Asian Studies BA Japan Studies
Program Purpose
Asian Studies-Japan Studies is an interdisciplinary major in which students develop language competence and an understanding of the humanities, history, politics, economics, geography, and social conditions in East Asia generally with a more in-depth knowledge of Japan. The major is designed to serve students interested in working in the private sector, government, or non-profit organizations, as well as preparing for graduate studies primarily in professional programs. It also aims to have students develop critical thinking, perceptive reading, and competent writing skills that will enhance students' career options and prepare them to be lifelong students. This statement of purpose aligns with Brigham Young University's Mission Statement by enabling students to think clearly and communicate effectively, while learning more about another region of the world.
Curricular Structure
Program MAP:
Catalog Description: The Asian Studies-Japan Studies major is an interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for careers and advanced study in the specialized field of Japan Studies not provided by a major in one department. The program provides an opportunity for students to acquire working competence in Japanese, a broad knowledge of Asian civilization, and a more specialized knowledge of Japan. The major is useful to those contemplating careers in academic areas, private industry, or government service. International business and government services are particularly interested in persons who have a strong background in Japan Studies.
As evident from the attached Asian Studies Map Sheet, the Asian Studies-Japan Studies curriculum is designed to meet stated Asian Studies program goals by requiring each student to complete specific courses relating to Asia in general in specific disciplines. Each student will acquire specific research and study methods unique to the study of Asia. In addition, each student will become familiar with the recent history of Asian civilization, Asian culture and humanities, and Asian international relations and politics.
Each student is required to specialize by developing competence in Japanese, and a more in-depth knowledge of Japan's history. After completing the language component, students should be able to converse intelligently in Japanese, and to read and write on a level permitting primary research. Elective courses allow students to further develop knowledge of China, or to further expand knowledge of Asia in general.
The curriculum encourages students to seek opportunities to study or work (through an internship program) in Japan and allows students to apply credit obtained through internship courses to the major or minor.
Learning Outcomes
Students in Asian Studies-Japan Studies will be able to:
Regional and Disciplinary LiteracyDiscuss the historical, cultural, and political traditions and perspectives of Asia and successfully analyze specific topics within these traditions using the concepts, theories, and methodologies associated with research in social science and the humanities.
Communicate in Japanese at the "intermediate" level according to ACTFL proficiency guidelines-i.e. "handle successfully a variety of uncomplicated communicative tasks in straightforward social situations . . . limited to those predictable and concrete exchanges necessary for survival." Comprehend "simple, sentence-length speech . . . in a variety of basic personal and social contexts." Read "short texts that convey basic information and deal with basic personal and social topics."
Speak and write clearly, logically, and persuasively.
Develop intellectual curiosity that will lead to continued engagement with Asia in professional, personal, and ecclesiastical contexts.
Evidence of Learning
Most formal assessment occurs in the individual courses using examinations, papers, oral presentations, projects, etc. Successful completion of the program course work is the most obvious and direct measure of learning available to the Asian Studies program.
Direct Measures
- Review capstone papers. Each year capstone papers will be reviewed and evaluated using a rubric that focuses on the clarity of writing, engagement with the existing literature, quality of the research methodology and design, and style. A copy of all capstone papers are kept online.
- Collect Oral Proficiency and Written Proficiency Exam results as part of Asian 495.
Indirect Measures
- All graduating seniors are required to complete a written survey.These are collected by the Kennedy Center Advisement Office when students apply for graduation. They allow students to offer self-reflective comments on their learning process and education experiences at BYU. This provides an indirect measure for all learning outcomes.
- An exit interview is conducted by the department coordinator with all students participating in ASIAN 495 (capstone course). This allows the students an opportunity to reflect on their education at BYU, offer suggestions on how the Asian Studies program might be improved, and provide a forum for other types of information associated with their education they might wish to discuss. This provides an indirect measure for all learning outcomes.
Learning and Teaching Assessment and Improvement
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, no faculty members are directly assigned to the Asian Studies program (rather each is a member of another academic department ) and the majority of course offerings are provided by other departments such as Asian and Near Eastern Languages, History and Political Science. Due to the inter-disciplinary nature of the program, most course evaluation and faculty assessment is conducted by the faculty home departments.