Faculty

Director

Meredith Oyen
B.A., University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 1998; M.A., Georgetown University, 2004; Ph.D., Georgetown University, 2007

Professors

Brian K. Grodsky
B.A., University of Colorado, 1996; M.A., University of Michigan, 2002; Ph.D., University of MIchigan, Ann Arbor, 2006

Devin T. Hagerty
B.A., Rutgers University, 1984; M.A.L.D., Fletcher School, Tufts University, 1987; Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1995

David Mitch
B.A., The University of Chicago, 1973; M.A., 1974; Ph.D., 1982

Manil Suri
B.S., University of Bombay (India), 1979; M.S., Carnegie Mellon University, 1980; Ph.D., 1983

Constantine Vaporis
B.A., The Ohio State University, 1979; M.A., Princeton University, 1984; Ph.D., 1987

Associate Professors

Tamara Bhalla
B.A., Boston University, 2000; M.A. University of Michigan, 2003; Ph.D, University of Michigan, 2008

Amy Bhatt
B.A., Emory University, 2002; Ph.D., University of Washington, 2011

Irene Chan
B.Arch., California Polytechnic State University, 1989; M.F.A., San Francisco Art Institute, 1997

Bambi Chapin
B.A. 1988 University of Virginia; M.A. 1998 University of California, San Diego; Ph.D., University of California, San Diego, 2003

Jean Fernandez
B.A., University of Madras (India), 1976; M.A., 1978; M.Phil., 1987; Ph.D., The University of Iowa, 2001

Preminda Jacob
B.A., Stella Maris College (India), 1979; M.A., Majaraja Sayaji Rao University (India), 1981; M.A., State University of New York at Binghamton, 1988; Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles, 1994

Fan Yang
B.A. Fudan University 2000; M.A. The Ohio State University, 2003; Ph.D. George Mason University, 2011

Assistant Professors

William Brown
B.A., The City College of New York, 1971; M.A., University of Oregon, 1973; Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1981

Tomoko Hoogenboom
B.A.,Tsurumi University, 1986; M.A., University of Minnesota, 1995; Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 2007

Christopher Tong
B.S., Stanford University, 2001; MFA San Francisco State, 2006;  Ph.D., University of California Davis, 2014

Lecturers

Julie Oakes
B.A., Boston Umiversity, 1985; M.A. Boston University, 1986; M.A. Stanford University, 1997, Ph.D., University of Chicago, 2009

Instructors

Yeon K. Krippes

Courses in this program are listed under ASIA.

The Asian Studies program (major, minor, upper-division certificate) enables students to explore the history, culture, languages and literatures, societies, politics, economics, philosophy, art and music of Asia. The combination of foreign language and area studies across a number of disciplines (History, Modern Languages and Linguistics, Political Science, Economics, English, American Studies, Music, Theatre and Philosophy) will introduce undergraduates to the knowledge, language skills and research methods specific to those disciplines and help to prepare them for various professional paths related to Asia. Asian Studies is an increasingly relevant academic program for the 21st century, particularly given Asia’s considerable economic, political, military and cultural impact across the globe.

The UMBC Asian Studies Program draws upon a faculty of over twenty specialists, from ten different departments. These include internationally recognized scholars who take teaching as seriously as they do research as well as skilled language instructors. The program’s faculty also help students learn how to apply the knowledge and analytical skills gained through the study of Asia to satisfying careers and life-long learning.

Career and Academic Paths

The Asian Studies major program will equip students with the knowledge and skills including foreign languages to help prepare them for various professional paths related to Asia, such as advanced academic research, international relations, international business and trade, governmental service, and international law. The minor and upper-level certificate programs will enable them to gain a basic understanding of Asia that will give them an important international perspective on whatever field they may choose to pursue.

Academic Advising

Students are assigned a principal advisor when declaring Asian Studies as a major, a minor, or when selecting the certificate program to discuss their options in the program. Advisees are urged to utilize information on the Asian Studies Web site (asianstudies.umbc.edu), to consult with the Program Director and program faculty, and take part in program activities, including its annual lecture series and the Asian Studies Student Council.

Study Abroad

The Asian Studies program encourages, but does not require, students to study abroad in Asia. Asian Studies works closely with the Study Abroad office to help students select the program most suited to them, one that will offer them the type of overseas experience they are seeking as well as advance their progress through the Asian Studies major, minor or certificate program.

Special Opportunities: Internships

Students have the opportunity to enhance their classroom experience by participating in internships in the US Department of State, Smithsonian Institution, Walters Art Museum, and other national and local government departments, NGO’s and non-profit organizations. In addition, internships abroad have, in recent years, become a significant way of combining study abroad with work experience. For further information about internship opportunities, contact the Asian Studies program director or visit the Asian Studies program website: https://asianstudies.umbc.edu/internships-jobs/

Student Organizations

All students are encouraged to participate in the Asian Studies student-run Council of Majors (ASCOM). The council meets monthly for lectures and informal discussions on historical topics and careers. The council also sponsors guest speakers and field trips to museums and historic sites.

Students are also encouraged to participate in any of the activities of a wide variety of student organizations related to Asia, cultural/ethnic organizations (e.g., Asian Students Connection, Japanese Culture Club) and those involving hobbies, sport or general interest (e.g., Anime Society, Jujitsu Club, etc.). For more information, please visit https://campuslife.umbc.edu/student-organizations/list-of-student-organizations/

Programs

• Asian Studies, B.A.

• Asian Studies Certificate

• Asian Studies Minor

Courses

• ASIA 100 - Introduction to Asian Studies
• ASIA 207 - Asian Diasporas
• ASIA 214 - Focused Cultural Study: South Asia
• ASIA 300 - Topics in Asian Studies
• ASIA 318 - Visual Culture of City and Cinema in South Asia
• ASIA 329 - Early and Medieval Chinese Literature
• ASIA 330 - The Dao of Intermedia
• ASIA 399 - Internship in Asian Studies
• ASIA 400 - Special Projects in Asian Studies