Asian Studies

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies at the University of Manitoba offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the diverse cultures, histories, languages, and societies of Asia. This program is designed to provide learners with a deep understanding of the Asian region, its contemporary global significance, and its rich historical contexts. Students will engage with a variety of disciplines including history, political science, anthropology, language studies, literature, and cultural studies, enabling them to develop critical analytical skills and a nuanced perspective of Asian civilizations.

The Asian Studies program emphasizes both regional breadth and thematic depth, encouraging students to explore areas such as East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. Through a combination of coursework, research projects, and experiential learning opportunities, students gain familiarity with key issues facing Asian societies today, including economic development, political dynamics, cultural identity, globalization, and social change. Language proficiency is a core component of the program; students can choose from various Asian languages, such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, or others, enhancing their communicative competence and cultural understanding.

The curriculum also includes a variety of specialized courses on topics like Asian philosophy, religious traditions, art history, contemporary politics, and economic development, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests and career goals. The program encourages active engagement through study-abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities that promote experiential learning and international exposure. Graduates of the Asian Studies program are well-equipped for careers in international relations, government, non-governmental organizations, business, academia, and other fields that require expertise in Asian cultures and languages.

Overall, the Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies at the University of Manitoba provides a rigorous and enriching academic experience that prepares students for meaningful engagement with Asia’s dynamic societies and global influence. It is an ideal choice for students passionate about exploring the complexities of Asian civilizations, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and building a foundation for a career in an interconnected world.

Program Content Description:

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies at the University of Manitoba offers students a comprehensive and multidisciplinary exploration of Asian cultures, histories, languages, and societal developments. This program is designed to provide a deep understanding of the diverse and dynamic regions of Asia, including East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Students will engage with courses that cover a broad range of topics such as Asian history, political systems, religions, literature, arts, and contemporary issues facing Asian countries today.

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to develop proficiency in one or more Asian languages, enhancing their ability to engage directly with primary sources and communicate effectively within Asian contexts. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, cultural awareness, and analytical skills, preparing graduates for careers in international relations, diplomacy, business, education, journalism, and research.

The program also emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from history, political science, anthropology, art history, and literature. Students are encouraged to participate in study abroad programs and internships to gain practical experience and a deeper cultural understanding. The Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies aims not only to equip students with specialized knowledge but also to foster a global perspective and cross-cultural competence.

By the completion of this program, graduates will have gained a nuanced understanding of Asia’s complex societies, histories, and cultures, as well as the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to international dialogue and cooperation. The program prepares students for further graduate study or entry into careers that require regional expertise and intercultural communication skills.

Program Requirements for Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies at the University of Manitoba:

The Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, languages, and socio-political contexts of Asia. To successfully complete the program, students are required to fulfill a combination of general university requirements, core courses, majorspecific courses, electives, and language proficiency components.

Students must first satisfy the University of Manitoba's general education requirements, which include foundational courses in writing, mathematics, and the sciences, as well as humanities and social sciences electives. The Asian Studies major program emphasizes introductory courses that cover East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian regions, allowing students to acquire a broad overview of Asian civilizations.

A substantial component of the program involves language acquisition. Depending on the student's chosen focus area, proficiency in languages such as Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, or other Asian languages is encouraged. Students typically take at least 6 to 8 credits in Asian language courses, progressing from beginner to advanced levels.

The core coursework includes classes in Asian history, politics, economics, religion, literature, and cultural studies. These courses aim to develop students' analytical skills, cross-cultural understanding, and awareness of contemporary issues facing Asia. Many courses incorporate fieldwork, research projects, and internships to provide practical experience.

In addition to the major requirements, students must complete elective courses in related disciplines, such as anthropology, geography, or international development, to enhance their interdisciplinary knowledge. The program also encourages students to participate in study abroad programs or Asian regional exchanges to deepen their contextual understanding and linguistic abilities.

To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits, including the required major courses, language credits, and electives, over the course of their undergraduate studies. They must also maintain a specified minimum GPA, typically around 2.0. Capstone projects, such as research papers or presentation courses, are often part of the final year requirements, enabling students to synthesize their learning experiences.

Overall, the Asian Studies program at the University of Manitoba is structured to produce graduates with critical thinking, intercultural competence, and specialized knowledge about Asia, preparing them for careers in academia, international organizations, government, or private sector roles related to Asian affairs.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Manitoba offers various financial aid options to support students enrolled in the Asian Studies program. Prospective and current students are encouraged to explore a range of funding opportunities including entrance scholarships, awards, bursaries, and financial aid programs. Entrance scholarships are available based on academic achievement and are awarded automatically upon admission, with some requiring separate application processes. In addition, there are the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF) for graduate students pursuing Asian Studies at the Master's or Doctoral levels, which provide merit-based funding and are highly competitive. The Faculty of Arts also provides departmental scholarships and awards tailored to students in Asian Studies, recognizing academic excellence and contributions to the program.

Students are advised to complete the Manitoba Student Aid application to access government grants and loans, which offer essential financial support for Ontario residents, international students, and students living out of province. The university offers work-study programs that enable students to gain work experience on or near campus while earning income to offset their expenses. International students enrolling in Asian Studies may be eligible for specific scholarships for international students, as well as private grants outside university offerings.

Additionally, many students secure funding through external organizations, foundations, and cultural associations that support Asian Studies or regional research. The university’s Financial Aid and Award Office provides comprehensive guidance on scholarship deadlines, application procedures, and eligibility criteria. It is recommended that students regularly check the official university website and contact the financial aid office to stay updated about new funding opportunities and application requirements. Overall, the university’s diverse range of financial resources aims to ensure that students can pursue their academic interests in Asian Studies with manageable financial support, minimizing barriers to their educational success.

Asian Studies at the University of Manitoba offers a comprehensive academic program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the diverse cultures, histories, languages, and societies of Asian countries. The program aims to foster an appreciation of the multifaceted nature of Asian civilizations and to prepare students for careers in international relations, business, education, government, or further academic research. Students enrolled in the program have opportunities to study various Asian languages, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Hindi, and others, which enhances their linguistic proficiency and intercultural communication skills.

The curriculum includes a diverse array of courses covering topics such as Asian history, politics, religion, literature, and contemporary issues. Students are encouraged to engage in critical analysis and comparative studies, linking Asian developments with global trends. The program emphasizes experiential learning through various forms of research projects, cultural seminars, and potential study-abroad programs that enable students to immerse themselves directly in Asian cultural environments. This fosters a practical understanding of the region and enhances employability.

Faculty involved in the Asian Studies program are distinguished experts in their respective fields, many of whom have extensive research experience and fieldwork in Asia. The university provides resources such as access to specialized libraries, Asian cultural events, and partnerships with Asian academic institutions. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in diplomatic service, international organizations, cultural institutions, academia, and business sectors that operate in or with Asian markets.

The program offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees, with various specialization options available depending on academic interests. Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged, integrating history, political science, anthropology, and language studies. The university also supports student involvement in conferences, research publications, and community outreach activities related to Asian cultures. Overall, the Asian Studies program at the University of Manitoba equips students with a solid foundation of knowledge, language skills, and cultural competence essential for engaging effectively with Asia in a globalized world.