Dec 13, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Asian Studies, B.I.S.


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Return to: 3030.30 Interdisciplinary Studies  

Faculty Coordinator: Laura A. Hastings, lhastings@gsu.edu

The Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program in Asian Studies offers students an opportunity to acquire knowledge of this important and unique world region and a career-oriented range of skills. It allows students to follow a course plan with concentration in international business and economy. By taking a set of courses, students may also take a minor in international business. For students interested in teaching English in China, Japan, Korea, or elsewhere in Asia, it allows a concentration in English as a Second Language (ESL) with an option to obtain a TEFL certificate from the Department of Applied Linguistics (TEFL Certificate). Students interested in Asian societies and cultures will have the option to concentrate in Chinese, Japanese, or Indian/South Asian studies. It allows students to choose from a large pool of courses (taught by Georgia State faculty experts in their regions and disciplines) appropriate to their areas of concentration.

The minor in Asian Studies is an excellent complement to many other majors. Students pursuing a career in teaching English as a second language, international politics, international business, world history, world/comparative religions or another field, should consider a minor in Asian Studies as a way to strengthen their academic/professional credentials and increase marketable skills.

Academic Advisement for Undergraduate Students

Academic advisement for undergraduate students is provided through the University Advisement Center (freshman through junior status/fewer than 90 hours) and the college’s Office of Academic Assistance (senior status/90 or more hours). See section 3040 for additional information.

Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Arts students should also consult regularly with the faculty program coordinator for the specific program regarding course selection, program plans, experiential learning, and other academic opportunities.

Program Admission

Students may enroll in a concentration upon admission to Georgia State University. Students who wish to change their major to this degree program should select a concentration in consultation with their academic advisor and the faculty coordinator. A 2.0 Georgia State University GPA is required.

Students who enroll in a concentration will be required to submit a course plan checklist to demonstrate their understanding of the degree requirements. It is highly recommended that students develop a course of study with their specific faculty coordinator before taking coursework in the degree program to avoid taking courses that will not count towards graduation.

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Georgia State University undergraduate students must achieve an overall institutional grade-point average of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0 to receive a bachelor’s degree from the university. Grades of C- can be used to satisfy graduation requirements. However, some courses have prerequisites that require a grade of C or higher. (See section 1460 for additional information.)

Program Degree Requirements

Please refer to the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies  of this catalog for academic regulations for this program. Requirements follow a student’s catalog edition (year when B.I.S. major was approved).

Students must complete coursework in at least three disciplines (defined by course prefixes) in Area G and in at least two disciplines in Area H. Areas G and H should be constructed so that students take courses in distinct disciplines in each area (with some overlap expected); that is, the same prefix should not predominate in both Area G and H.

In addition to the Program Degree Requirements, students must fulfill the College of Arts and Sciences Degree Requirements (see section College Degree Requirements ) and the University Degree Requirements (see 1400 University Degree Requirements and Graduation ).

University Grade-Point Average and Grade Requirements

Georgia State University undergraduate students must achieve an overall institutional grade-point average of 2.0 and a major GPA of 2.0 in Areas G and H to receive a bachelor’s degree from the university. Grades of C- can be used to satisfy graduation requirements. However, some courses have prerequisites that require a grade of C or higher. (See 1460 GPA Requirement  for additional information.)

Degree Requirements


Areas A-E: Core Curriculum Recommendations


While students are free to choose from the available courses in Areas A-E, the following are recommended choices for students in the Asian Studies BIS.

Note: Students studying a new language for the first time must start at 1001, which can count in Area F.

Area F: Courses Appropriate to the Major (18 Hours)


Required Introductory Course (3 Hours)


Required Language


Choose courses from one of the following. (6-9 Hours)

Note: AP Students may only take 2002-level language course in Area F unless taking a different language.

Select Additional Elective Courses


Select additional elective courses from the following to complete 18 hours Area F

Recommended for Students Concentrating in International Business and Economy


Recommended for Students Concentrating in ESL or Interested in TEFL Certificate


Area G: Area of Concentration (27-33 Hours)


Students must complete coursework in at least three disciplines (defined by course prefixes) in Area G.

Courses followed by an asterisk (*) have prerequisites. Asian Studies majors may be exempted from a prerequisite for some of the Economics courses through instructor’s permission. See the Asian Studies program coordinator for additional information.

Experiential Learning in Asian Studies (3-6 Hours)


Study abroad (to Asia) or Asia-related internships

History, Politics, and Economy (9-12 Hours)


Language, Society, and Culture (6-12 Hours)


AL 3051  AND AL 3101  ARE Required for TEFL certificate.

Area H: Allied Fields (Choose one) (15-21 Hours)


Choose one concentration. Students must complete coursework in at least two disciplines (defined by course prefixes) in Area H.

Review course descriptions to determine if course has prerequisites.

Asian Studies majors may be exempted from a prerequisite for some of the Economics or Applied Linguistics courses through instructor’s permission or departmental exam. See the Asian Studies program coordinator for additional information.

Asian Studies


Area I: Electives


Electives are used to have 39 hours at Georgia State University taken at the 3000-4000 level for residency and complete 120 hours required for graduation.

Area J: Study Abroad/International Student Exchange Programs


Students are strongly recommended to consider a semester study abroad. For general information about study abroad in different countries of Asia, contact Study Abroad Programs, Office of International Initiatives (404-413-2529, mystudyabroad@gsu.edu).

Graduation with Distinction in the Major


This program offers undergraduate students with the opportunity to earn the designation of graduation with distinction in the major. Please contact the program director, Dr. Hastings (lhastings@gsu.edu), for the specific criteria for this honor.

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