Asian Studies
Encompassing traditions stretching from ancient dynasties to modern mega-corporations, the impact of Asian culture is nearly as old and complicated as humanity itself. As an Asian studies major at Rollins, you’ll immerse yourself in this diverse and fascinating region through the study of history, religion, politics, language, business, and economics.
Our interdisciplinary program combines traditional courses in social sciences and the humanities with an emphasis on area study and international experience. More than 75 percent of our students study abroad, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to experience Asia’s global impact firsthand. Our expert faculty members bring decades of experience into the classroom—they’ll serve as your guides and mentors, allowing you to hone your language skills and develop an even greater sense of philosophical and cultural concepts critical to the region.
As an Asian studies major, you’ll develop a sophisticated and reflexive worldview that embodies what it means to be a global citizen, all while preparing for tomorrow’s ever-evolving job market.
Why Study Asian Studies at Rollins
Future-Proof Foundation
Rollins’ mission of turning out responsible global leaders in everything from human rights to international business is perfectly suited to the study of Asia, one of the most geopolitically consequential regions in the world.
International Opportunity
Put the language and cultural skills you’re learning in our small, discussion-based classes to the test on immersive field studies or a semester abroad in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Japan.
Personalized Mentorship
Asian studies is a small, tight-knit department, so your professors get to know you well throughout your time in the major, giving you the freedom to explore your specific interests and offering feedback tailored to your needs and goals.
“Throughout my journey at Rollins, I was fortunate to learn in various environments—from independent studies and round-table discussions to hands-on learning and seminars. These learning environments forced me to tackle questions from different angles, both independently and in collaborative teams. I use the critical-thinking and language skills I gained at Rollins in my work every day.”
Dive Into Asian Studies
The Asian Studies major provides you with the opportunity to study in depth one of the most important regions in the world. The importance of Asia derives from its large population, long history, complex and diverse societies and cultures, and rising economic significance. As the peoples and nations of the world become increasingly interconnected, successful leaders and citizens will benefit from a mastery of this key region.
Rollins Asian Studies Careers
Rollins’ Asian studies grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s leading companies.
Jennifer Jokl ’14
Senior Analyst, JetBlue
Nina Houston ’16
Business Development Manager, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
Lambrini Kolios ’13
Country Manager, Brazil & the Caribbean, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
Rachel Bogdan ’14
Staff Attorney, Office of the Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance
Brittany Edwards ’17
User Experience Researcher, Yahoo
Real World Experience
From community engagement courses to international research experiences, Asian studies students hone their skills in the real world.
See for Yourself
Get a feel for Rollins’ unique brand of engaged learning and personalized attention through one of our virtual or in-person visit experiences.
Popular Courses
Our interdisciplinary curriculum gives you the flexibility to pursue courses in everything from history and humanities to languages and international business.
HIS 163 Modern East Asia
Take a close look at the modern transformations of East Asian countries while exploring how Western intrusion in the 19th century disrupted the traditional order and compelled change and adaptation.
REL 113 Asian Religions
Examine the rich variety of religious practices that have helped shape the culture and discourse of many East and South Asian countries.
REL 241 Buddhist Ethics
Explore Buddhism’s ethical principles, examining and assessing the ways in which Buddhism deals with ethical issues in the domains of nature, economics, war and peace, medicine, and sexuality.
HIS 367 U.S.-China Relations
Investigate U.S. and China relations from before the Opium War to present day, including early contacts, the formation of the Open Door Policy, the alliance during WWII, and current issues as strategic partners and competitors.
ASA 300 Cinema and Society in China
Examine the societies of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan, and Hong Kong through their portrayals in films with regard to the political and social forces that shape the cinematic landscape.
INB 311 Asian Business Environment
Examine the nature and development of capitalism and conducting business in Asia. Case studies investigate how differences in cultures and business practices affect international business.
Beyond the Classroom
China Goes Global The Rollins Asian studies department is actively involved in the annual China Goes Global Conference, presented in partnership with the Chinese Globalization Association, a nonprofit geared toward advancing research on Chinese globalization through academic scholarship. In addition to hosting the event, Rollins students and faculty frequently attend and present research to an international audience.
Study Abroad Learn about international trade in Xi’an. Hike the Great Wall. Take a manga-inspired art class in Japan. From semester-long programs to summer field studies, Rollins offers a host of study abroad opportunities across Asia to hone your area of study and enhance your language and cultural fluency. Each year, the George and Maeching Kao Fund awards scholarships to up to six superlative students who wish to study abroad in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.
Real Research You’ll have the opportunity to participate in professional-level research through our Student-Faculty Collaborative Research program. Collaborate with faculty in an exciting on-on-one environment that will help you refine your language skills and give you an edge in a competitive global market.
Keep Exploring
Take a deeper dive into Asian studies at Rollins by meeting your future professors, seeing our grads in action, and sitting in on a class.
August 23, 2023
Macias ’23 Earns Critical Language Scholarship
Alexa Macias ’23 has earned a Critical Language Scholarship to study Chinese in Taiwan at the National Cheng Kung University.
August 19, 2020
My Rollins Gateway: Karina Barbesino ’19
Karina Barbesino ’19—who has found the intersection between two seemingly disparate passions—says it all starts with language.
May 17, 2019
7 Rollins Students Named Fulbright Scholars
Karina Barbesino ’19, Ryan Colangelo ’19, Nico Khazzam ’18, Kate Knight ’19, Jonathan Leeper ’19, and Adam Roderick ’19 have earned 2019-20 Fulbright Scholarships.
Expert Faculty
Rollins Asian studies professors take a personal interest in each and every student, getting to know their passions and helping guide them on their personalized paths. This high-touch level of mentorship and expertise across the region help Rollins students succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Department of Asian Studies
Telephone: 407.646.2623
Martha Cheng, PhD
Professor
Yudit Greenberg, PhD
George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Chair of Religion; Director of Jewish Studies Program
Richard Lewin, PhD
Associate Professor of Finance
Jingyu Liu, PhD
Assistant Professor of Religion
Jenifer Ruby
Director of International Student & Scholar Services
Tonia Warnecke, PhD
George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Chair of Social Entrepreneurship
Yusheng Yao, PhD
Professor of History
Research interests: Modern China, modern education reform, and rural reconstruction
Jie Yu, PhD
Associate Professor of Education
Wenxian Zhang
Professor and Head of Archives & Special Collections