Asian Studies Major

[Emoni]

Hello guys. Need your experience and knowledge again :)

As a couple of you know I'm headed for (or was) a Japanese Major with a Comp sci Minor. However, I just now found out that the college I am at offers an Asian Studies Major with a option to focus on Japanese.

I notice that I can't really find a "Japanese major" many places. Could Asian Studies be the real route to go?

Asian Studies with a Japanese focus, VS a Japanese Major. What are your thoughts? Could it be that they are the same?

Thanks for any info everyone :)

[Golgo_13]

I'd say go for the Japanese major. There are a lot fewer of those. Makes you more unique.

[Emoni]

I guess that is what I'm wondering the most, what is the difference? In a way, Asian Studies almost looks superior because it is much more in depth along with the language, instead of JUST the Japanese major.

I guess I'm looking for the plusses and minuses. I could easily get an Asian Studies with Focus on Japanese here for a low cost, I'm wondering if that is really what I think it is.

I'm of course going to talk to a rep at the college in the next few weeks, just wanting you guy's input first ;) Believe it or not, I take it quite seriously as there are some damn smart people here. *cough* Golgo *cough*

[jeisan]

japanese language major?

anyway asian studies covers lots of asia, i believe you are required to take a couple language courses as well. so already taking japanese would give you somewhat of an edge also some asian studies courses have you actually go the country for abit as well, my guess would be the one you are focusing on.

here's a link to the university of hawaii's asian studies program and also the japanese program so you can compare.
ASAN (http://www.catalog.hawaii.edu/courses/departments/asan.htm)
JPN (http://www.catalog.hawaii.edu/courses/departments/jpn.htm)

[Emoni]

I guess what I'm trying to find out is if continuing with a Masters in Asian Studies would allow me to teach the Japanese Language, and how far it would take me as well. It seems VERY hard to find a Japanse Major itself, but Asian studies seems very nearby and very possible.

[DoctorP]

I think that the Asian studies major will open more doors for you. You can still study Japanese language as a part of that major, and some schools will even let you minor in Japanese language. I considered a degree in Asian studies, but recently changed my direction. Wish you the best of luck.

[Emoni]

Asian Studies does seem like it would be more diverse. I guess my worry is that it would be a bit too broad, and I wouldn't have the language skills that I really need. I know, a lot of these questions are for the college itself, but I just tend to trust those who have gone through it more than the college itself :)