BA in Asian Studies

The cultures of Asia are among the world s oldest and most enduring and they also play an increasingly important role in modern world affairs. Emigrant peoples of Asia have reshaped the cultures of the rest of the world in profound ways, expanding what is thought of as Asia beyond national and continental boundaries, to include diaspora cultures in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Africa. Asia s many distinct and interrelated civilizations are ancient, dating to the Neolithic era, and widespread, geographically spanning the globe. The economic and political centers of Asia include the two most populous nations in the world and two of the three largest economies in the world. Thus, Asian Studies challenges students to explore some of the most influential and widespread cultures on the globe.