Concentration in AMES

The Global Studies Program offers a B.A. in International Studies with a concentration in AMES. The curriculum emphasizes a broadly conceived “Asia” in relation to other parts of the world. Representing the languages and cultures of more than half of the world’s population, this concentration includes the study of history, politics, religion, literature, fine and media arts, expressive and ritual culture, and the major languages of the region.

Students declaring a concentration in AMES may pursue tracks in East Asian Studies (EAS), Middle Eastern Studies (MES), or Comparative AMES, and meet with an advisor to create a plan of study using this worksheet [pdf] for EAS and MES, or this worksheet [pdf] for Comparative AMES. The completed worksheet must be filed with a major declaration form [pdf] with the AMES program director. Students should keep in mind that not all courses listed as eligible for the AMES concentrations are offered each year and that new courses that are not yet on the website may fulfill AMES concentration requirements. Students should plan their coursework in consultation with an advisor from the AMES Core Faculty.

The major requires 33 credit hours, including AMES 250 (core course), AMES 493 (capstone course). Students are encouraged to pursue advanced research through AMES 495 AMES 496 (Senior Honors). The advanced language requirement of the EAS and MES major tracks can be met with two courses (or equivalent proficiency) at the 300 level or in a relevant language (i.e. Chinese or Japanese, or Arabic), or courses to the 202 level (or equivalent proficiency) in two such languages. Students may count another East Asian, South Asian, or Middle Eastern language (such as Hindi, Urdu, Korean, Turkish, or Persian), provided they can demonstrate proficiency through testing or accredited academic courses taken domestically or abroad. If you are a native speaker of a language other than English, consult with your advisor about meeting the AMES language requirement using your native language.

See the undergraduate catalog for major requirements for each track: