Summer Session

AAS 102: Eastern Religions

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: B SBC: GLO; HUM

Historical introduction to Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Attention is given to the cultural background, art, literature, philosophy, and institutional development of each tradition. This course is offered as both AAS 102 and RLS 102.

AAS 212: AAS Topics in Humanities

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: G SBC: HUM

Using methodologies of the Humanities disciplines, such as literature, linguistics, classics, cultural studies, philosophy, religious studies, art history and criticism, this course provides an introductory overview of important topics in Asian and Asian American Studies. Topics may range from Women in Japanese fiction to Mahatma Gandhi's impact on politics and ethics. May be repeated as the topic changes.

AAS 217: Introduction to Korean Culture

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: J SBC: GLO; HUM

A general survey of Korean culture from the earliest recorded periods to the 20th century, including painting, music, dance, ceramic art, sculpture, architecture, literature, and folklore. These are discussed in relation to the intellectual, philosophical, and religious movements of their time. Previously offered as KRH 240. Not for credit in addition to KRH 240.

AAS 220: China: Language and Culture

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: J SBC: GLO; SBS

A survey of regional languages and cultures of China. Addresses issues of diversity and standardization in the world's most populous country, particularly the role of language as both a system of spoken and written signs as well as a resource for cultural reproduction and social change. Explores discourse norms, key cultural concepts, and the unique problems posed by cross-cultural translation and interpretation.

AAS 260: Buddhism

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: J SBC: GLO; HUM

An introduction to the basic philosophy and doctrines of Buddhism, beginning with a survey of lives and works of major historical figures of Buddhism. The principal issues of Buddhist thought, drawing from Indian, East Asian, and Western sources, are treated. Particular attention is paid to the meaning of faith, practice, and enlightenment in Buddhism. This course is offered as both AAS 260 and RLS 260.

AAS 326: Indian Mythology

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: G SBC: HFA+

Study of the major themes in Indian mythology and their evolution, including the relation of these myths to philisophy and religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Myths are traced from the Vedas of 1500 B.C. to the modern Indian myths. The course will consider the impact of myths on classical Indian literature and art forms, as well as their impact on contemporary art forms such as film, television, and theatre.

AAS 327: Great Epics of India

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: G SBC: HFA+

The themes, characters, and plots of Ramayana and Mahabharata are analyzed in detail. The moral dilemmas presented and their sometimes controversial solutions are explored in the context of "dharma", or righteousness--the central concept of Hiduism. The course will compare the two epics with each other.

AAS 331: JapaneseLit FemDomain

Undergraduate 3 credits

DEC: J SBC: HFA+

This course examines both writings of Japanese women and writings about Japanese women. It will challenge the application of current Western feminist standards to Japanese culture through the analysis of Japanese literary works. We will begin with Japanese mythology focusing on the stories of the creator goddess and Amaterasu, the sun goddess, from whom the imperial line was descended. We will consider the great Heian Era women writers and their culture, examining the difference between men's and women's writing. From the Heian era we will move to the Meiji Era, when Japan's isolationist period had ended and centuries' worth of Western literature was introduced to Japan. We will concentrate on the writings of Higuchi Ichiyo, noting how the position of women had changed by her day and how it affected her literary style. The course will close with a focus on how literature treats Japanese women in our own time. This course is offered as AAS 331 and WST 331.

AAS 371: Ancient China

Undergraduate 3 credits

Prerequisites: U3 or U4 standing; one D.E.C. F or SBS course

DEC: J SBC: SBS+

Explores the development of social, economic, political, and cultural systems in ancient China, from the neolithic period through the Han dynasty. Draws on archaeological data and historical texts to examine the emergence of state-level polities and their subsequent unification under imperial authority. Analytical focus is on political economy, social organization, ritual exchange, and notions of power and rulership expressed in philosophical thought. This course is offered as both AAS 371 and ANT 371.

AAS 372: Fam, Marriage, Kinship: China

Undergraduate 3 credits

Prerequisite: ANT 102 Advisory Prerequisites: AAS 220 and ANT 354

DEC: J SBC: SBS+

Examines forms and dynamics of social organizations in Chinese society, focusing on cultural, social, and economic aspects of family, marriage, and extended kinship relations such as lineages, clans, and sworn brotherhoods. Particular attention is paid to how gender, generation, class, and ritual exchange shape identity, status, and power. This course is offered as both AAS 372 and ANT 372.