Asian Studies


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Asian Studies

The goal of Hamilton's Asian Studies Program is to combine the study of cultural traditions and identity, language and contemporary social and political transformations.

Overview

With 30 percent of the world's land — more than all the Americas combined — and seven of the world's 10 most populous nations, Asia is the planet's largest, most peopled and arguably most diverse continent. It sprawls nearly halfway across the globe, merging with Europe in the West, bordering Africa in the Southwest, and stretching a finger nearly to Alaska in the East. It is bound in some quarters by the world's most deeply rooted traditions and driven in others by the most futuristic technology. Hamilton's Asian Studies Program begins with the conviction that a real understanding of this immense human tapestry requires an interdisciplinary approach to the continent's cultures, languages and society. More ...

Academic Program

RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES

The Associated Colleges in China Program, sponsored by Hamilton and several other prestigious institutions, is hosted by the Capital University of Economics and Business in Beijing. There students are immersed in Chinese language instruction and Chinese culture. One-semester programs are offered, but students are strongly encouraged to plan for a two-semester stay. In addition to the China program, students have a number of opportunities to work closely with faculty members in designing projects and conducting research abroad and at the College. Some students receive summer research grants through Hamilton.


The Senior Program

The Senior Program is the culminating intellectual experience at Hamilton, in which the knowledge, language skills and insights gained in the first three years are combined and integrated. The centerpiece of the Senior Program is the senior project; majors work independently, with the close guidance of at least two faculty members, to produce and present a final, focused work of scholarship. More ...


Resources

The Asian Studies program sponsors a number of important cultural, educational and social events each year, many of them in conjunction with the student-run Asian Cultural Society and other departments. Recently these have included a performance of the Beijing Opera, the celebration of the Lunar New Year, and a range of talks and other presentations. Students typically have an opportunity to meet and talk with distinguished visitors. They also share views and experiences at the College's monthly Asia Forum.