Asian Studies
Why Pursue Asian Studies?
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent and an economic powerhouse. With a minor in Asian Studies, you will enhance your knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the history, cultures, society, economics and politics of Asian countries. 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 for Fall 2026:
- SFLC 402 Advanced Japanese Cultural Context II
- REL 222 Intro to the Study of Islam
- SFLC 345 Understanding Modern China
- ENG 372 Asian American Film and Media
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.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 that is of increasing relevance to our lives.