Asian-Pacific Studies
College of Arts and Humanities
Asian-Pacific Studies
Faculty
Jung Sun Park, Coordinator
Program Office: LCH B-306 (310) 243-3327, 3224
Asian-Pacific Studies Committee
Dorothy Mao Fisher (Information Systems), Leena Furtado (Graduate Education), Jitsuo Furusawa (Graduate Education), Linda Groff (Political Science), Don Hata (History), Alan Honda (staff), Gary Kawaguchi (Global Diaspora), Pamela Krochalk (Health Science), Richard Kuramoto (Biology), Wayne Martin (Political Science), Naomi O. Moy (Library), Doris Okada (Graduate Education), Richard Palmer (Political Science), Linda Pomerantz (History), Adelaide Siena (student), Eiichi Shimomisse (Philosophy), Joann Uno (staff), Agnes Yamada (English)
Program Description
The Asian-Pacific Studies Program offers an interdisciplinary minor in the study of Asian and Pacific Island cultures and a Liberal Studies option in Asian-Pacific issues and experiences.
The minor in Asian-Pacific Studies is designed for students seeking to either complement their studies of other civilizations and cultures, or to pursue graduate study, travel, foreign service, or international business. It is structured to provide an understanding of the social, political, and cultural patterns of Asia and the Pacific through courses in Asian and Pacific history, politics, art, literature, language and philosophy.
The Liberal Studies option is designed for future elementary teachers. The concentration in Asian-Pacific studies provides for the changing demographics of Southern California and the growing number of Asian and Pacific Islanders in the public schools. Courses in language, culture, values, and the arts prepare future teachers to work effectively and sensitively with Asian-Pacific children and their families.
Features
The University is located in a unique area at the nexus of the international ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Numerous corporations in Los Angeles and Orange counties represent the increasing importance of America’s Asian-Pacific relations.
The California State University International Programs
make available to students, who would like to have firsthand knowledge
of Asia, an opportunity to study at Waseda University (Japan) and National
Chengchi University (Republic of China/Taiwan). Advisors will help students
plan their course of study to fulfill requirements for an Asian-Pacific Studies
Program minor. Additionally, CSUDH has established formal partnerships with
Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China and Kon Kuk University, Seoul, South
Korea.
Academic Advisement
Students may select an advisor from members of the Asian-Pacific Studies Program Committee or may ask the program office for assistance in selecting an advisor.
Students should see an advisor upon first entering CSU Dominguez Hills, at the beginning of their junior year and at the beginning of their senior year.
Career Opportunities
In a world that is increasingly dependent upon international cooperation and trade, career opportunities for those with a background in Asian-Pacific Studies are numerous and varied. Completion of the Liberal Studies concentration will prepare elementary teachers for employment in culturally and linguistically diverse schools.
A. Lower Division Required Courses (6 units):
APP 101. Introduction to Asian-Pacific Studies (3)
APP 212. Introduction to Comparative Ethnic and Global Societies (3) or
One course in an Asian-Pacific language subject
to approval
of the program coordinator (3)
B. Upper Division Requirements (9 units): Select three courses from the following. Up to 9 units can be selected from the recommended courses list and up to three units can be selected from the elective courses list.
1. Recommended Courses:
APP 301. Asian-Pacific
Populations in
Contemporary American Society (3)
APP 321. Asian-Pacific Art, Music, and Literature (3)
APP 322. Values
and Communication of
Asian-Pacific Cultures (3)
APP 331. Japanese Comics and Animation (3)
APP 333. Values
and Communication of
Asian-Pacific Cultures (3)
APP 395. Special topics in Asian-Pacific Studies (3)
APP 490. Seminar: Asian-Pacific Studies (3)
2. Elective Courses:
HIS 362. Traditional China (3)
HIS 363. Modern China (3)
HIS 364. Traditional Japan (3)
HIS 365. Modern Japan (3)
Course Offerings
The credit value for each course in semester units is indicated for each term by a number in parentheses following the title. For course availability, please see the list of tentative course offerings in the current Class Schedule.
Lower Division
APP 101 Introduction
to
Asian-Pacific Studies (3).
Basic themes and key issues in Asia and the Pacific region. Multi-disciplinary survey of art, literature, philosophy, religion, politics, and society. Background to understanding tradition and change in the region, and introduction to the multicultural roots of Asian-Pacific Americans.
APP 212 Introduction to Comparative Ethnic and Global Studies (3).
Explores the lived experiences of the three Ethnic/Global communities in the United States and their place of origin. Examines the socio-cultural dynamics in Africana, Asian-Pacific and Chicano/Latino communities.
APP 295 Special
Topics in
Asian-Pacific Studies (3).
A study of selected topics or issues in Asian-Pacific Studies. Repeatable for a maximum of six units for credit.
Upper Division
APP 301 Asian-Pacific
Populations
in Contemporary American Society (3).
Survey of Asian-Pacific populations in contemporary American society. Emphasizes emerging trends, demographics, cultural conflicts, and adjustments and identity problems of Asian-Pacific groups.
APP 321 Asian-Pacific
Art,
Music and Literature (3).
Examination of Asian-Pacific cultures and history through art, music, and written and oral literatures. Contributions of past and present artists and writers to the establishment of cultural identities.
APP 331 Japanese Comics and Animation (3).
Focusing on Japanese comics and animation, this course examines the contemporary transnational flows of culture and their implications. It also explores how the existing power relations between the East/West center/periphery and men/women are reflected and challenged in the production and dissemination of Japanese comics and animation.
APP 322 Values and
Communication
of Asian-Pacific Cultures (3).
Analysis of basic values and societal outlooks unique to various Asian-Pacific groups. Evaluation of verbal and nonverbal communication modes for cross-cultural understanding.
APP 331 Japanese
Comics
and Animation (3).
Focusing on Japanese comics and animation, this course examines the contemporary transnational flows of culture and their implications. It also explores how the existing power relations between the East/West center/periphery and men/women are reflected and challenged in the production and dissemination of Japanese comics and animation.
APP 333 East Asian Culture and Society in Cinema (3)
Through critical analyses of films, this course will explore various aspects of East Asian societies including history, cultural traditions, socioeconomic transformations, politics, identity, gender and generational relations. It will also examine the issue of ethnic/racial/national/gender representation in East Asian cinema and its implications.
APP 395 Special
Topics in
Asian-Pacific Studies (3).
Prerequisite: Consent of program coordinator.
An intensive
study of an issue, concept
or theme in Asian-Pacific Studies. Repeatable for a maximum of six units for
credit.
APP 490 Seminar:
Asian-Pacific Issues (3).
Prerequisites: APP 301 and APP 321.
Capstone experience in Asian-Pacific concentration. In-depth study and project development of historical or current issues confronting Asian-Pacific populations. Three hours of seminar per week.
APP 494 Independent Study (1-3).
Independent study of a particular topic in Asian/Pacific Studies, relating two or more disciplines, such as anthropology, art, education, history, languages, music, philosophy, politics, or sociology under the direction of an Asian/Pacific Studies Program faculty member. Repeatable course.
APP 495 Selected Topics (3).
An intensive study of selected topics or issues in Asian-Pacific studies.