The study of Asia is highly relevant and important in this global age. Its influences on the Western world can be seen in economics, politics, music, the arts, entertainment, and religion.
The Asian Studies major at CU-Boulder encompasses a diverse interdisciplinary study of Asia and gives students an opportunity to discover Asia through a wide variety of courses that reflect the astonishing diversity of the region. Many students choose Asian Studies as a second major to complement the study of such subjects as history, international affairs, and geography. As part of your Asian Studies major requirements, you will receive a thorough grounding in the history of Asia and you could study an Asian language: Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, Farsi, Japanese, Korean, Sanskrit, or Tibetan. All majors will complete their Asian Studies degree with ASIA 4830, an in-depth exploration of broad issues that relate to a sub-region within Asia or the region as a whole.
Upon completion of this course of study, you will have received a highly individualized and broad education in the Asian region that will allow you to better understand its history and culture as well as its current dynamics.
For detailed information about requirements and other aspects of the Asian Studies major, click on the links to the left.
A minor in Asian Studies is available. It requires 21 hours of coursework. For specific requirements, see this page.
The University of Colorado offers certificate programs in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, South Asian Languages and Civilizations, and Tibetan and Himalayan Studies which provide certification of regional specialization within the Asian Studies major. Click the links for more information.
For more information: Please contact Lauren Collins at Lauren.collins@colorado.edu.
Asian Studies Advisors
Faculty Advisor
Lauren Collins
Teaching Assistant Professor and Asian Studies Program Director
Lauren.Collins@colorado.edu
Lauren is a cultural anthropologist whose work explores the relationship between the United States’ global power status and the practice of global education, especially economic and socio-cultural impacts of global education programs on local communities. Her research looks at the nature of the impact of U.S. student presence on host communities in the Global South, specifically Southeast and East Asia. She is particularly interested in how communities are building global education program provision infrastructure in response to the desires of U.S. study abroad programs to place students in “non-traditional” experiences. Her research has been published in the Journal of Teaching in Higher Education, Frontiers: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, the Journal of the National Collegiate Honors Council, and others. She has developed and led nearly 15 study abroad programs throughout Asia. At CU Boulder, she oversees the curricular aspects of the Asian Studies major and minor, teaching both lecture courses that introduce students to this incredibly diverse region and in-depth seminars that explore topics such as urbanization, the UN Sustainable Development goals, and the politics of memory in Asia.
Lauren also enthusiastically advises students interested in conducting their own research on various aspects of culture, history, and politics in Asia and is happy to help Asian Studies majors/minors and others find relevant study abroad programs or overseas internships.
Academic Advisor
Christine Luft
christine.luft@colorado.edu
Christine Luft is a volunteer at the Foothills Animal Shelter located in Jefferson County. If you visit Christine in her office, there is a good chance a critter will greet you at the door.
To declare an Asian Studies major or minor, please make an appointment online with Christine through Buff Portal Advising.