Why Major in Asian Studies?
Studying and gaining understanding of the history, language, culture, economy and politics of Asia can not only provide an enlightening perspective on a fascinating region of the world, it can also prepare you for countless rewarding career opportunities. Belmont’s Asian Studies major or minor integrates many different academic disciplines and perspectives into a holistic sense of Asian culture and society. With many different courses and experiences available on campus and through a robust Study Abroad program, students are able to focus on both the modern and traditional history and literature of Asian cultures and societies, contemporary Asian politics, economic links between Asia and the rest of the world, and global philosophical, ethical and religious issues.
Pursuing Asian Studies will change the way you see the world as well as how you imagine your role in it. Consider this:
- Asia comprises 60 percent of the world's population.
- The world’s second (China) and third (Japan) leading economies are in Asia.
- Asian nations will be in the vanguard of economic, political and especially technological changes in the coming decades. This has profound implications for U.S. trade and foreign policies.
- Asia is the source for some of the world's most significant and long-lasting philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas.
Graduates with a major or minor in Asian Studies will be prepared to pursue many diverse careers in an era of globalization, such as international business, government service, education and research. Through Belmont's Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and other exchange and direct enroll partners, Asian Studies majors and minors have a variety of options to explore Asia, as well as pursue foreign language study, through full immersion in the culture.
What You'll Learn?
- Intercultural awareness through study abroad opportunities
- Modern and traditional history and literature of Asian cultures and societies
- Contemporary Asian politics
- Economic links between Asia and the rest of the world
- Global philosophical, ethical and religious issues.
Career Possibilities
- Translator/Interpreter
- Educator/Tutor
- Foreign Correspondent/Journalist
- International Consultant
- International Analyst
- International Business/Marketing/Finance
Ryan Pino
Asian Studies
PhD Student, Harvard University
“It would be difficult to overstate how much Belmont's phenomenal Asian Studies program helped prepare me for the trajectory I've followed since graduation. Following my time at Belmont, I pursued graduate studies in Shanghai working in a cross-cultural capacity for the dynamic Chinese startup that would unicorn into today's TikTok. I then transitioned to divinity school at Yale and now a PhD program at Harvard with a focus on Chinese religions. These opportunities simply would not have been available to me without the solid foundation laid in my time at Belmont.”
Abigail Blackburn
Spring Hill, TN
“There is a lot of focus on the cultural aspects of the program and plenty of opportunities to become culturally enriched. As an Asian American, it has been wonderful to learn more about my Asian, specifically Chinese, heritage and stay connected with my culture while I study my major in college.”
Program Details
Curious about your coursework? View requirements for this degree in the course catalog.
- Chinese Cultural Association: This association aims to broaden Belmont's horizons by promoting awareness of Chinese culture. They have speakers on Chinese government, economics and history, as well as celebrate Chinese culture through food, festivals and fun! In doing so, this organization humanizes the United States' global competitor and create more cultural awareness and tolerance.
- Japanese Culture Club: The JCC welcomes any and all student who may be interested in Japanese Culture to join in the exploration of the Land of the Rising Sun! They have weekly meetings that focus on learning about and discussing a specific topic of Japanese Culture, from traditional sports to pop culture. On top of weekly meetings, they also host a myriad of activities throughout the year, ranging from the annual Halloween party in the fall to World Culture Fest in the Spring!
- Asian American Association: The purpose of the Asian American Association is to create a space for Belmont folks to explore and celebrate Asian culture. Everyone is welcome regardless of race or ethnicity. This is a social club, so feel free to bring friends and ideas to contribute to the conversation! Activities include movies, games, food and socializing.
- South Asian and Middle Eastern Association: This association is open to all students of all backgrounds & identities. Their goal is to combat stereotypes and misconceptions, learning to appreciate and celebrate the differences that lie in all of us, while also revealing the humanness that connects all people, the same blood that runs through all of our veins -- promoting equality for all BECAUSE of our differences (not despite them). They hope to specifically celebrate the cultures and religions, as well as address the misconceptions that pertain to the South Asian and Middle Eastern regions and define our purpose and presence within the Belmont community.
Hong Kong Baptist University (Exchange Partner): Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong Baptist University has around 6,600 students studying as full-time undergraduates. English is the medium of instruction for formal classroom teaching, apart from Chinese-related subjects, combining broad-based liberal education with academic and professional vigor.
AREA OF STUDY: Arts, Business, Chinese Medicine, Communication, Science, Social Sciences and Visual Arts
Lingnan University (Exchange Partner): Hong Kong, China
As the only liberal arts university in Hong Kong, Lingnan University has 2,700 students. Most classes are taught in English and Cantonese is the city language. Students have the option of taking Mandarin Chinese classes.
AREA OF STUDY: Accounting, Chinese Language, Finance, Humanities, Management, Marketing, International Business, Languages, Visual Arts, Economics, Political Science, Sociology
East China Normal University (Exchange Partner) Shanghai, China
ECNU in Shanghai is a Chinese Ministry of Education Class A Double First Class University and is one of the most prestigious universities in China. It offers a wide range of courses in English, as well as in Chinese language. Attending ECNU also means living in one of the truly great global cities of the world.
AREA OF STUDY: Extensive array of courses in English, and also an ideal place to improve your Chinese language from beginner to advanced levels.
Tokyo Christian University (Direct Enroll): Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo Christian University is the premier evangelical university in Japan. Students will enroll at the East Asia Institute (EAI) at TCU. For students majoring or minoring in Asian Studies, all coursework can count towards those degree programs.
AREA OF STUDY: Japanese Language and Culture, Japanese Studies, Humanities, Social Sciences, Biblical Studies, Theological Studies and Christian Ministry and Field Education
Seinan Gakuin University (Exchange Partner): Fukuoka City, Japan
Seinan Gakuin University is a Christian university in Fukuoka, Japan, consistently ranked as one of the leading private universities in Japan. Its long-established exchange program accepts international students from partner institutions around the world.
AREA OF STUDY: Course content concentrates on Japan, including Japanese Language, Culture, History, Tradition, Business and Politics
Sogang University (Exchange Partner): Seoul, South Korea
Sogang University is the only Jesuit higher education institution in Korea and is one of the most prestigious universities in Korea.
AREA OF STUDY: Korean language and literature, Humanities, Social Science, Chinese Culture, Japanese Culture, Economics, Business, Art and Technology
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Sophie Chua
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615.460.8335