Asian-Pacific Studies

Jung Sun Park, Coordinator

Program Office: LCH B-306  (310) 243-3420, 3224

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.

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.

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.

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); and

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.  At least two different departments must be represented:

APP 395.      Special topics in Asian-Pacific Studies (3)

HIS 362.       Traditional China (3)

HIS 363.       Modern China (3)

HIS 364.       Traditional Japan (3)

HIS 365.       Modern Japan (3)

PHI 384.       Asian Philosophy (3)

POL 341.      Government and Politics of East Asia (3)

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.

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.

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 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 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.