Asian Studies includes Asian history, literature, film, religion, politics, music, anthropology and economics.
Papers in Asian Studies help students gain a greater awareness of New Zealand’s largest neighbours and trading partners, where ancient cultural traditions mix with cutting-edge modern technology.
Why study Asian Studies?
From both economic and cultural points of view, Asia has become a vital part of New Zealand life.
Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary programme designed to develop a wider appreciation of the nature of Asian societies and the traditions, values and beliefs of Asian peoples.
Asian Studies is a recognised area of research excellence at the University of Otago. Besides being dedicated to the teaching of Asian Studies, our staff are also involved in individual and collaborative research within the University of Otago, as well as with other universities.
Asian Studies papers can be included in a Global Studies major.
Career opportunities
An understanding of Asia opens up a great variety of international or domestic career paths in private and public sectors, in industry and government.
Background required
No prior background is required.
Teaching style
We get to know our students individually. Many of our classes are small and this helps us tailor our approaches and materials to meet the interests of our students.
Qualifications
Explore your study options further. Refer to enrolment information found on the following qualification pages.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
- Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom)
- Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad)
Programme requirements
Bachelor of Arts (BA) majoring in Asian Studies
| Level | Papers | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 100-level | ASIA 101 Introducing Asia One of: | 18 18 |
| 200-level | ASIA 201 Asian Popular Cultures One of: One of CHIN 241, CHIN 242, CHIN 243, CHIN 244, GLBL 211, JAPA 242, JAPA 243, JAPA 244, MUSI 240, MUSI 268 | 18 18
18 |
| 300-level | ASIA 301 Topics in Asian Studies One of: Two of HIST 304, MANT 348, POLS 318, RELS 302, RELS 309, RELS 316, RELS 320, RELS 326, RELS 327, RELS 336 Note: MUSI 140, 240, 340 must be taken in an approved instrument. | 18 18
36 |
| Plus | 198 further points; must include 54 points at 200-level or above. Up to 90 points may be taken from outside Arts | 198 |
| Total | 360 |
Minor subject requirements
Asian Studies as a minor subject for a BA, MusB, BPA, BTheol, BSc, BAppSc, BCom, BEntr, BHealSc, BACom, BASc or BComSc degree
Available as a minor subject for a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Music (MusB), Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA), Bachelor of Theology (BTheol), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAppSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Entrepreneurship (BEntr), Bachelor of Health Science (BHealSc), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc) or Bachelor of Commerce and Science (BComSc) degree
| Paper | Points |
|---|---|
ASIA 101 Introducing Asia ASIA 201 Asian Popular Cultures ASIA 301 Topics in Asian Studies One of CHIN 241, CHIN 242, CHIN 243, CHIN 244, CHIN 334, CHIN 342, CHIN 343, CHIN 344, GLBL 211 or GLBL 311, JAPA 242, JAPA 243, JAPA 244, JAPA 331, JAPA 342, JAPA 343, JAPA 344, MUSI 140, MUSI 268, MUSI 368 One of ANTH 203, HIST 204, HIST 231, HIST 304, MANT 348, POLS 234, POLS 318, RELS 202, RELS 209, RELS 216, RELS 220, RELS 226, RELS 227, RELS 236, RELS 309, RELS 316, RELS 320, RELS 326, RELS 327, RELS 336 Must include at least one paper above 200-level. MUSI 140, 240, 340 must be taken in an approved instrument. | 18 18 18 18
18 |
| Total | 90 |
Papers
| Paper code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASIA101 | 2023 | Introducing Asia | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| ASIA201 | 2023 | Asian Popular Cultures | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ASIA202 | 2023 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
| ASIA301 | 2023 | Topics in Asian Studies | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| ASIA302 | 2023 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2023 |
Key information for future students
Contact us
Languages and Cultures Programme
School of Arts
Tel +64 3 479 5472
Email languages@otago.ac.nz
Web otago.ac.nz/asianstudies
