Global Asia Minor
This minor program offers an interdisciplinary study of Asia, focusing on the region's historical, political, economic, and cultural interconnections with other parts of the world.
Program Requirements
This minor program may be completed in conjunction with any major or honours bachelor’s degree, or within the bachelor of arts degree program that requires two minors.
Courses used toward completion of the minor may not also be used to fulfil program requirements in another department or program.
Total Units: at least 30
Lower Division Requirements
Students must complete at least 15 units, including
Introduces developments in Asia from a comparative and transregional perspective, focusing on economic interactions, cultural influences, as well as migrations. Surveys various issues, both historical and contemporary, including those involving diasporic Asian communities. Students with credit for ASC 101 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
and *six Language units from
Introduction to the study of Mandarin Chinese and to the development of basic oral and written skills for those with no background in Mandarin. Students will study phonetics, vocabulary, syntax, grammar and culture.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Billie Ng |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 2:30β4:20 p.m.
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 2:30β4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
Billie Ng |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Mon, Wed, 12:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Billie Ng |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Mon, Wed, 2:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Jia Fei |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 10:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D401 |
Jia Fei |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Designed for learners of intermediate to advanced levels, this course introduces Chinese business terminology, concepts and practices through studying real business cases in contemporary China. Prerequisite: CHIN 291 or permission of the instructor.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Jia Fei |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, Thu, 2:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A comprehensive introduction to the Japanese language providing basic oral and written communication skills through an emphasis on vocabulary, grammar, and culture. The three Japanese writing systems will also be introduced (Hiragana and Katakana for production; some Kanji for recognition only). Students with previous knowledge of Japanese should not enrol in this course without consulting a Japanese instructor.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Naoko Takei |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, Thu, 2:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Naoko Takei |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 10:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 10:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m. |
Vancouver Vancouver |
|
Naoko Takei |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 12:30β2:20 p.m.
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 12:30β2:20 p.m. |
Vancouver Vancouver |
|
Naoko Takei |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, Thu, 4:30β6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Naoko Takei |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Mon, Wed, 4:30β6:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Continues the work of JAPN 100. Prerequisite: JAPN 100 or equivalent.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Chie Furukawa |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 10:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 10:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
|
Chie Furukawa |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 2:30β4:20 p.m.
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 2:30β4:20 p.m. |
Burnaby Burnaby |
Continues the work of JAPN 101. Emphasizes all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Everyday language is emphasized. Prerequisite: JAPN 101 or equivalent.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Naoko Takei |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Mon, Wed, 10:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
Noriko Omae |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Mon, Wed, 2:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
The acquisition of introductory language skills in a world language not separately designated in the Calendar. The specific course number and units assigned will vary with the language studied as well as the focus and method of instruction. Variable units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Parvinder Dhariwal |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Mon, Wed, 4:30β6:20 p.m.
|
Surrey |
*Students who are fluent in any one or all of the languages included in the minor must connect with the program director to pass an assessment test and discuss possible substitutions.
and six units from the following options
Option 1: students choose one course from each of two out of three regions: China or Japan or South Asia.
Option 2: students choose one course on one region and a trans-global course that has substantial Asian content.
China
An introduction to historical and cultural perspectives on China. Topics covered will include different aspects of traditional Chinese civilization with a view to understanding contemporary Chinese society. Prerequisite: 15 units. Students with credit for ASC 200 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
An introduction to East, Southeast or South Asian art, literature, history or philosophy. The emphasis will be on the cultural importance of the themes covered and on their relationship to contemporary societies. Prerequisite: 15 units. Students with credit for ASC 202 may not take this course for further credit.
A survey of the history of China from the end of the eighteenth century, when traditional Chinese society was arguably at its height of development, to the end of the twentieth century when the social revolutions promised by the Communist regime have clearly failed to materialize. The main objectives are to provide students with vocabularies and tools to understand and interpret the political, social and cultural transformations in modern China and to initiate them in the art and techniques of historical analysis. Breadth-Humanities.
An introduction to culture, social structure and the processes of social, economic, and political transformation in contemporary China. Topics may include recent development of Marxism, feminism and neoliberalism in China; Western debates on China's rise and images of China as threat; human rights. Prerequisite: SA 101 or 150. Students with credit for SA 293 in 2000-1 term may not take SA 275 for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Jie Yang |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Wed, 1:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Japan
An introduction to historical and cultural perspectives covering the basic aspects of Japan: geography, history, culture, politics, economy, etc. Prerequisite: 15 units. Students with credit for ASC 201 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
A survey of Japanese history from 1868 until 1952 which will examine, among other topics, the establishment of the Japanese colonial empire, the wars with Russia, China and the United States, and the post-war Allied Occupation. Breadth-Humanities.
South Asia
A survey of South Asian history designed to equip those students completely unfamiliar with the region, with a foundation in the political, social and cultural contours of South Asia from 1757 to 1947. Students who have previously taken HIST 243 STT may not take HIST 243 for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.
South Asian history since the eighteenth century, including the crumbling of the Mughal empire, European trade and colonialism, Indian nationalisms, the emergence of the independent states of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, and transformations in caste, gender, and sexuality. Breadth-Humanities.
Trans-Global
Introduces students to the variety of systems of governance in the world today, examines the historical and cultural sources of their different developmental trajectories, and assesses the challenges they face in the future. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Efe Gurcan |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 5:30β8:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Analyzes some of the historical reasons for the great divergence in world economic development, and undertakes a cross-country, cross-regional perspective of world economic development using a historical approach to long-run economic growth. Students with credit for INTS 220 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Leslie Armijo |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 2:30β4:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 4:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 5:30β6:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D104 |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 6:30β7:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Provides a survey of the basic issues relating to the study of transnationalism and society. Topics covered include identity and ethnicity, urbanization, migration, social networks, politics, and religion. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
Explores the relationship between Eastern and Western narratives. The focus may include the mutual influence of Eastern and Western cultural traditions and modernities, the construction of the 'East' in the West and of the 'West' in the East, theories of Orientalism and Occidentalism, and forms of East/West syncretism. This course may be repeated once for credit when different topics are offered. Breadth-Humanities.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Azadeh Yamini-Hamedani |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 2:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
** Students must consult their program advisor/Departmental Undergraduate Chair to ensure that content is Asia-related.
Upper Division Requirements
At least seven upper division units used toward satisfying the upper division requirement must be completed at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV.
Students complete a total of at least 15 units and may complete other courses with variable content that have appropriate content that do not appear below.
China
An exploration of the media and popular culture scene in reform-era China. A wide range of media and popular culture forms and practices are analyzed in their concrete institutional settings and dynamic relationships with official ideologies, market imperatives, and the everyday struggles and cultural sensitivities of various social groups during a period of epochal transformation in China. Prerequisite: 75 units. Recommended: CMNS 201 (or 260), CMNS 202 (or 262), CMNS 230, CMNS 240, CMNS 310, CMNS 331 and CMNS 346.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Sibo Chen |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 5:30β9:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Content will vary according to interests of faculty and students but will involve China-related study within one or more of the social science or humanities disciplines. Prerequisite: 45 units including at least one lower division GA (or ASC) course. Recommended: GA (or ASC 200).
Explores the social and cultural problems in modern Chinese history, with special emphasis on popular and elite cultures in the late Qing, Republican, and socialist eras. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. HIST 255 is recommended.
Analyzes the history of the PRC from 1949 to present. Special emphasis on ideology, inequality, diversity, the Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution, and economic reforms. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students with credit for HIST 256 may not take this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Jeremy Brown |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 9:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D101 |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 12:30β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D102 |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 1:30β2:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
|
D103 |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 2:30β3:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Examines a contentious aspect of, or period in, modern Chinese history focusing on change, conflict and resistance. For example the transition from revolution to reform, the Tiananmen Square protests, or the Cultural Revolution. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 479W may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history, and one of HIST 255, 366, or 367. Writing.
Japan
Content will vary according to interests of faculty and students but will involve Japanese-related study within one or more of the social science or humanities disciplines. Prerequisite: 45 units including at least one lower division GA (or ASC) course. Recommended: GA (or ASC) 201.
Covers the period in Japan from the 1930s to the 1950s and will introduce students to topics such as wartime atrocities, the dropping of the atomic bombs and the prosecution of war criminals. It will also attempt to explain why so much controversy surrounds interpretations of events arising from Japan's last war, the Asia-Pacific War. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Recommended: at least one course on modern Japan.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Janice Matsumura |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Fri, 9:30 a.m.β1:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Traces the historical experience of people of Japanese ancestry in the United States and Canada. Provides a comparative, transnational treatment of the historical conditions that created the impetus for immigration; exclusionary laws; the nature of prewar immigrant communities; and internment. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for HIST 485 or 486 under this topic may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
The history of Japan from 1600 to the mid 20th century with a focus on the economic, social, cultural and political contributions of women. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Writing.
The political system of Japan, including an analysis of political culture, political institutions, political behavior and both formal and informal political processes. Emphasis will be placed on the pre-World War II political development of Japan. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Tsuyoshi Kawasaki |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 1:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
South Asia
Surveys the ethnic minorities of Southeast Asia, focusing on their relations with other ethnic groups, especially majority populations, and governments. Examines the treatment of ethnic minorities and the responses of the minorities, including ethnic-based secession movements. Reviews cross-border and broader international issues relating to minorities, such as their status as refugees and cross-border support for insurgencies. Prerequisite: 45 units.
An examination of the differing narratives of nation and modernity in the struggle for independence from colonial rule in India, and their implications for the post-colonial state, for politics and for India's economic development. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 210 or 220. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
John Harriss |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 8:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Provides an overview of national and political issues in Southeast Asia. Surveying politics in individual countries and regional political institutions, focus is given to particular themes such as democratization and civil society, communism and other forms of authoritarianism, the role of the military, decentralization, religion and politics, the impact of China on the region, and security concerns. Prerequisite: 45 units.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Logan Masilamani |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 1:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Examines the new states of post-Soviet Central Asia, with particular reference to the relationship among democratization, development, autocracy and conflict, and the role of external actors in transnational security issues in the region. Prerequisite: 45 units. Recommended: IS 200. Students with credit for IS 412 may not take this course for further credit.
Reviews important current regional issues in Southeast Asia with particular attention to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Prerequisite: 45 units.
An overview and analysis of international relations in East Asia. Prerequisite: Eight upper division units in political science or permission of the department. Writing.
Trans-Global
Offers a basis for understanding different Asian media systems in concrete historical, political and socio-economic contexts. Introduces students to a range of epistemological and theoretical issues in media systems in a vast and extremely diverse region that is undergoing a period of rapid political, economic, social and cultural transformation. Provides an overview of issues relating to different media systems and case studies of media and politics in specific countries in the region. Prerequisite: 75 units. Recommended: CMNS 230 or CMNS 240; and one of CMNS 201 (or 260), or CMNS 202 (or 262).
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Dal Yong JIN |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Mon, 9:30 a.m.β1:20 p.m.
|
Vancouver |
Studies a selection of literary works in English from the Asian Diaspora. May be organized by cultural movements, critical issues, or theoretical approaches. The historical and regional focus of the course will vary. Prerequisite: Two 100 division English courses, and two 200 division English courses. Students in the Global Asia Program Minor may enroll with permission of the instructor.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Christine Kim |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 8:30 a.m.β12:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
A cross-cultural examination of the ways we perceive and represent each other in public discourse, including literature, news media, cinema, and other education and entertainment media. Prerequisite: 45 units including at least one lower division GA (or ASC) course. Students with credit for ASC 300 may not take this course for further credit.
This course will explore the experience of Asian immigrants and their children, focusing in particular on social and cultural aspects. Prerequisite: 45 units including at least one lower division GA (or ASC) course. Students with credit for ASC 301 may not take this course for further credit.
Prerequisite: 45 units including at least one lower division GA (or ASC) course.
Examines the global division of labor where migrant women as well as immigrant women tend to be exploited in numerous forms, ranging from lack of citizenship rights and erosion of skills to the risk of sexual assault, due to immigration/migration and social policies of various countries. Prerequisite: 15 units. Students with credit for WS 320 Special Topics: Immigrant Women and Economic Security may not complete this course for further credit.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Habiba Zaman |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Tue, 1:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Topics in the history of Atlantic and Pacific migrations to the Americas with attention given to the contexts from which the migrants came, why they migrated, and how they adjusted. Examples may be taken from the United States, Canada and Latin America. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history.
Examines "International Development" within a series of historical frames, including the history of imperialism, the history of international relations, globalization, and the cultural and intellectual history of North-South relations. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students who have credit for IS 358 may not take HIST 358 for further credit.
A writing-intensive examination of selected topics in the history of Asia, Africa and/or the Middle East. The content will vary from offering to offering. See department for further information. Prerequisite: 45 units, including six units of lower division history. Students may not take selected topics within HIST 368W for further credit if duplicating content of another history course and vice versa. Writing.
Explores historical changes in masculinity and femininity. Using a thematic and transnational/comparative approach, it will examine how gender identities are formed and refashioned within different historical contexts. It will also explore the interaction between gender and other systems of power such as race, class, and ethnicity. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history. Students with credit for HIST 425 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.
Section | Instructor | Day/Time | Location |
---|---|---|---|
Willeen Keough |
Sep 4 β Dec 3, 2018: Thu, 1:30β5:20 p.m.
|
Burnaby |
Concepts and methodology of modern Asian history. Selected themes may include revolution, inequality, mass violence, ideology, imperialism, leadership, and the Cold War. Content may vary from offering to offering; see course outline for further information. HIST 464 may be repeated for credit only when a different topic is taught. Prerequisite: 45 units including nine units of lower division history.
Studies a specific Asian religious tradition through the cultural and historical contexts that structure religious meaning. Students may repeat this course once for further credit under a different topic. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
Problems arising from the disparities in power and wealth between the highly industrialized countries of Europe and North America, and the under-industrialized countries of Asia, Africa and Latin America. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
An introduction to the study of the international political economy, with an emphasis on the interaction between the state and markets, and the basic political-institutional relationships of trade, money and finance, international investment, foreign debt and foreign aid. Prerequisite: Six lower division units in political science or permission of the department.
Through a program of focused readings, case studies, and films, this course offers a new perspective on the study of globalization. It balances classical themes with contemporary approaches to global processes of economic, political, and cultural transformation. The course tackles such topics as the material aspects of cooperation and coercion, class relations in structures of capital accumulation and global governance, and cultural dynamics. Alternatives to Euro-American centrism are explored through the examples of citizenship, cultural politics, ethnic and religious conflicts, human rights, indigenous rights, and women's rights. Prerequisite: Minimum of 72 units including either SA 101 or 150 or 201W. Students with credit for SA 463 completed in 2004-3 may not complete this course for further credit. Students with credit for SA 430 may not take this course for further credit.
Through a program of focused readings, films, and case studies, this course examines the experiences of women in the Third World in relation to the global economy and reorganization of states and cultures. The course challenges conventional ways of thinking about everyday life in households and workplaces, and emphasizes that issues which may seem specifically third World-based are shared by many around the world. An awareness of this commonality helps us assess the balance of structural constraints and opportunities, and stimulates a discussion on the organization of alternative ways of living. Prerequisite: A minimum of 72 units including SA 101 or 150 or 201W. Students who took SA 463 in 2003, SA 460 in 2003, and SA 360 in 2004 may not take this course for further credit. Students with credit for SA 429 may not take this course for further credit.
Explores the culture of peoples and individuals displaced by force or migrating by choice. May focus on the literary cultures of exiles and emigres or on the depiction of refugees, immigrants or exiles. Prerequisite: 45 units. Breadth-Humanities.
* Students must consult their program advisor/Departmental Undergraduate Chair to ensure that content is Asia-related.
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Degree Requirements
For all bachelor of arts (BA) programs, students complete 120 units, which includes
- at least 60 units that must be completed at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV
- at least 45 upper division units, of which at least 30 upper division units must be completed at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV
- at least 65 units (including 21 upper division units) in Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences courses
- satisfaction of the writing, quantitative, and breadth requirements
- an overall cumulative grade point average (CGPA) and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0, and a program (major, joint major, extended minor, minor) CGPA and upper division CGPA of at least 2.0
For students in other Faculties, please check your Faculty's overall degree requirements: /students/calendar/faculties-research.html
Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements
Students admitted to Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV beginning in the fall 2006 term must meet writing, quantitative and breadth requirements as part of any degree program they may undertake. See Writing, Quantitative, and Breadth Requirements for university-wide information.
WQB Graduation Requirements
A grade of C- or better is required to earn W, Q or B credit
Requirement |
Units |
Notes | |
W - Writing |
6 |
Must include at least one upper division course, taken at Ά‘ΟγΤ°AV within the student’s major subject | |
Q - Quantitative |
6 |
Q courses may be lower or upper division | |
B - Breadth |
18 |
Designated Breadth | Must be outside the student’s major subject, and may be lower or upper division 6 units Social Sciences: B-Soc 6 units Humanities: B-Hum 6 units Sciences: B-Sci |
6 |
Additional Breadth | 6 units outside the student’s major subject (may or may not be B-designated courses, and will likely help fulfil individual degree program requirements) Students choosing to complete a joint major, joint honours, double major, two extended minors, an extended minor and a minor, or two minors may satisfy the breadth requirements (designated or not designated) with courses completed in either one or both program areas. |