Bachelor's in Asian Studies

Vassar College has a storied history and a strong tradition of providing a transformative education. Vassar College offers a wide array of undergraduate programs spanning various disciplines in the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. The college's liberal arts curriculum is marked by small class sizes and a dedicated faculty, fostering close mentorship and vibrant intellectual exchanges. Vassar's emphasis on critical thinking, creativity, and social responsibility prepares graduates to excel in a diverse range of careers and contribute meaningfully to society. With its stunning campus and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Vassar College continues to provide a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment for students seeking a liberal arts education of the highest caliber.

The program examines both the traditional societies of Asia and their transformations in recent times. Asian Studies majors and correlates work closely with advisors to design their program of study to follow their specific interests. Courses in the Program in Asian Studies are taught by Vassar faculty members from across the curriculum who specialize in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. The program offers a broad range of courses in both the social sciences and the humanities on a wide array of topics, including East-West encounters, diaspora and globalization, social movements, environmental and political histories, technology, economies, and regional security issues. The program also offers courses that explore gender and sexuality, postcolonial and nationalist film genres, music, art history, popular culture, Asian education systems, history, rituals, religion, Asian healing traditions as well as Asian and Asian American literary texts and social contexts.