Asian Studies
What if you could soak in Asian culture through performances held right on campus...
Asian Studies explores the societies, cultures, religions and politics of this vital region
WINDOW ON THE EAST
The 21st century has been called Asia’s century: a focus on Asian studies will do nothing short of preparing you for the future. Understanding Asia is a valuable asset for any career path.
Students recently spent a summer teaching children of migrant workers in China while studying and researching inequalities in education. Their work was done with the support of a faculty and student research grant from Asian Network/Freeman Foundation. Their findings were presented at a national conference.
The minor draws upon the offerings of several departments and includes the option to study the Chinese language. Both language study and study-abroad programs count toward the fulfillment of the minor.
Asian studies is supported through many activities on campus, including the Asian Significance in America (A.S.i.A) Club and Asia Tree House, a residence life option.
Passionate Faculty
Bai Di
Associate Professor
My main focus is to prepare students linguistically, culturally and intellectually for interaction with China and the Chinese-speaking world. I take great satisfaction in traveling to China with my students—I’ve done it six times, in both summer and Drew International Seminar programs.
Ph.D., Ohio State University
Passionate Faculty
Catherine Keyser
Associate professor
I’m very interested in China. I traveled in East Asia for a year after college, studying first Chinese and then the various beaches in Thailand. Later, as a Fulbright Scholar, I spent two years conducting research in China on social welfare policy during its transition.
Ph.D., Columbia
Passionate Faculty
Karen Pechilis
NEH Distinguished Professor of Humanities & chair
I am working on a labor of love, editing a textbook initiated by a late beloved colleague that I and others are bringing to fruition in his honor. I’ve also directed three Drew International Seminars to India—all remembered with fondness and inspiration.
Ph.D., University of Chicago
Imagine Studying
the role of the central government and the Communist Party in “Chinese Politics”