Academics

Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Asian studies has 47 faculty members and offers courses in 20 languages, including 15 modern and five literary languages. Initially focused on Chinese language and history, the department today supports a comprehensive curriculum that spans the breadth of the Asian continent.

Asian Studies encompasses the geographical areas of East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, with opportunities to specialize in one of the three regions. Currently 19 Asian languages are taught at Cornell or via distance learning. The department's courses through the 4400-level are taught in English and are open to all students in the university. These courses cover topics in Culture, Religion, Film and Media, and Literature. Literature courses taught in target language will be noted under that language/literature heading (e.g. CHLIT, JPLIT, etc...)

The Department of Asian Studies has two graduate program options; an MA/Ph.D. in Asian Literature, Religion and Culture, and an MA in Asian Studies. Both programs have three areas of concentration: East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.