Departmental Brochure Whether you see yourself as an entrepreneur or a philosopher, involved in government or the arts, a working knowledge of Asian realities is essential in today's world. Whatever major you choose, the Asian studies minor allows you to tailor your course selection to explore Asian perspectives on the central questions of your field. A distinguished program faculty will guide you to appreciate the dynamics of Asian societies; their profound religious, philosophical, and artistic traditions; and the growing interdependence of East and West in a global economy. Fairfield's proximity to the vibrant Asian communities and cultural resources of New York City and New Haven make possible educational adventures near home, while faculty contacts provide acceess in setting up internships and research opportunities here and abroad. Existing exchange programs between Fairfield and Japanese universities, as well as similar possibilities elsewhere in Asia, offer students the unparalleled experience of learning by living in Asia.
Course of Study
 Asian studies is a multi-disciplinary program that links resources from eight departments into an integrated, flexible minor. You can major in any field and earn credits toward an Asian studies minor at the same time by selecting five of your courses from the broad range of program offerings. As an Asian studies minor you will work closely with program faculty in a sixth course, in a capstone seminar or independent research project in your senior year. The Asian studies program offers more than 30 courses, spans seven departments, and offers a capstone course every year. Courses include:
Economics
- Economic Development in Third World Nations
English
- Imperial Fictions and Colonial Voice-Overs
- Writers of the Asian Diaspora
History
- China in Revolution
- Modern China and Japan
- Social and Cultural History of China and Japan
- Tradition, Nationalism, and Communism in Southeast Asia
- Women in China and Japan
- East Asia in the 20th Century American Wars
Modern Languages and Literatures
- Basic and Intermediate Japanese and Chinese
Politics
- Introduction to Comparative Politics
- East Asian Politics
- Vietnam and the American Experience
- Seminars on China and Vietnam
Religious Studies
- Buddhism
- Hinduism
- North Pacific Tribal Religions
- Religions of China
- Buddhist Thought in India
- Tantrism
Visual and Performing Arts
- Arts of India, China, and Japan
- Asian Theatre
The faculty of Asian studies is an outstanding group of scholars and teachers whose education and lived experience span two continents - Asia and America.
James A. Buss
Ph.D., University of Connecticut
Economics
Ronald M. Davidson
Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Religious studies
Dina Franceschi
Ph.D., University of Texas, Knoxville
Economics
Manyul Im
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Philosophy
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Danke Li
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Danke Li
Ph.D., University of Michigan
History
Martha LoMonaco
Ph.D., New York University
Visual and performing arts
Gita Rajan
Ph.D., University of Arizona
English
Katherine A. Schwab
Ph.D., New York University
Visual and performing arts
Jiwei Xiao
Ph.D., Rutgers University
Modern Languages
Qin Zhang
Ph.D., University of New Mexico
Intercultural communication
Internships and Research
 Before finishing their education at Fairfield, Asian studies students are encouraged to integrate the knowledge and skills they've gained in Asian studies and their major by undertaking an independent research project or an intensive capstone seminar. Working closely with program faculty, recent graduates have completed strong research projects focusing on secret societies in China and organized crime in Japan, language change in Vietnam, and alternative medicines in China. Students can avail themselves of a unique opportunity of consulting visiting scholars from Asian countries who are jointly sponsored by the United Board for Christian Higher Education and Fairfield University. Career opportunities may develop out of internships available through major programs and the Career Planning Center, with firms or organizations having interests in Asia.
Life After Fairfield
 As you embark on a career path after graduation, the direction and distinction you gain as an Asian studies minor at Fairfield will enhance your professional opportunities over both the long and short term. Over the years, graduates of Fairfield's Asian studies program have been attractive candidates for employment in business, banking, journalism, and teaching, as well as with government agencies and nonprofit organizations engaged in international affairs. In the past few years quite a few Fairfield graduates have gone to Asia as Fulbright Scholars, showing that Asia is full of opportunities. Asian studies provides advantages to those applying for graduate and professional study in many fields. Our Asian studies graduates have gone on to business, research, and teaching positions in Korea, China, Japan, Nepal, and the Pacific Islands.
Real-World Education
 Asia is home to half the world's people, the most populous democracy, and the fastest-growing economies in the world. Success in the 21st century will certainly demand an appreciation of the contemporary reality of this part of the world - the cradle of humanity's first great civilizations, and the birthplace of most of the world's great religions. Asian studies students at Fairfield are challenged by a faculty with first-hand knowledge of Asian cultures to ask the kinds of questions and seek the kinds of answers that tomorrow's leaders will need to build this next century.
For further information, please contact:
Dr. Ronald Davidson, program director
Donnarumma Hall 344
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT 06824-5195
Tel: (203) 254-4000, ext. 22489
E-mail: rdavidson@mail.fairfield.edu |
