Asian Studies Minor

The purpose of the Asian Studies Minor is to support the study of Asia on post and develop “citizens of character who anticipate, respond, and lead in a complex and changing world.” This academic experience is designed to rigorously educate cadets on the affairs of East, Central, South, and Southeast Asia. Cadets can design their program of study to focus on a particular country, such as China or India, or enroll in courses that cover a variety of topics in order gain a rich understanding of the region.

For information about courses and advice on plans of study, please see Dr. Vera Heuer, Director of the Asian Studies Minor.

Asian Studies Minor Requirements

Cadets will take eighteen credits of electives, as apportioned below. Substitutions to the elective curriculum will be considered by the Director of the Asian Studies Minor, in consultation with the Head of the IS Department.

International Studies and Political Science Electives (Six Credits)

IS 302 - Special Topics in Asian Studies Credit Hours: 3
IS 303 - Special Topics in Asian Studies Credit Hours: 3
IS 332X - Politics in East Asia Credit Hours: 3
IS 333 - Politics of the Middle East Credit Hours: 3
IS 334X - Politics of Central Asia Credit Hours: 3
IS 336WX - Politics in China Credit Hours: 3
IS 338 - Politics of India and the Subcontinent Credit Hours: 3
IS 339 - Digital Media and South Asian Politics Credit Hours: 3
IS 428 - US-China Relations Credit Hours: 3

Non-International Studies and Political Science Electives (Three Credits)

ERH 211WX - Comparative Religion Credit Hours: 3
HI 310 - War and Society in Modern China Credit Hours: 3
HI 327X - India from the Age of the Harrapans to the Present Day Credit Hours: 3
HI 335 - The Vietnam War Credit Hours: 3
HI 346 - Modern Japan Credit Hours: 3
HI 357 - History of Imperial China Credit Hours: 3
HI 359 - China in the Communist Era (1949-Present) Credit Hours: 3

General Electives (nine credits)

200, 300, and 400-level Chinese language (a maximum of nine credits can count)
• 100-level Chinese language courses will not count toward the minor
Any of the classes listed as an eligible IS and non-IS Asian Studies elective aboveve

Cadets are also encouraged to enroll in a Study Abroad Experience in Asia, either through a VMI faculty-led program or through an exchange or program approved by the VMI Office of International Programs.