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Asian Studies Minor

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Discovering the Diversity of Asia through the Asian Studies Minor

As Asia’s significance in global affairs continues to grow, the Asian Studies minor at Westfield State University offers students a comprehensive foundation in the region's history, culture, society, and politics. This program equips students with essential knowledge across various disciplines, including business, social sciences, and humanities, preparing them for careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

To complete the Asian Studies minor, students must earn 18 credits, including at least 9 credits taken in residence. The curriculum requires POLS 0110 - Introduction to Asian Studies and five elective courses from at least three different departments, such as Art, Communication, Ethnic and Gender Studies, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and World Languages. Electives include a diverse range of topics, from Islamic Art to Asian Politics. Students studying in exchange programs in Asia may waive the residency requirement and take courses abroad with the advisor’s approval.

By choosing this minor, students can broaden their perspectives and enhance their understanding of one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

Program Highlights

  • Required courses - 18 credits
  • Explore Asia’s history, culture, and politics through diverse courses
  • Gain essential knowledge for careers in business and social sciences
  • Earn credits while experiencing Asian cultures through exchange programs

Course Requirements

Program Description

Asia, broadly-defined, is becoming increasingly important for the United States, and the Asian Studies minor is intended to provide a solid foundation for a clear understanding of the history, culture, society, and politics of this critical region. In the light of the United States' growing economic and political ties with many Asian countries, this program can help the students obtain valuable knowledge in various disciplines, including business, social sciences, and humanities. This minor can also help students broaden their perspectives and better prepare for their careers in an interconnected world.

Students who choose Asian Studies as their minor are required to complete 18 credits of coursework with a minimum of 9 credits taken in residence at Westfield State.  All Asian Studies minors take POLS 0110 and then choose five electives from at least three different departments - Art, Communication, Ethnic and Gender Studies, History, Philosophy, Political Science, Sociology, and World Languages. Of the five electives, no more than two can be 100-level, and at least two must be 200-level. The 9-credit residency requirement is waived for students who study in the University's exchange programs in Asia. With the program advisor's approval, students may take up to five Asian Studies courses from exchange program institutions in Asia.

Required Course:

 

Electives

With Asian Studies advisor approval, select five from at least three departments.

What Can You Do with an Asian Studies Minor?

An Asian Studies minor can open various career paths, including:

  • Asian Studies Educator
  • Cultural Affairs Specialist
  • Curator for Asian Art
  • International Business Manager
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Museum Educator
  • Policy Researcher
  • Program Coordinator
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Empowering Political Science Students for Tomorrow's Challenges

At Westfield State University, political science students benefit from dedicated faculty with diverse expertise in law, public administration, international relations, and political theory. These accomplished educators actively engage in professional development, publish their research, and participate in conferences to stay current in the field. Political science students will participate in class discussions, group presentations, and other experience-based approaches, benefiting from classes that incorporate recent technologies and innovative teaching methods. This commitment to excellence ensures that what you learn in the classroom today will be valuable in your professional journey tomorrow.

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Asian Studies Minor