Drying vegetables
Kaiping, Guangdong, China
Photograph by Stephan Woo
Seniors in the Asian studies major whose grade point average is 3.5 or higher in all university work and 3.6 or higher in the major qualify for honors. The program consists of completion of Asian Studies H195A-H195B (3 units each), which includes the writing of an honors thesis. The honors thesis is expected to be a substantial research paper, both in its length and originality. It will be read by two faculty members. Students must complete the program to graduate with honors in the major.
Opportunities to study in Asia are abundant, and students are encouraged to take advantage of them. Those who qualify for the U.C. Education Abroad Programs are often eligible for substantial scholarships. Many courses taken abroad transfer easily to the major. For further information, contact the Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad at 160 Stephens Hall, 510.642.1356, or the undergraduate adviser.
Class listings of courses applicable to the major, as well as announcements on Asia-related lectures, jobs, scholarships, internships and educational programs are distributed via email to declared Asian Studies majors. Similar information is posted on a bulletin board in the student area of 101 Stephens Hall.
All declared students are invited to social events, such as potluck dinners, IAS cafes (informal International and Area Studies student discussion groups), and the annual fall reception of the Institute of East Asian Studies.
The university supports research centers for Chinese, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, and Southeast Asian studies. All sponsor seminars and colloquia related to Asia. Students should contact the centers of interest to join their mailing lists.