It’s not just curriculum—it’s culture. In studying Asian culture, we embark on an ancient journey through history and tradition. Then we learn how that tradition is applicable today. From Mandarin to Manga, see why Asian studies is sure to enrich your life.

Why Asian Studies at Sewanee?

At Sewanee, you’ll unpack the philosophical traditions of many Asian cultures and learn which modern practices stem from those traditions. Understand how Asian societies act, how they view the world, and how they communicate. From ritual practice to economic practice, the Asian influence on our world is as unbelievably vast as Asia itself.

As an Asian studies major, you’ll focus on the dynamic aspects of Asian influence. You’ll learn about customs and schools of thought—Taoism, Buddhism, symbolism, ethics—in conjunction with the vibrant culture of music, art, and textiles. Language study is also an integral part of the program. Mandarin Chinese is the most widely spoken language in the world. You’ll also have the opportunity to study away in cities like Tokyo, Beijing, and Hanoi.

First Destinations: Asian studies majors

Sewanee graduates secure positions is a variety of fields. Some you would expect, others, are a bit of a surprise. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first job.

  • Operations Specialist, Hyumdai Glovis, Rutherford, NJ.
  • Skip Tracer, Primeritus Financial Services, Nashville, TN.
  • Langauge Instructor, Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, Japan.

A Sampling of Courses

Modern Chinese Literature in Translation
Asian Studies

This course surveys the four major modes of Chinese literature from the early twentieth century to the present: realism, modernism, socialist realism, and postmodernism Themes of modernity, nationalism, gender, class, and identity are explored through primary texts. The course emphasizes rhetorical, formal, and aesthetic critiques of literature.

ASIA 208
Tales of the Samurai: Bows, Blades, and Bushido
Asian Studies

Focusing on medieval war epics such as Tales of the Heike, this course examines representations of samurai in Japanese literature, with a. By tracing the development of the samurai class and analyzing literary source materials in historical context, students navigate competing claims of what bushido, or the "way of the warrior," meant to Japanese society. Major emphasis is given to themes commonly associated with samurai, such as loyalty, honor, revenge, and violence.

ASIA 225
Gender and Sexuality in Japanese Culture
Asian Studies

This course examines aspects of Japanese culture by devoting special attention to issues of gender and sexuality. Students read primary texts from pre-modern and modern literature, drama, and manga (graphic novel) in English translation, together with critical essays on gender theory. In-class screenings of short films, anime (animated film), and documentaries help to illustrate some concepts and practices introduced in the readings.

ASIA 320
View All

Asian Studies

Program of Study

Requirements for the Major in Asian Studies

Requirements for the Minor in Asian Studies

Meet some professors

Sid Brown
sbrown@sewanee.edu

Sid Brown teaches in the area of Asian Religions, specializing in Theravada Buddhism. Brown also focuses on religious responses to environmental issues and religious conceptions of relationships between human and other-than-human animals. She has been studying Buddhism since 1982. During her years earning her B.A. in philosophy and her M.A. and Ph.D. in religious studies, she researched and lived in India, Sri Lanka, Japan, and Thailand.

Professor and Chair of Religious studies
Laura Nüffer
n/a

Laura Nüffer holds a PhD in East Asian Languages and Civilizations from the University of Pennsylvania. Her present research explores conceptions of the animal/human boundary in medieval and early modern Japanese literature. In particular, she is concerned with tales of interspecies marriage (irui kon'in tan); her analysis of these works is highly interdisciplinary, drawing on such fields as gender studies, animal studies, folklore studies, and art history. Dr. Nüffer also has a lively interest in modern Japanese popular culture, particularly anime and manga and their associated fan cultures.

Visiting professor of Japanese
Yanbing Tan
yatan@sewanee.edu

Yanbing Tan studied Chinese and Comparative Literature at Washington University in St. Louis. She has broad interests in late imperial Chinese literature and culture, with a focus on the comic and humor in fiction and drama from the 17th century to the late 19th century. Her dissertation examines the relationship between the romantic and the comedic in chuanqi, one of the most important dramatic genres in late imperial China.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Chinese

Contact

Scott Howard Wilson
Professor and Associate Dean for Global Education

swilson@sewanee.edu

Carnegie Hall 106, Ext. 1173

Connecting the Dots

Language Houses
Themed Residence Halls

To create an immersive learning experience, Sewanee has several language houses (French, German, Russian, Spanish, and Italian) that simulate real-world language and cultural encounters. The head resident is a native speaker, and students speak their house language while “at home”. Events throughout the year showcase educational and recreational aspects of the language house and the culture it represents.

Learn More
International & Global Studies, Major & Minor
45 professors, 14 departments

International & global studies at Sewanee stretches far beyond the gates. Involving faculty members from departments across the college, the program spans disciplinary and thematic boundaries. The rapid pace and complex nature of our world require dexterity to navigate. At Sewanee, you will study the ever-changing political, economic, and cultural issues that characterize our world today. Here, experiencing the real world begins in the classroom.

Learn More
Study Abroad
Engaged citizens solving global problems

At Sewanee, we pledge to offer each student an opportunity to study abroad. And at Sewanee, we keep our promises. Travel, learn, and cultivate your knowledge by communicating across cultures and acquiring a sensitivity to other ways of life. Apply social scientific methodologies to various frameworks. Learn to formulate solutions to global problems and apply those theories at home in a local context.

More about Study Abroad