Asian Studies
Why Pursue Asian Studies?
Asia is the largest region in the world and is an economic powerhouse. With a Minor in Asian Studies you will enhance your employment prospects and possibilities of working internationally. Spelman students benefit from our collaboration with George Washington University through a professional development program, a Korea summer studies program and a Korean Studies undergraduate research fellows program.
Asian Studies courses available for Spring 2026!
- AS 200 Intro to Asian Studies (required for Asian Studies and Japan Studies minors)
- AVC 365 Black Pacific Art and Visual Culture
- PSC 420 China-Japan Relations with African Countries
- ENG 437 Theorizing Brownness
- REL 271 Intro to Bhagwad Gita
Scholars are remarking on the “Asian Century,” as many of Asia’s economies come into their own. With the gaining of economic strength also comes a heightening of these countries’ profiles in the world. The Asian Studies minor brings a critical region of the world into focus and allows students to examine an area which is of increasing relevance to our lives.
Student Testimonial: Jillian Linnear, C'2022, Asian Studies Minor
I have really enjoyed my time in the Asian Studies program. It is small, so we are all quite close, and I would not have it any other way. Our professors go above and beyond to make sure we're still able to learn in an area that interests us. In my second year at Spelman, my professor sent me to a conference at George Washington University in D.C. (all expenses paid) which exposed me to many programs, issues and ideas related to the Asian sphere. The opportunities given to us to ensure we can delve deeper into Asian Studies are endless. I hope in the future, more of my Spelman sisters develop an interest in Asian Studies because it is an exciting field of study, and really helps expand one's worldview.