Asian Studies is an interdisciplinary academic field that focuses on the culture, history, languages, politics, economics, and societies of Asian countries and regions. It encompasses a wide range of geographic areas, including East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, and often includes the study of specific countries like China, India, Japan, Korea, and others.
The field integrates various methodological approaches from the humanities and social sciences and emphasizes critical thinking, cross-cultural understanding, and the complexities of Asian interactions with global contexts. Asian Studies programs typically offer language instruction, regional studies, and thematic topics such as migration, religion, and globalization, reflecting the diversity and richness of Asian experiences.
Students and scholars in Asian Studies engage with texts, artifacts, histories, and contemporary issues to foster a deeper understanding of the complexities and dynamics shaping the Asian continent.