UA Revises Minor in Asian Studies

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences has revised its minor in Asian studies.

This interdisciplinary minor draws on the expertise of scholars across the College, including art history, English, history, modern languages and classics, political science and religious studies. These scholars have studied the cultures, languages, history and contemporary situation in various parts of Asia, including China, India, Japan, Sri Lanka and Tibet. International exchange and study abroad programs in Asia also contribute to these educational opportunities for Alabama students. After a period of inactivity, the minor is being reactivated because of strong student interest.

“These regions of Asia have some of the most vibrant economies and face the opportunities and challenges of being home to a significant portion of the world’s population,” said Dr. Steven Ramey, assistant professor of religious studies and director of the minor program. “This minor will prepare Alabama students to engage in global issues and opportunities as well as the growing diversity within Alabama.”

The Asian studies program will also host a variety of cultural and educational events that are free and open to the public, including an Asian Studies Film Series at 7 p.m. Mondays in Alston Hall 30, a visit by an internationally acclaimed Indian flautist “Surmani” V. K. Ramanon Sept. 6 and a lecture on Jews in India on Nov. 17.  Additional information about these events is available at http://web.as.ua.edu/asianstudies/.

For details on the program, contact Ramey at 205/348-4218 or sramey@as.ua.edu.

UA’s College of Arts and Sciences is the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Teams.