Asia (3):

Spatial structure of population, urbanization, agriculture, industrialization, and regional links in China, Japan, and Korea. (Regional) Making Connections Gen-Ed(s):

ASIA 267 (GEOG 267) – South Asia (3):

Introduces students to the geography of South Asia, including an overview of the physical environment, cultural practices, and economic development. Emphasizes the political geography of South Asia and political and social processes such as nationalism and colonialism that have played a formative role in the region. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN

ASIA 267 (GEOG 267) – South Asia (3):

Introduces students to the geography of South Asia, including an overview of the physical environment, cultural practices, and economic development. Emphasizes the political geography of South Asia and political and social processes such as nationalism and colonialism that have played a formative role in the region. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN

ASIA 272 (HIST 272) – Modern South Asia (3):

Provides students with a critical understanding of the political, economic, and social dynamics of contemporary South Asia. Themes explored include the development (or lack of) democratic structures, continuing relevance of caste and religion, emergence of right wing movements, contesting representations of the past, and the prospects and challenges confronting the region. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN

ASIA 276 (HIST 276) – The Modern Middle East (3):

This course introduces students to the recent history of the Middle East, including a comparison of the Middle East to the United States. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 276 (HIST 276) – The Modern Middle East (3):

This course introduces students to the recent history of the Middle East, including a comparison of the Middle East to the United States. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 277 (HIST 277) – The Conflict over Israel/Palestine (3):

Explores the conflict over Palestine during the last 100 years. Surveys the development of competing nationalisms, the contest for resources and political control that led to the partition of the region, the war that established a Jewish state, and the subsequent struggles between conflicting groups for land and independence. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN

ASIA 277 (PWAD 277) – The Conflict over Israel/Palestine (3):

Explores the conflict over Palestine during the last 100 years. Surveys the development of competing nationalisms, the contest for resources and political control that led to the partition of the region, the war that established a Jewish state, and the subsequent struggles between conflicting groups for land and independence. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN

ASIA 279 (RELI 279) – Islamic Law, Ethics, and Practice (3):

This course provides an introduction to Islamic law in its connection to religious ethics and diverse ritual practices, both in the premodern and modern periods, and through an analysis of local contexts and global flows of ideas and practices that determine what is considered "Islamic" about laws, ethics, and practices. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-PH, CON-BN

ASIA 279 (RELI 279) – Islamic Law, Ethics, and Practice (3):

This course provides an introduction to Islamic law in its connection to religious ethics and diverse ritual practices, both in the premodern and modern periods, and through an analysis of local contexts and global flows of ideas and practices that determine what is considered "Islamic" about laws, ethics, and practices. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-PH, CON-BN

ASIA 280 (RELI 280) – Hindu Gods and Goddesses (3):

This courses focuses on the ways Hindu gods and goddesses are experienced in South Asia through analysis of literary works, including texts, film, comic books, performance, and ethnography. We will also examine key Hindu concepts (dharma, karma, and caste) in Hindu religious narratives. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN

ASIA 281 (PWAD 281) – The Pacific War, 1937-1945: Its Causes and Legacy (3):

An examination of the origins of the Pacific War, the course of this bitter and momentous conflict, and its complex legacy for both Asia and the United States. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 282 (HIST 282) – China in the World (3):

This course explores the evolution of China as a geopolitical entity from global perspectives, 1350 to the present. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN

ASIA 282 (HIST 282) – China in the World (3):

This course explores the evolution of China as a geopolitical entity from global perspectives, 1350 to the present. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN

ASIA 283 (HIST 283) – Chairman Mao's China in World History (3):

To put the recent transformation of the People's Republic of China in context, the course examines the different facets of Maoism that governed the country in its early years. It highlights Maoism as a global force that paved the way for China's re-integration into the world order. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN

ASIA 283 (HIST 283) – Chairman Mao's China in World History (3):

To put the recent transformation of the People's Republic of China in context, the course examines the different facets of Maoism that governed the country in its early years. It highlights Maoism as a global force that paved the way for China's re-integration into the world order. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN

ASIA 284 (RELI 284) – The Buddhist Tradition: East Asia (3):

An examination of the development of Buddhism after its importation to East Asia. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-WB

ASIA 284 (RELI 284) – The Buddhist Tradition: East Asia (3):

An examination of the development of Buddhism after its importation to East Asia. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-WB

ASIA 285 (RELI 285) – The Buddhist Tradition: Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka (3):

This course explores the Theravada school of Buddhism and themes in the social, cultural, and political lives of the Theravada Buddhist countries of Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-CI

ASIA 285 (RELI 285) – The Buddhist Tradition: Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka (3):

This course explores the Theravada school of Buddhism and themes in the social, cultural, and political lives of the Theravada Buddhist countries of Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-CI

ASIA 287 (HIST 287) – Modern Japan (3):

Covering the period from 1600 to 1900, this course examines the causes and impact of the Meiji Restoration of 1868, which marked the start of modern Japan. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN

ASIA 288 (HIST 288) – Japan in the 20th Century (3):

Topics include the Japanese Empire, the road to the Pacific War, defeat, the Allied occupation, Japan's recovery from war, and development into a democracy and the world's second largest economy. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN

ASIA 300 (RELI 283) – The Buddhist Tradition: India, Nepal, and Tibet (3):

Examines the diverse beliefs, practices, and cultures associated with Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Tibet. Topics include Buddhism's development and spread, the cultural dynamics of Himalayan societies, monasticism, folk religion, revivalism, tourism, gender, globalization, and the role of the state in shaping Buddhist life and culture. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-PH, CON-BN

ASIA 300 (RELI 283) – The Buddhist Tradition: India, Nepal, and Tibet (3):

Examines the diverse beliefs, practices, and cultures associated with Buddhism in the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Tibet. Topics include Buddhism's development and spread, the cultural dynamics of Himalayan societies, monasticism, folk religion, revivalism, tourism, gender, globalization, and the role of the state in shaping Buddhist life and culture. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-PH, CON-BN

ASIA 301 (RELI 286) – Premodern Japanese Religions (3):

Historical survey of the major premodern religious traditions in Japan: Shinto, Buddhism, Shugendo, and Christianity. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-WB

ASIA 301 (RELI 286) – Premodern Japanese Religions (3):

Historical survey of the major premodern religious traditions in Japan: Shinto, Buddhism, Shugendo, and Christianity. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-WB

ASIA 302 (RELI 287) – Modern Japanese Religions (3):

Survey of the major religious traditions in modern and contemporary Japan: Shinto, Buddhism, and the New Religions. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-SS, CON-BN

ASIA 302 (RELI 287) – Modern Japanese Religions (3):

Survey of the major religious traditions in modern and contemporary Japan: Shinto, Buddhism, and the New Religions. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-SS, CON-BN

ASIA 303 (RELI 288) – Chinese Religions (3):

Historical introduction to Chinese religions: Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and folk religion. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-WB

ASIA 303 (RELI 288) – Chinese Religions (3):

Historical introduction to Chinese religions: Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism, and folk religion. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-WB

ASIA 304 (HIST 331) – Sex, Religion, and Violence: Revolutionary Thought in Modern South Asia (3):

Which of the following would you consider potentially political issues: celibacy; semen retention; body-building; depiction of gods/goddesses; or bomb making? Well, they all are. This course examines debates over sex, religion, and violence that constituted a key part of revolutionary thought and anti-colonial struggles in modern South Asia. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN

ASIA 329 (WGST 329) – Middle East Women Writers (3):

We examine works written by Middle Eastern women. We will begin with reading speeches and short stories in the 1860s. We will focus on topics such as Middle Eastern women and feminism and the West; women and nationalism; women and colonialism; women and patriarchy; women, sexuality, and religion.
Instructor(s): Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-CI, CON-GL

ASIA 329 (WGST 329) – Middle East Women Writers (3):

We examine works written by Middle Eastern women. We will begin with reading speeches and short stories in the 1860s. We will focus on topics such as Middle Eastern women and feminism and the West; women and nationalism; women and colonialism; women and patriarchy; women, sexuality, and religion.
Instructor(s): Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-CI, CON-GL

ASIA 330 (ANTH 330) – Melancholy Japan: Myth, Memory, and Everyday Life (3):

Ethnographic study of the profound social and cultural transformations that accompanied the capitalist modernization of Japan. Considers the emergence of native ethnology and state interventions into everyday life. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-SS, CON-BN, CON-CI

ASIA 330 (ANTH 330) – Melancholy Japan: Myth, Memory, and Everyday Life (3):

Ethnographic study of the profound social and cultural transformations that accompanied the capitalist modernization of Japan. Considers the emergence of native ethnology and state interventions into everyday life. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-SS, CON-BN, CON-CI

ASIA 331 (HIST 335) – Cracking India: Partition and Its Legacy in South Asia (3):

What happened when the British carved Pakistan out of the predominately Muslim corners of India? Readings and films focus on the causes and consequences of this event, the Partition of India.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 331 (HIST 335) – Cracking India: Partition and Its Legacy in South Asia (3):

What happened when the British carved Pakistan out of the predominately Muslim corners of India? Readings and films focus on the causes and consequences of this event, the Partition of India.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 332 – The Story of Rama in India (3):

Centered on the story of the Hindu god Rama, this course explores Valmiki's Ramayana, alternate versions of the story, its performance in theatre, and its role in politics. Students may not receive credit for both ASIA 332 and ASIA 382.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN

ASIA 332 – The Story of Rama in India (3):

Centered on the story of the Hindu god Rama, this course explores Valmiki's Ramayana, alternate versions of the story, its performance in theatre, and its role in politics. Students may not receive credit for both ASIA 332 and ASIA 382.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN

ASIA 333 – The Mahabharata: Remembered and Reimagined (3):

Introduction to Vyasa's Mahabharata as well as adaptations of the story in literature, theater, and film. Students may not receive credit for both ASIA 333 and ASIA 383.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-WB

ASIA 333 – The Mahabharata: Remembered and Reimagined (3):

Introduction to Vyasa's Mahabharata as well as adaptations of the story in literature, theater, and film. Students may not receive credit for both ASIA 333 and ASIA 383.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-WB

ASIA 350 (AMST 352) – The Asian American Experience (3):

The course addresses the history and sociology of Asian immigration and experience in the United States, as well as the formation of diasporic identities among Asian Americans.
Instructor(s): Dr. Ji-Yeon Jo Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-NA, CON-US

ASIA 350 (AMST 352) – The Asian American Experience (3):

The course addresses the history and sociology of Asian immigration and experience in the United States, as well as the formation of diasporic identities among Asian Americans.
Instructor(s): Dr. Ji-Yeon Jo Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-HS, CON-NA, CON-US

ASIA 353 (AMST 353) – Southeast Asian North Carolina (3):

Drawing from Asian American Studies and Asian Studies, the course explores the political histories and lived experiences of Southeast Asians and Southeast Asian Americans in North Carolina. Students will consider issues relevant to NC Southeast Asian communities such as food justice, labor organizing, mental health support, anti-racism work, transnational connections, etc. Course materials will include both written academic works and first-person narrative accounts from local community members. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s):

ASIA 358 (JWST 358) – Religion and Tradition in Israeli Cinema, TV, and Literature (3):

This research-intensive course focuses on the ways religion and religious practices are represented in Israeli literature and media. The greater part of the semester will explore the variety of religious traditions in Israel within the framework of Zionist thought, gender and sexuality issues, and ethnic differences.
Instructor(s): Dr. Yaron Shemer Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN, CON-CI

ASIA 358 (JWST 358) – Religion and Tradition in Israeli Cinema, TV, and Literature (3):

This research-intensive course focuses on the ways religion and religious practices are represented in Israeli literature and media. The greater part of the semester will explore the variety of religious traditions in Israel within the framework of Zionist thought, gender and sexuality issues, and ethnic differences.
Instructor(s): Dr. Yaron Shemer Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN, CON-CI

ASIA 359 (CMPL 359) – Literary Diasporas of the Middle East (3):

Analyzing the relationship between the diaspora communities and their new surroundings by drawing on theories of migration, narration, and identity, we will examine the literature born out of this discourse. We will shed light on the historical, cultural, and aesthetic value of this literary production in the Middle East.
Instructor(s): Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN, CON-CI

ASIA 359 (CMPL 359) – Literary Diasporas of the Middle East (3):

Analyzing the relationship between the diaspora communities and their new surroundings by drawing on theories of migration, narration, and identity, we will examine the literature born out of this discourse. We will shed light on the historical, cultural, and aesthetic value of this literary production in the Middle East.
Instructor(s): Dr. Claudia Yaghoobi Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN, CON-CI

ASIA 360 (ENGL 360) – Contemporary Asian American Literature and Theory (3):

This course will explore contemporary Asian American literature and theory and will examine how Asian American literature fits into, yet extends beyond, the canon of American literature. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-US

ASIA 360 (ENGL 360) – Contemporary Asian American Literature and Theory (3):

This course will explore contemporary Asian American literature and theory and will examine how Asian American literature fits into, yet extends beyond, the canon of American literature. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-US

ASIA 365 (ANTH 365) – Chinese Diaspora in the Asia Pacific (3):

This course is an examination of the histories, social organization, and cultures of the Chinese diaspora in the Asia-Pacific region, focusing on contemporary issues in the cultural politics and identities of "overseas Chinese." Previously offered as ANTH/ASIA 578. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-CI, CON-GL

ASIA 375 (ANTH 375) – Memory, Massacres, and Monuments in Southeast Asia (3):

The past in Southeast Asia's present, focusing on global, national, and local processes; individual and collective memory; and the legacies of violent death. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-GL

ASIA 379 (CMPL 379) – Cowboys, Samurai, and Rebels in Film and Fiction (3):

Cross-cultural definitions of heroism, individualism, and authority in film and fiction, with emphasis on tales or images that have been translated across cultures. Includes films of Ford, Kurosawa, and Visconti. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-VP

ASIA 379 (CMPL 379) – Cowboys, Samurai, and Rebels in Film and Fiction (3):

Cross-cultural definitions of heroism, individualism, and authority in film and fiction, with emphasis on tales or images that have been translated across cultures. Includes films of Ford, Kurosawa, and Visconti. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-VP

ASIA 380 (CMPL 380) – Almost Despicable Heroines in Japanese and Western Literature (3):

Authors' use of narrative techniques to create the separation between heroines and their fictional societies and sometimes also to alienate readers from the heroines. Austen, Flaubert, Ibsen, Arishima, Tanizaki, Abe. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA

ASIA 380 (CMPL 380) – Almost Despicable Heroines in Japanese and Western Literature (3):

Authors' use of narrative techniques to create the separation between heroines and their fictional societies and sometimes also to alienate readers from the heroines. Austen, Flaubert, Ibsen, Arishima, Tanizaki, Abe. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA

ASIA 381 (RELI 381) – Religions of South Asia (3):

Exploration of the major religious traditions of South Asia. Focuses on the beliefs and practices associated with different traditions, and the ways that these relate to one another and to broader political, historical, and cultural formations. Also addresses questions of modernization, reform, communal violence, and other transformations of religious life. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-SS, CON-BN

ASIA 382 (RELI 382) – The Story of Rama in Indian Culture--Experiential (3):

Explores Valmiki's Ramayana (story of the Hindu god Rama), alternate versions of the story, its performance in theater, and its role in politics. Students work outside of class to stage scenes from the Ramayana, open to the public. Students may not receive credit for both ASIA 332 and ASIA 382.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN, CON-E5

ASIA 382 (RELI 382) – The Story of Rama in Indian Culture--Experiential (3):

Explores Valmiki's Ramayana (story of the Hindu god Rama), alternate versions of the story, its performance in theater, and its role in politics. Students work outside of class to stage scenes from the Ramayana, open to the public. Students may not receive credit for both ASIA 332 and ASIA 382.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN, CON-E5

ASIA 383 (RELI 383) – The Mahabharata: Remembered and Reimagined--Experiential (3):

Introduction to the classical Mahabharata as well as modern retellings of the epic in contemporary literature, film, and theater of India. Students work outside class to stage one or more scenes from the Mahabharata, open to the public. Students may not receive credit for both ASIA 333 and ASIA 383.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN, CON-E5

ASIA 383 (RELI 383) – The Mahabharata: Remembered and Reimagined--Experiential (3):

Introduction to the classical Mahabharata as well as modern retellings of the epic in contemporary literature, film, and theater of India. Students work outside class to stage one or more scenes from the Mahabharata, open to the public. Students may not receive credit for both ASIA 333 and ASIA 383.
Instructor(s): Dr. Pamela Lothspeich Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-LA, CON-BN, CON-E5

ASIA 384 (RELI 384) – Religion and Globalization in Southeast Asia (3):

How does globalization affect religious life? How do historical, cultural, and religious traditions mediate the experience of globalization in particular locales? This course analyzes the forces and practices associated with political-economic and cultural globalization in Southeast Asia and explores the religious transformations and innovations that these processes have inspired. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-SS, CON-BN

ASIA 386 (RELI 386) – Dance and Embodied Knowledge in the Indian Context (3):

In this theory-practice course focusing on religion, performance, and South Asian studies we will analyze the nature of embodied knowledge, aesthetic theory, and the creative power of dance performance in the Indian context. The course also includes a practical component involving embodied experience with Indian classical dance forms. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): APP-VP, CON-BN

ASIA 387 (RELI 387) – Disciplining the Body and Mind: The Martial Arts of East Asia in Religion, History, and Culture (3):

This course offers an introduction to the history and practice of East Asian martial arts. We will explore the social, political, and cultural contexts of the martial arts, from the classical period to the present. Integral to this course is a practical component involving embodied experience with martial arts training. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-E5

ASIA 387 (COMM 387) – Disciplining the Body and Mind: The Martial Arts of East Asia in Religion, History, and Culture (3):

This course offers an introduction to the history and practice of East Asian martial arts. We will explore the social, political, and cultural contexts of the martial arts, from the classical period to the present. Integral to this course is a practical component involving embodied experience with martial arts training. Making Connections Gen-Ed(s): CON-BN, CON-E5