Studying Asia
Why study Asia?
Asia is home to the majority of the world’s population and many of its oldest civilizations. The peoples of Central, South, East and Southeast Asia have produced some of the world’s most sophisticated cultures, many of which continue to thrive in the 21st century. Asia plays a major role in shaping the global environment—economic, political, natural—that we all share. In a globally interconnected world, knowledge of cultures and languages other than your own can create meaningful connections. As Jim Nealis, the program’s benefactor, discovered early in his career, knowledge of Asian societies was vital to his professional success. The Nealis Program in Asian Studies ensures that Saint Joseph’s University students have the resources they need to become engaged global citizens, skilled in the crafts of international exchange and prepared for the interconnected world of now and the future that lies ahead.
Vibrant and Important Continent
Asia is a vast and dynamic region, encompassing cradles of civilization in Central Asia; the great and diverse Indian subcontinent; China, with the world’s largest population; Japan with its thousands of islands that cultivate both ancient tradition and cutting edge modernity; South East Asian maritime societies and some of the fastest-growing economies on earth. The region has its own internal power dynamics with economic competition between India and China, and North Korea seeking allies throughout Eurasia. Korean popular culture has swept the globe, driving interest in the complexities of the peninsula. Indonesia is home to the largest majority Muslim country, connected to other Muslim societies by bonds of faith and trade. Pakistan and India, South Asia’s biggest rivals are also its closest neighbors with shared languages, cultures and traditions. From Vietnam to Burma, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and beyond, Asia is growing and changing and shaping global culture for everyone.
Whether your orientation is to the past, present, or future (and ideally to all three), studying Asia makes a lot of sense. It will enrich your understanding of the histories and cultures that have contributed so much to our common human heritage, and it will prepare you for a role in the global world of tomorrow.
Interdisciplinary Approach
At Saint Joseph’s University, we offer an interdisciplinary major and minor in Asian Studies, with an option to focus on either South Asia or East Asia. Double-majoring or adding a minor in Asian Studies to your major will show that you’ve acquired specialized knowledge!
The size of our program makes it possible to work closely with individual Asian Studies faculty to receive the kind of personal attention and support that are vital for academic success. The program frequently brings Asia to campus through residencies, films, concerts and lectures; offers trips to sites like the United Nations and the National Gallery of Asian Art. In addition, NPAS strongly encourages study abroad in Asia and offers significant financial support to students, staff and faculty. With courses in the departments of Art and Art History, Economics, English, History, Languages and Linguistics, Political Science, and Theology, the program combines a solid foundation in the liberal arts with a specialized knowledge of Asia that will prepare graduates for success in a wide variety of career opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Careers for Asian Studies majors include international business and business development, international relations and diplomacy, journalism, public health, government service, international aid and development, leadership in museums and libraries, and education. Check out the opportunities for fellowships in Asia offered by the Office of Fellowships!