The Program in Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary program designed to encourage students to deepen their understanding of Asian cultures through coursework and senior theses, along with rigorous training and expertise in Chinese or Japanese language. We offer majors in Chinese, Japanese, and Asian studies, as well as minors in each of these subjects.
Indya Childs, Academic Administrative Assistant
9 Andrews Road
Roger Williams
ichilds@bates.edu
Students leave the Program in Asian Studies with a deep cultural understanding and analytical skills that help them excel in a variety of fields, including finance, medicine, law, business, the arts, teaching, and beyond. Recent graduates have gone on to successful careers as public humanities and research fellows and financial managers.
of 2020-2024 language graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school
Students in Douglas Brook’s practitioner-taught Short Term course, “Apprentice Learning: Building the Japanese Boat,” launched their boats in a traditional Japanese boat launching ceremony on the Puddle at 3:30 p.m., a prelude to The Annual Showcase Event for Short Term Redesigns and Practitioner Taught Courses held in the Perry Atrium of Pettengill Hall. .
Taught by Japanese Lecturer in Asian Studies Keiko Konoeda. JPN 101 – Beginning Japanese I An introduction to the basics of spoken and written Japanese as a foundation for advanced study and proficiency in the language. Fundamental patterns of grammar and syntax are introduced together with a practical, functional vocabulary. Mastery of the katakana and hiragana syllabaries, as well as approximately seventy written characters, introduces students to the beauty of written Japanese.
The 2019 Mount David Summit held in Pettengill Hall “Cultural Forces in Contemporary China A How has hip hop found a place in China, and how do video games export Chinese ideas to the world? Chelsea Anglin ’19: Re-branding China? The Swordplay Martial Arts Video Game, E-Sports, and Their Contributions to Chinese Soft Power George Fiske ’19: Nationalism, Capitalism, and Trap Drums: A Study of the Manifestation of Hip Hop in China Moderator: Nathan Faries, Asian Studies
Provided with blank masks and prepared Chinese watercolor paints and brushes, six Chinese language students, led by Learning Associate in Chinese Veronica Huang, recently gathered around a Roger Williams Hall table to create the traditional faces of Peking Opera masks. The students were able to use pictures of Peking Opera masks provided by Huang as a reference. Or they could design their own. According to Huang, “Different face colors represent different characters and personalities.” For instance, the color red on a mask represents the character wearing it as “brave and loyal.” Huang worked alongside the students to make the masks in other colors too. “By making these Peking Opera masks, students can experience traditional Chinese Opera culture more vividly,” she says, “which will have a positive impact on their learning of Chinese language and culture.” Sheila Robledo ‘25, Alex Sandvil ‘27, Alex Takeyh ‘26, Cora Zuwallack ‘27, Myat Htut ‘27, and Vova Sosnovskii ‘26 wound down a busy week with the creative activity. Huang plans to decorate the Chinese department’s hallway with their efforts.
Our program creates opportunities to learn from important voices and perspectives from Asia, giving students a necessary and timely alternative to U.S.-centric world views. We invite those in our classes to examine Asia from all angles, looking beyond the popular music, cinema, and literature from the region that have become mainstays on the world stage to consider how truly interconnected the U.S. and Asia are on every level.
The Asian studies faculty comes from all over the world and brings a wealth of knowledge about language study and acquisition, ancient and modern culture, and a range of methods for studying Asian societies and cultures. Faculty members have expertise in a wide range of subjects, including Chinese history, political science, Japanese digital storytelling, and more. We regularly engage with students beyond the classroom through hosting campus-wide Asian cultural events.
In the Student Center for Belonging and Community, first-generation Bates students mentor their younger peers, providing guidance on everything from academics to internships to social life.
Bates is embarking on a $45 million project to update two key athletic facilities and construct a new fitness and well-being center. A gift of $10 million from Jon W. Brayshaw ’90, P’25 and Jocelyn Stoddard Brayshaw ’88, P’25 has brought the college a vital step closer to construction. The new facility will be named the Stoddard Fitness and Well-Being Center.
February on campus saw sports successes, several large snowfalls, and our annual Winter Carnival — a week of events celebrating the joys of the chilly season.
