Why Choose Nazareth for Asian Studies?

The growing influence of Asian culture, economics, and politics across our globe is transforming social, political, and cultural institutions everywhere. Nazareth’s Asian studies program is designed to prepare majors and minors to meet the requirements of emerging global realities.

Majors and minors in Asian studies benefit from course offerings across campus departments, from targeted language training, and from international experience. Students choose between one of two tracks: East Asia (primarily China and Japan) and South Asia (primarily India and Pakistan).

Students hone competencies suitable for employment or graduate study in a range of fields targeted to accommodate Asia’s growing international prominence. Fields of employment and further study suitable for Asian program graduates include public and international affairs, international law, the social sciences, and the humanities. Companies with foreign operations increasingly demand graduates who are aware of the international dimensions of business, are knowledgeable about the histories and current dimensions of globalization, and are able to communicate in the languages commonly spoken in different parts of the world. Course requirements for Nazareth Asian studies majors enable students to include minors or a second major in complementary fields of interest.

• Course offerings in twelve academic disciplines across Nazareth campus promote broad exposure to Asia’s cultural, political, and economic histories and to the ways Asian regions impact and are impacted by current global affairs.
• Asian program students supplement coursework and enhance language skills with international learning experiences, typically through study-abroad programs, cooperative education, or internships in foreign countries.
• Rochester, NY location provides opportunities to interact with local Asian communities and local Asian professionals to foster cultural connections and international business and internship contacts
  
• Nazareth College’s established programs and centers such as Forced Migration Studies, Refugee Student Alliance, Center for Service Learning, and Center for Civic Engagement enhance opportunities for student outreach to local Asian populations.  
• Asian studies’ two-track program allows majors to choose East Asia or South Asia as their region of focus.
• Course requirements for Asian studies majors easily offer room for complementary minors or a second major in student’s area of disciplinary interest.
• Students enjoy small class size and personal attention of faculty supported by small liberal arts college environment.

Program Director

Corinne G. Dempsey
585-389-2734
cdempse6@naz.edu

Dr. Dempsey received her B.A.  from Oregon State University, M.A. from the Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, and her Ph.D. from Syracuse University. She studies and teaches Hindu traditions, global Christianity, gender/political and religion, comparative religion, and mysticism. Her most recent book, Bringing the Sacred Down to Earth: Adventures in Comparative Religion, was published in 2012 by Oxford University Press.