Asia-Related Courses Fall 2025
Internationalize your fall semester!
Check out these Asia-related courses!
ASIA 1700Â Introduction to Tibetan Civilization
T/Th 2-3:15pm
Dan Hirshberg (dan.hirshberg@colorado.edu)
This course surveys the dynamic history of Tibet from its earliest known origins to the present. It offers interdisciplinary perspectives on Tibetan civilization, including religion and politics, society and culture, arts, and literature. An area in Asia the size of Western Europe, Tibetan communities span parts of China, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, northern India, and Pakistan. Topics include the role of Buddhism in Tibetan society, from the early empire through the rule of the Dalai Lamas; diverse myths and narratives that inform the memory of Tibet’s past and construct a shared cultural identity; civil war, sectarian conflict, and ecumenical projects; and modern Tibetan responses to Chinese policies, both domestically and in diaspora abroad.
Dan Hirshberg (dan.hirshberg@colorado.edu)
This course surveys the dynamic history of Tibet from its earliest known origins to the present. It offers interdisciplinary perspectives on Tibetan civilization, including religion and politics, society and culture, arts, and literature. An area in Asia the size of Western Europe, Tibetan communities span parts of China, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, northern India, and Pakistan. Topics include the role of Buddhism in Tibetan society, from the early empire through the rule of the Dalai Lamas; diverse myths and narratives that inform the memory of Tibet’s past and construct a shared cultural identity; civil war, sectarian conflict, and ecumenical projects; and modern Tibetan responses to Chinese policies, both domestically and in diaspora abroad.
ASIA 2000 Gateway to Modern Asia
T/Th 3:30-4:45pm
Lauren Collins (collinlk@colorado.edu)
Introduces main themes, intellectual approaches used in Asian Studies through a transdisciplinary perspective that focuses on interactions and links between geographic regions and national boundaries. Presents Asia as a concept, a powerful imaginary geography, and historically dynamic construct that has shaped / been shaped by global patterns of economic development, nation building, war and diplomacy, colonialism and aspirations for better lives.
Lauren Collins (collinlk@colorado.edu)
Introduces main themes, intellectual approaches used in Asian Studies through a transdisciplinary perspective that focuses on interactions and links between geographic regions and national boundaries. Presents Asia as a concept, a powerful imaginary geography, and historically dynamic construct that has shaped / been shaped by global patterns of economic development, nation building, war and diplomacy, colonialism and aspirations for better lives.
ASIA 2500Â Disaster and Resilience: Asian Experience of Climate Change
T/Th 2-3:15pm
Shae Frydenlund (shfr8297@colorado.edu)
Everyone has an opinion of climate change – what informs your understanding of this major global issue? This course is intended to deepen students’ expertise on climate change through the study of climate science and Asian cases of climate disasters, with a focus on marginalized groups’ experiences. We will also study sustainability solutions such as climate adaptation infrastructure and speculative 'smart cities' alongside the science fiction visions of Asian authors and artists who are imagining sustainable futures.
Shae Frydenlund (shfr8297@colorado.edu)
Everyone has an opinion of climate change – what informs your understanding of this major global issue? This course is intended to deepen students’ expertise on climate change through the study of climate science and Asian cases of climate disasters, with a focus on marginalized groups’ experiences. We will also study sustainability solutions such as climate adaptation infrastructure and speculative 'smart cities' alongside the science fiction visions of Asian authors and artists who are imagining sustainable futures.
ASIA 4200Â Memory Politics in Asia
T/Th 11:00am-12:15pm
Lauren Collins (collinlk@colorado.edu)
This course explores the uses of memory and heritage in the present-day politics of Asia. We will examine how the past – historical events, heritage sites, shared memories – fuel environmental and nationalist movements, diplomatic disputes, grassroots activism, nostalgic tourism, and popular media.
Lauren Collins (collinlk@colorado.edu)
This course explores the uses of memory and heritage in the present-day politics of Asia. We will examine how the past – historical events, heritage sites, shared memories – fuel environmental and nationalist movements, diplomatic disputes, grassroots activism, nostalgic tourism, and popular media.
ASIA 4500Â Urban Asia
T/Th 3:30-4:45pm
Shae Frydenlund (shfr8297@colorado.edu)
This course places Asian cities at the center of inquiries about urban life and urbanization – and to place cities at the center of inquiries about history, culture, and globalization in Asia. I propose that we “read” Asian cities from historical and comparative perspectives. The primary purpose of this course is therefore to learn about both Asia and the nature, organization, and significance of cities. The course presents a diversity of theoretical perspectives from geography, art history, anthropology, and empirical studies drawn from cities across East, South, and Southeast Asia.
Shae Frydenlund (shfr8297@colorado.edu)
This course places Asian cities at the center of inquiries about urban life and urbanization – and to place cities at the center of inquiries about history, culture, and globalization in Asia. I propose that we “read” Asian cities from historical and comparative perspectives. The primary purpose of this course is therefore to learn about both Asia and the nature, organization, and significance of cities. The course presents a diversity of theoretical perspectives from geography, art history, anthropology, and empirical studies drawn from cities across East, South, and Southeast Asia.
ASIA 4650Â Art and Science of Meditation
T/Th 11am - 12:15pm
Dan Hirshberg (dan.hirshberg@colorado.edu)
This course offers an in-depth theoretical, practical, and experiential exploration of meditation informed by cutting-edge scientific studies. Students read traditional contemplative masterworks in translation, survey current neuroscientific and psychological research on meditation, and employ critical subjectivity in the application of evidence-based contemplative techniques. We will interrogate the meaning and issues when traditional practices are “secularized” towards mundane objectives, such as personal wellness. The final section of the course relies on open monitoring meditation instructions from Japanese Zen as well as Indo-Tibetan Mahamudra and Dzogchen as foundations for experimentation with fun, somewhat more advanced contemplative practices, such as the deliberate instigation of flow states while awake and lucid dreams while sleeping.
Dan Hirshberg (dan.hirshberg@colorado.edu)
This course offers an in-depth theoretical, practical, and experiential exploration of meditation informed by cutting-edge scientific studies. Students read traditional contemplative masterworks in translation, survey current neuroscientific and psychological research on meditation, and employ critical subjectivity in the application of evidence-based contemplative techniques. We will interrogate the meaning and issues when traditional practices are “secularized” towards mundane objectives, such as personal wellness. The final section of the course relies on open monitoring meditation instructions from Japanese Zen as well as Indo-Tibetan Mahamudra and Dzogchen as foundations for experimentation with fun, somewhat more advanced contemplative practices, such as the deliberate instigation of flow states while awake and lucid dreams while sleeping.
INDO 1110Â Beginning Indonesian l - DILS
MWF 1:25-2:15pm
Instructor TBA
Provide students with an integrated introductory Basic Indonesian Course using the Directed Independent Language Study (DILS) method. Classes will also employ "flipped" task-based learning approaches. Reading assignments will include reading, listening and grammar, which students will demonstrate during class sessions, in which they will offer reading summaries, answer questions and practice speaking. Grades will be based on mastery of the assignments and demonstrated proficiency of written and spoken Indonesian, through in-class performance and mid-term and final examinations.
INDO 2110Â Intermediate Indonesian l - DILS
MWF 11:15am-12:05pm
Instructor TBA
Building on Beginning Indonesian, students are exposed to active communication in Bahasa Indonesia. Offered in person or remotely using the Directed Independent Language Study (DILS) method, employing "flipped" task-based learning approaches. Assignments develop the four language skills, with vocabulary, grammar and cultural instruction. Students demonstrate progress during class sessions through reading summaries, answering questions and practicing speaking. Grades are based on demonstrated proficiency of written and spoken Indonesian, through in-class performance and midterm and final examinations.
TBTN 1101Â Beginning Tibetan l - DILS
T/Th 09:15 - 10:45am
Dan Hirshberg (dan.hirshberg@colorado.edu)
Provides a thorough introduction to the colloquial Tibetan language, emphasizing speaking and listening in the Lhasa dialect. Trains students in basic conversations and the idiomatic and syntactical features of Tibetan through drills and dialogues.
TBTN 2120Â Intermediate Tibetan I - DILS
TBD, tentatively T/Th 10:15 - 11:45am
Dan Hirshberg (dan.hirshberg@colorado.edu)
This DILS (Directed Independent Language Study) course on Intermediate Tibetan will introduce students to intermediate grammar, sentence construction, conversation topics, and readings in modern Tibetan. This will include introduction to Tibetan grammatical markers and particles, morphology, syntax, and vocabularies using a range of authentic materials.
CHIN 3381Â Chinese Travel Literature: Journeys Within and Without, Real and Imaginary
T/TH 11:00am-12:15pm
Antje Richter (antje.richter@colorado.edu)
In this course we explore the world of travel writing in China. Widely different forms of travel, whether real or imaginary, have inspired a broad spectrum of travel literature in China: from landscape poetry describing a hike through ragged mountains to travelogues about an official moving across the country to take up a new post, from factual geographical and environmental reports to fantastical novels about intercultural and interspecies encounters of the strangest kind. Often, these narratives not only delineate the paths of travelers in the outside world, but also describe how they experienced their journeys, combining rich geographical and cultural descriptions with autobiographical, philosophical, or religious reflections.
Antje Richter (antje.richter@colorado.edu)
In this course we explore the world of travel writing in China. Widely different forms of travel, whether real or imaginary, have inspired a broad spectrum of travel literature in China: from landscape poetry describing a hike through ragged mountains to travelogues about an official moving across the country to take up a new post, from factual geographical and environmental reports to fantastical novels about intercultural and interspecies encounters of the strangest kind. Often, these narratives not only delineate the paths of travelers in the outside world, but also describe how they experienced their journeys, combining rich geographical and cultural descriptions with autobiographical, philosophical, or religious reflections.
CHIN 4041Â Introduction to Classical Chinese
MWF 11:15am – 12:05pm
Matthias L. Richter (MLR@Colorado.edu)
Offers a systematic introduction to the Classical Chinese language, in which the foundational texts of Chinese culture are written and which forms the basis for the literary language used in China until the early 20th century. We will begin to read parts of early Chinese philosophical texts, such as Laozi and the Analects of Confucius.
Matthias L. Richter (MLR@Colorado.edu)
Offers a systematic introduction to the Classical Chinese language, in which the foundational texts of Chinese culture are written and which forms the basis for the literary language used in China until the early 20th century. We will begin to read parts of early Chinese philosophical texts, such as Laozi and the Analects of Confucius.
GEOG 3822Â Geography of China
MW 3:35 - 4:50pm
Tim Oakes (toakes@colorado.edu)
Get to know one of the world's most diverse countries, its physical and historical geography, urbanization and regional development, agriculture, population, energy, and the environment. Learn more about China and how to situate its development in a broader Asian and global context.
Tim Oakes (toakes@colorado.edu)
Get to know one of the world's most diverse countries, its physical and historical geography, urbanization and regional development, agriculture, population, energy, and the environment. Learn more about China and how to situate its development in a broader Asian and global context.
HIND 1011Â Introduction to South Asian Civilization
MWF 1:25 - 2:15pm
Nidhi Arya (Nidhi.Arya@Colorado.edu)
This course provides a broad introduction to the civilization of South Asia, encompassing, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Burma, Maldives, and Tibet.
Nidhi Arya (Nidhi.Arya@Colorado.edu)
This course provides a broad introduction to the civilization of South Asia, encompassing, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Burma, Maldives, and Tibet.
HIST 4800Â History of the Taiwan-China Conflict
T/Th 11:00am - 12:15pm
Tim Weston (weston@colorado.edu)
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the rich historical background to the Taiwan - China Conflict that remains unresolved today and has the potential to lead to war between the United States and the People's Republic of China. To grasp the issues at the heart of the conflict, it's necessary to first understand the nature of Taiwanese national identity today and how it has been formed by over time by the forces of history. The role of the United States in the Taiwan- Conflict, historically and at present, will also be a class focus.
Tim Weston (weston@colorado.edu)
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the rich historical background to the Taiwan - China Conflict that remains unresolved today and has the potential to lead to war between the United States and the People's Republic of China. To grasp the issues at the heart of the conflict, it's necessary to first understand the nature of Taiwanese national identity today and how it has been formed by over time by the forces of history. The role of the United States in the Taiwan- Conflict, historically and at present, will also be a class focus.
JPNS 1051Â Portals to Japanese Literature
MWF 12:20–1:10pm
Daryl Maude (daryl.maude@colorado.edu)
In this course, we'll examine important works of Japanese literature from the premodern period right up to the present. We'll read closely and look at the unique qualities of each work: the classical, the beautiful, the ugly, the weird, the sexy, and the gross.
Daryl Maude (daryl.maude@colorado.edu)
In this course, we'll examine important works of Japanese literature from the premodern period right up to the present. We'll read closely and look at the unique qualities of each work: the classical, the beautiful, the ugly, the weird, the sexy, and the gross.
JPNS 4110Â Advanced Reading in Modern Japanese 1
MWF 1:25-2:15 pm
Kiyomi Kawakami (kiyomi.kawakami@colorado.edu)
Surveys a variety of material written in modern Japanese, including texts from literature, the social sciences, religion, and cultural history. Emphasizes content and style. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Requires prerequisite course of JPNS 3120.
Kiyomi Kawakami (kiyomi.kawakami@colorado.edu)
Surveys a variety of material written in modern Japanese, including texts from literature, the social sciences, religion, and cultural history. Emphasizes content and style. Texts and selections vary from year to year. Requires prerequisite course of JPNS 3120.
RLST 2202Â Islam
MWF 10:10a-11am
Aun Hasan Ali (aun.ali@colorado.edu)
Introduces students to foundational Islamic concepts, texts, core practices, historical narratives and intellectual, spiritual and literary traditions. Topics covered include: the figure of Muhammad; the Quran; the emergence of distinct Muslim identities; Hadith; Sharia; Islamic theology; Islamic philosophy; science in Islamic civilization; Islamic mysticism; the impact of colonialism and modernity on the Muslim world; gender and sexuality; political Islam.
Aun Hasan Ali (aun.ali@colorado.edu)
Introduces students to foundational Islamic concepts, texts, core practices, historical narratives and intellectual, spiritual and literary traditions. Topics covered include: the figure of Muhammad; the Quran; the emergence of distinct Muslim identities; Hadith; Sharia; Islamic theology; Islamic philosophy; science in Islamic civilization; Islamic mysticism; the impact of colonialism and modernity on the Muslim world; gender and sexuality; political Islam.
WGST 3712Â Trans and Queer Asias
T/TH 11:00am - 12:15pm
Jianmin Shao (jianmin.shao@colorado.edu)
Drawing on disciplines across humanities and social sciences, this course will interrogate the historical and sociopolitical implications of “trans” and “queer” within, across, and alongside with what has come to be known as “Asia.” In so doing, the course will approach “trans,” “queer,” and “Asia” not as fixed concepts but rather as heterogenous formations irreducible to predetermined categories and geographies. To this end, this course focuses on the queering and transing of Asian studies while opening trans and queer studies to new interdisciplinary and geopolitical possibilities. Students will gain analytic skills and tools to reimagine trans and queer Asias as a traveling theory, method, and critique capable of de-centering Euro-American queer and trans thoughts while flourishing in relation to them.
Jianmin Shao (jianmin.shao@colorado.edu)
Drawing on disciplines across humanities and social sciences, this course will interrogate the historical and sociopolitical implications of “trans” and “queer” within, across, and alongside with what has come to be known as “Asia.” In so doing, the course will approach “trans,” “queer,” and “Asia” not as fixed concepts but rather as heterogenous formations irreducible to predetermined categories and geographies. To this end, this course focuses on the queering and transing of Asian studies while opening trans and queer studies to new interdisciplinary and geopolitical possibilities. Students will gain analytic skills and tools to reimagine trans and queer Asias as a traveling theory, method, and critique capable of de-centering Euro-American queer and trans thoughts while flourishing in relation to them.