SUNY New Paltz now offering major in Asian Studies

NEW PALTZ — The Asian Studies Program at the State University of New York at New Paltz is offering a new major in Asian Studies. This makes New Paltz the only university college in the SUNY system to offer a major in the field.

The major in Asian Studies requires two years of language study, plus additional coursework on Asia, for a total of 37 credits. (To minor in Asian Studies, students study one year of language, plus additional coursework, for a total of 18 credits.) Languages currently offered include Japanese and standard Mandarin Chinese.

Students are urged to combine their work on Asia with a double major or minor in a discipline, to bring greater range to their intellectual development. The Asian Studies Program also encourages linkages with curricula in Business and Education.

“As Chinese and Japanese language instruction is incorporated into secondary and even elementary education in New York State and nationwide, we anticipate that the new major in Asian Studies will attract students with strong talent in this area to New Paltz,” said Kristine Harris, director, Asian Studies Program

The new plan of study was developed collectively by faculty in Asian Studies, in consultation with the Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, to incorporate several innovative elements into this interdisciplinary major:

• Library training — developing fundamental library skills in accessing and using resources on Asia
• Study Abroad — strongly encouraged, including six-credit modular courses in Asia and SUNY programs
• Multiple Perspectives — students gain exposure to a range of methods and regions in Asian Studies
• Self-assessment component — student statement of intent; reflection on academic progress and plans

To celebrate the new major, the Asian Studies program is planning a “Spring Festival” in early February, 2006. The festival will celebrate the New Year, and will include special guest speakers and a Chinese table for students, faculty and staff who wish to practice spoken Mandarin (all levels welcome).

Those interested in learning more about the major in Asian Studies may call (845) 257-3546 or visit www.newpaltz.edu/asianstudies or the Asian Studies Program office in Jacobsen Faculty Tower, room 922.