Asian Studies

Offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the Asia-Pacific region. Students leverage Tokyo's position as Asia's meeting place, studying the region's languages, rich cultural traditions, shared history, rapid social change, environmental challenges, and political structures. This comprehensive program prepares graduates for rewarding careers, attuned to the beating heart of Asia's dynamism.

Major/Minor Requirements

Asian Studies Major

Asian Studies Distinction in Major

Asian Studies Minor

Faculty Advisor for the Asian Studies Major

Asian Studies
Assistant Professor /
Faculty Advisor for the Asian Studies major /
ICAS Associate
Programs
Undergraduate
Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies (ICAS)

Michael Thomas Cucek

Asian Studies is one of the strongest majors at TUJ, and it plays to the strengths of our faculty. If you believe that the passport to the future includes having good English language skills, computer skills, and critical thinking abilities, TUJ is a very attractive option. The Asian Studies major really prepares students for excellent careers in the Asia-Pacific region. Our graduates go on to jobs in a variety of different fields, including the private business sector, international organizations, NGOs and journalism. And since Asia is clearly the future for Japan, keeping Japan’s relations with Asia strong is increasingly vital. You won’t just be studying what’s in your textbooks, either. Working as an intern at an organization, for example, you’ll see firsthand what you’re learning in the classroom playing out in the real world. You’ll have access to a wide variety of internships in Tokyo, as well as great resources when you want to do a research project. If you need to investigate migration in Asia, for example, the offices of the UNHCR, the International Organization of Migration, and many Japanese NGOs are all located here. Being in Tokyo—Asia’s leading capital—puts enormous resources at your disposal.

Find Your Inspiration in Asia

Interview with Prof. Jeff Kingston

Find Your Inspiration in Asia Interview with Prof. Jeff Kingston

Sample Curriculum

Required Courses

Required Major Electives

Asian Literature Requirement (select one from the following)

Chinese Literature (ASST 2112)
Japanese Literature (ASST 2111)

Asian Religions Requirement (select one from the following)

Introduction to Buddhism (ASST/REL 2102)
Chinese Religions (ASST 2101/REL 2201)
Japanese Religions (ASST/REL 3301)

Asian Language Requirement

All students will take 4 semesters of an Asian language (Chinese, Japanese or Korean)

Required Writing-Intensive Courses

Writing in the City (ASST 2196)
Seminar in Asian Studies (ASST 4096)

Asian Studies Electives

1 course in Asian Studies 1000 level or higher
3 courses in Asian Studies 2000-4999

FEATURED COURSES

A list of recently offered electives.

Special Topics in Asian Studies I: Risk Culture: The Politics of Pandemics, Natural Disasters and Nuclear Energy
Stories of Parents and Children in Japanese Literature and Film
Metropolitan Tokyo
Japanese Religions
Modern Japan: Empire, War, Society

Student Interviews

Rachel Articuno

Lena Knue

Miina Yamada

Watch More Student Interviews

Student Interviews

Rachel Articuno

Lena Knue

Miina Yamada

Watch More Student Interviews

Student Voice

Sally Alcozer

Philippines

Graduated from San Pablo Colleges (high school) in Philippines

I found TUJ while living in Japan and searching for a global university. While studying at TUJ’s Academic English Program, I felt a warm welcome from teachers and staff. What I continue to like most about TUJ is its uniqueness – being able to study in Japan while also exploring opportunities at other Temple campuses.

Through the IUT [intra-university transfer] program, I was able to study at Main Campus in Philadelphia in fall 2011, and am planning to return there to graduate with a degree in Asian Studies. I would like to learn more about Asia, specifically Japan, as well as developing Asian countries and their relationships with developed countries such as the U.S., Japan and those in Europe.

What I learn about different kinds of people and how to interact with them will undoubtedly help me in my future career. Going forward, I plan to continue my studies and improve my English while also looking for a rewarding job, where I will have opportunities to meet people from around the world. I also plan on continuing with my volunteer work.

Return to the complete list of TUJ majors

Admissions Counseling Office

Location: 1-14-29 Taishido, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, Japan 154-0004 (Access)
Office Hours: Weekdays 9:00-17:30 (Japan Time)
E-mail: ac@tuj.temple.edu
Tel: +81-3-5441-9800

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Information Session

Undergraduate

Faculty Advisor for the Asian Studies Major

Michael Thomas Cucek

Asian Studies

Assistant Professor /
Faculty Advisor for the Asian Studies major /
ICAS Associate

Sample Curriculum

Foundation Courses (select two from the following)

Asian Literature Requirement (select one from the following)

Asian Religions Requirement (select one from the following)

Asian Language Requirement

Required Writing-Intensive Courses

Asian Studies Electives

FEATURED COURSES

Student Interviews

Student Interviews

Student Voice

Sally Alcozer

Admissions Counseling Office

More In This Section

Undergraduate

Faculty Advisor for the Asian Studies Major

Michael Thomas Cucek

Asian Studies

Assistant Professor /Faculty Advisor for the Asian Studies major /ICAS Associate

Sample Curriculum

FEATURED COURSES

Student Interviews

Student Interviews

Student Voice

Sally Alcozer

Admissions Counseling Office

More In This Section

Assistant Professor /
Faculty Advisor for the Asian Studies major /
ICAS Associate