Department WebsiteDepartment EmailAdvising
Since 1975, the Asian Studies degree program has helped students understand Canada’s relationship with Asia and the impacts Asia has upon Canada. The program consists of the study of language, culture, geography, history and society, and facilitates student travel to experience parts of Asia first hand. Students are encouraged to add Asian Studies as a minor or a second major, or a more focused minor in either Chinese or Japanese Studies. Saint Mary’s University is the only institution in the Atlantic Provinces offering a comprehensive degree-granting program in Asian Studies.
An academic background in Asian Studies will help to prepare students for careers in a variety of fields, including diplomatic service, international trade and industry and secondary and university education.
Facility in an Asian language is central to the program and students are encouraged to consider participating in one or more of our cultural exchange programs overseas.
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) is a well-established, foundational degree and requires the requirements listed below alongside general graduation requirements.
Students must complete forty-two (42) credit hours within the following constraints:
Students may find it useful to note that the following introductory courses available for credit towards degrees in Asian Studies also fulfill Basic Arts requirements:
To obtain concentrations in Asian Studies, Chinese Studies, or Japanese Studies in partial fulfillment of the B.A. General Degree (Double Arts Concentrations), a minimum of twenty-four (24) credit hours in one of these three subject areas is required, with twelve (12) credit hours at the 3000 or 4000 level, and a minimum grade point average of 2.00. Further details are available from the Coordinator.
Students majoring in another academic discipline may obtain a minor in Asian Studies by completing the equivalent of twenty-four (24) credit hours approved for the program:
Students in the undergraduate Arts program who are not Asian Studies majors can complete a minor in Chinese Studies by completing the following courses:
Transfer credits from other academic institutions may be recognized.
Students in the undergraduate Arts program who are not Asian Studies majors can complete a minor in Japanese Studies by completing the following courses:
Information concerning the requirements for the Certificate of Chinese Studies Program and the Certificate of Japanese Studies Program are found in this Calendar under Chinese and Japanese. These certificate programs are run through the Department of Languages and Cultures, not Asian Studies.
Since it is possible to obtain two undergraduate degrees from Saint Mary’s University, for Commerce students it may be attractive to combine a degree in their field with a major in Asian Studies, especially in light of the interest which the Canadian federal and provincial governments and private industries have in developing trade with the Pacific Rim countries. It is relatively easy to combine Commerce and Asian Studies if Commerce students select their non-commerce and free electives carefully. The second degree can be obtained in a year or less in addition to the normal time requirement for a Commerce degree. For more information please contact the BA Advising Centre.
Note: With the Coordinator’s permission, relevant courses not listed below may be acceptable for credit towards the Major or Minor in Asian, Chinese, or Japanese Studies. Students are encouraged to contact the departments listed below regarding the timing of specific course offerings in order to plan their degrees – some courses below are offered irregularly.
Send Page to Printer
Print this page.
Download Page (PDF)
The PDF will include all information unique to this page.