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Asian cultures have long and productive traditions in science and technology, arts and literature, political philosophy, business and economics, religious beliefs and practices—traditions that have become dominant forces in the contemporary world. A basic knowledge of Asia as a field of study is thus vital to Dartmouth students because it figures prominently in the great issues that will confront them in the future—issues related to international law and human rights, the environment and global warming, economic development and migration, media and the arts, and technology. The Department of Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages (ASCL) promotes the study and understanding of this field.
Curriculum
The ASCL curriculum is designed to provide students with an understanding of Asia through an innovative selection of courses. Thinking Through Asia courses are team-taught interdisciplinary introductions to Asia that problematize the meaning of “Asia” as a field of study and present to students a range of critical theories and methodologies used by Asia specialists from various disciplines. Interdisciplinary, Interregional, Transnational and Diaspora Studies courses provide students with broader perspectives on Asia. Some focus on Asia’s shared cultural heritages, others may focus on humanistic responses to historical and sociological phenomena, some are deliberately comparative.
ASCL also offers a language minor for students pursuing majors in other departments and programs who require competency in an Asian language while at Dartmouth and/or in their post-Dartmouth careers.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the ASCL undergraduate major will be able to demonstrate the following:
• In-depth knowledge of the histories, religions, societies, politics, or cultural traditions of one or more Asian countries or regions within Asia; • Familiarity with interdisciplinary methodologies and approaches in the field of Asian Studies; • Critical analysis of conventional ideas and discourses about Asia and representations of peoples, cultures and societies in Asia; • Intermediate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension of at least one Asian language (for ASCL Standard Track Majors); • Advanced proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension of at least one Asian language (for ASCL Language Track Majors).
Programme overview
Main Subject
Modern Languages
Degree
Other
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
Overview
Asian cultures have long and productive traditions in science and technology, arts and literature, political philosophy, business and economics, religious beliefs and practices—traditions that have become dominant forces in the contemporary world. A basic knowledge of Asia as a field of study is thus vital to Dartmouth students because it figures prominently in the great issues that will confront them in the future—issues related to international law and human rights, the environment and global warming, economic development and migration, media and the arts, and technology. The Department of Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages (ASCL) promotes the study and understanding of this field.
Curriculum
The ASCL curriculum is designed to provide students with an understanding of Asia through an innovative selection of courses. Thinking Through Asia courses are team-taught interdisciplinary introductions to Asia that problematize the meaning of “Asia” as a field of study and present to students a range of critical theories and methodologies used by Asia specialists from various disciplines. Interdisciplinary, Interregional, Transnational and Diaspora Studies courses provide students with broader perspectives on Asia. Some focus on Asia’s shared cultural heritages, others may focus on humanistic responses to historical and sociological phenomena, some are deliberately comparative.
ASCL also offers a language minor for students pursuing majors in other departments and programs who require competency in an Asian language while at Dartmouth and/or in their post-Dartmouth careers.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the ASCL undergraduate major will be able to demonstrate the following:
• In-depth knowledge of the histories, religions, societies, politics, or cultural traditions of one or more Asian countries or regions within Asia; • Familiarity with interdisciplinary methodologies and approaches in the field of Asian Studies; • Critical analysis of conventional ideas and discourses about Asia and representations of peoples, cultures and societies in Asia; • Intermediate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension of at least one Asian language (for ASCL Standard Track Majors); • Advanced proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension of at least one Asian language (for ASCL Language Track Majors).
Admission Requirements
7+
135+
100+
Major (10 courses)
One introductory course chosen from ASCL 1: Thinking through Asia offerings
Two language courses beyond the first-year level (or the equivalent)
Three Interdisciplinary, Interregional, Transnational or Diaspora (IITD) courses
note: Students can substitute an additional ASCL 1 for one of these requirements
note: ASCL 10.XX and 11.XX courses also fulfill this requirement
Three Discipline Specific (DS) courses
One ASCL 80.XX Advanced Seminar (serves as the Culminating Experience)
Language Track Major (10 courses)
One introductory course chosen from ASCL 1: Thinking through Asia offerings
Five language courses beyond the first-year level (or the equivalent)
Three Interdisciplinary, Interregional, Transnational or Diaspora courses and Discipline Specific courses
note: Students can substitute an additional ASCL 1 for one of these requirements
note: at least one course from each category (IITD and DS) is required.
note: ASCL 10.XX and 11.XX courses also fulfill this requirement
One ASCL 80.XX Advanced Seminar (serves as the Culminating Experience)
Modified Major (11 courses)
ASCL Modified Majors require seven ASCL courses combined with four from another program or department. Students wishing to pursue a Modified Major must submit a proposal to the ASCL Steering Committee that includes:
1) Your list of the courses comprising your modified major. Your list must include:
ASCL 1
an ASCL 80-level course (i.e. a culminating experience)
a selection of the remaining five ASCL courses that represent an equitable mix of DS (discipline specific) and IITD (interdisciplinary, interregional, transnational, and diaspora) courses
four courses from the modifying department or program
Include the ORC descriptions of all the courses you plan to use for your modified major
(2) A rationale for the proposed major:
In keeping with the College's requirements for all modified majors, your rationale must show that the proposed major is "unified and coherent" by explaining the reasons for including the four modifying courses within your major plan of study. The reasons may be related to (1) particular geographic subfields of Asian Studies (i.e. China Studies, South Asian Studies); (2) particular academic disciplines (i.e. Literary Studies, Anthropology, History); and/or (3) specific topics or categories of study (i.e. development, political violence, borderlands, visual art). The rationale should argue for the unity and coherence of the major on intellectual grounds; it should not be based on your post-graduation career plans.
Students who are interested in proposing an ASCL modified major should contact the ASCL Vice Chair to discuss their plans and get feedback on their draft rationale. When the application is completed, the student should submit it to the Vice Chair and ASCL Department Administrator for review by the ASCL Curriculum Committee.
NOTE: ASCL 10.XX and 11.XX courses count as IITD courses. DS (Discipline Specific) courses are numbered in the 50s and 60s. IITD (Interdisciplinary, Interregional, Transnational, Diaspora) courses are numbered in the 70s. Advanced Seminars (which count as the culminating experience) are numbered in the 80s.
48 Months
Sep-2023
Tuition fees
Domestic
0 USD
International
0 USD
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
Bachelor of Arts in Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages
# 251-300QS Subject Rankings
48 monthsProgramme duration
Modern LanguagesMain Subject Area
Programme overview
Main Subject
Modern Languages
Degree
Other
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
Overview
Asian cultures have long and productive traditions in science and technology, arts and literature, political philosophy, business and economics, religious beliefs and practices—traditions that have become dominant forces in the contemporary world. A basic knowledge of Asia as a field of study is thus vital to Dartmouth students because it figures prominently in the great issues that will confront them in the future—issues related to international law and human rights, the environment and global warming, economic development and migration, media and the arts, and technology. The Department of Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages (ASCL) promotes the study and understanding of this field.
Curriculum
The ASCL curriculum is designed to provide students with an understanding of Asia through an innovative selection of courses. Thinking Through Asia courses are team-taught interdisciplinary introductions to Asia that problematize the meaning of “Asia” as a field of study and present to students a range of critical theories and methodologies used by Asia specialists from various disciplines. Interdisciplinary, Interregional, Transnational and Diaspora Studies courses provide students with broader perspectives on Asia. Some focus on Asia’s shared cultural heritages, others may focus on humanistic responses to historical and sociological phenomena, some are deliberately comparative.
ASCL also offers a language minor for students pursuing majors in other departments and programs who require competency in an Asian language while at Dartmouth and/or in their post-Dartmouth careers.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the ASCL undergraduate major will be able to demonstrate the following:
• In-depth knowledge of the histories, religions, societies, politics, or cultural traditions of one or more Asian countries or regions within Asia;
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary methodologies and approaches in the field of Asian Studies;
• Critical analysis of conventional ideas and discourses about Asia and representations of peoples, cultures and societies in Asia;
• Intermediate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension of at least one Asian language (for ASCL Standard Track Majors);
• Advanced proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension of at least one Asian language (for ASCL Language Track Majors).
Programme overview
Main Subject
Modern Languages
Degree
Other
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
Overview
Asian cultures have long and productive traditions in science and technology, arts and literature, political philosophy, business and economics, religious beliefs and practices—traditions that have become dominant forces in the contemporary world. A basic knowledge of Asia as a field of study is thus vital to Dartmouth students because it figures prominently in the great issues that will confront them in the future—issues related to international law and human rights, the environment and global warming, economic development and migration, media and the arts, and technology. The Department of Asian Societies, Cultures, and Languages (ASCL) promotes the study and understanding of this field.
Curriculum
The ASCL curriculum is designed to provide students with an understanding of Asia through an innovative selection of courses. Thinking Through Asia courses are team-taught interdisciplinary introductions to Asia that problematize the meaning of “Asia” as a field of study and present to students a range of critical theories and methodologies used by Asia specialists from various disciplines. Interdisciplinary, Interregional, Transnational and Diaspora Studies courses provide students with broader perspectives on Asia. Some focus on Asia’s shared cultural heritages, others may focus on humanistic responses to historical and sociological phenomena, some are deliberately comparative.
ASCL also offers a language minor for students pursuing majors in other departments and programs who require competency in an Asian language while at Dartmouth and/or in their post-Dartmouth careers.
Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the ASCL undergraduate major will be able to demonstrate the following:
• In-depth knowledge of the histories, religions, societies, politics, or cultural traditions of one or more Asian countries or regions within Asia;
• Familiarity with interdisciplinary methodologies and approaches in the field of Asian Studies;
• Critical analysis of conventional ideas and discourses about Asia and representations of peoples, cultures and societies in Asia;
• Intermediate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension of at least one Asian language (for ASCL Standard Track Majors);
• Advanced proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and aural comprehension of at least one Asian language (for ASCL Language Track Majors).
Admission Requirements
Major (10 courses)
Language Track Major (10 courses)
Modified Major (11 courses)
ASCL Modified Majors require seven ASCL courses combined with four from another program or department. Students wishing to pursue a Modified Major must submit a proposal to the ASCL Steering Committee that includes:
1) Your list of the courses comprising your modified major. Your list must include:
(2) A rationale for the proposed major:
In keeping with the College's requirements for all modified majors, your rationale must show that the proposed major is "unified and coherent" by explaining the reasons for including the four modifying courses within your major plan of study. The reasons may be related to (1) particular geographic subfields of Asian Studies (i.e. China Studies, South Asian Studies); (2) particular academic disciplines (i.e. Literary Studies, Anthropology, History); and/or (3) specific topics or categories of study (i.e. development, political violence, borderlands, visual art). The rationale should argue for the unity and coherence of the major on intellectual grounds; it should not be based on your post-graduation career plans.
Students who are interested in proposing an ASCL modified major should contact the ASCL Vice Chair to discuss their plans and get feedback on their draft rationale. When the application is completed, the student should submit it to the Vice Chair and ASCL Department Administrator for review by the ASCL Curriculum Committee.
NOTE:
ASCL 10.XX and 11.XX courses count as IITD courses.
DS (Discipline Specific) courses are numbered in the 50s and 60s.
IITD (Interdisciplinary, Interregional, Transnational, Diaspora) courses are numbered in the 70s.
Advanced Seminars (which count as the culminating experience) are numbered in the 80s.
Tuition fees
Domestic
International
Scholarships
Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.
To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:
How to get a full scholarship
Looking for a fully-funded scholarship to see you into university? Find out how to boost your chances of getting one.
Scholarships to study abroad
Find scholarships to study abroad with our lists of international scholarships – categorized by country, by subject, and by type of student.
Scholarship Applications: Frequently Asked Questions
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