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Asian Studies at Tulane

The Asian Studies Program provides students with a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of Asian cultures and languages. The program works across departments to bring together a wide range of courses and methodological approaches to area studies. We currently offer undergraduate majors and minors, and over 100 students each term are enrolled in the Japanese and Chinese language programs. Each year we send Tulane graduates to graduate programs and prestigious governmental and professional positions related to Asia.

The rapid economic growth and increasing cultural influence of Asian countries have made Asian Studies an area of increasing interest for students and scholars around the world. Tulane's Asian Studies program aims to equip students with an understanding of the languages, cultures and peoples of Asia through study and collaboration with our growing faculty, who are engaged in world-class research in anthropology, cultural, cinematic, and literary studies, history, linguistics, sociology, political science, and other fields.

Read our Mission Statement.

Degrees and Curriculum

Currently we offer a Major in Asian Studies, the requirements of which are two courses in an Asian language (students who demonstrate proficiency in an Asian language may substitute other Asian Studies courses), ASTA 1800 Introduction to Asian Studies, and seven additional courses within Asian Studies for a minimum of 30 credits. 

Connecting to Asia at Tulane

Events

The Asian Studies program organizes and promotes Asia-related events throughout the school year. Students and community members can obtain more information about these events by contacting the Director of Asian Studies.

Language

Tulane Chinese program invites Chinese native speakers at Tulane to pair with Chinese learners in the program to be “language partners.” The language tutoring program aims to provide a platform for Chinese and American students to make friends, exchange ideas, and help each other learn second languages. Posters that include details for application are distributed via Tulane Student Association at the beginning weeks of each semester. For any questions, please email Prof. Lin Zhu (lzhu4@tulane.edu). Kaiwa Club (Japanese Conversation and Culture Club) is a recognized student organization. For more information, please contact the faculty mentor, Saeko Yatsuka-Jensen (syatsuka@tulane.edu).