Asian Studies at Hofstra University is an interdisciplinary program designed to foster understanding of the traditional and modern societies of Asia. The program examines the cultures within Asia and explores Asia’s relationships with the countries of North America and Europe. Courses in the program typically fulfill credit requirements across a variety of disciplines.

Hofstra currently offers a BA and a minor in Asian Studies, which prepare students for a wide variety of career paths. Asian Studies also benefits students who are planning to go on to graduate school to earn advanced degrees in business, education, law, and other fields.

Courses in the program are taught in many Hofstra departments, including Anthropology; Comparative Literature, Languages, and Linguistics; Economics; Global Studies and Geography; Fine Arts, Design, Art History; History; Philosophy; Religion; and Political Science. Students in the Asian Studies program are required to complete a minor in another discipline. Most complete a double major. In addition to courses taught at Hofstra University, the program encourages students to study abroad in Asia, either through Hofstra or through a number of non-Hofstra study abroad programs.

Hofstra University also offers Chinese and Japanese language courses at all levels and majors in both languages.

Programs & Courses

BA in Asian Studies

Minor in Asian Studies

Course Information

Faculty

Margaret Abraham
Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, The Harry H. Wachtel Distinguished Teaching Professor for the Study of Nonviolent Social Change
Professor of Sociology
(516) 463-5641
0104 Heger Hall
Email | Bio


Ann Burlein
Professor of Religion
Chair, Department of Religion
(516) 463-7238
0104K Heger Hall
Email | Bio


Balbinder Singh Bhogal
Professor of Religion and Holder of the Sardarni Kuljit Kaur Bindra Chair in Sikh Studies
(516) 463-7136
0104D Heger Hall
Email | Bio


Dr. Francesca Cassio
Professor of Music and Sardarni Harbans Kaur Chair in Sikh Musicology
Music History and Literature, Coordinator
Indian Music Ensemble, Director
(516) 463-5533
102 Shapiro Family Hall
Email | Bio


Timothy Daniels
Professor of Anthropology
(516) 463-6366
200A Davison Hall
Email | Bio


Neil H. Donahue
Professor, Comparative Literature, and Languages
320B Calkins Hall
(516) 463-5442
HUHC Office
Email | Bio


Warren Frisina
Dean, HUHC
Professor of Religious Studies
(516) 463-4783
HUHC Office
Email | Bio


Sophie Hawkins
Special Assistant Professor
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Religion
(516) 463-5616
0107 Heger Hall
Email | Bio


Ronald R. Janssen
Professor Emeritus
Writing Studies and Rhetoric
(516) 463-5471
0123 Mason Hall
Email | Bio


Kari Jensen
Professor of Global Studies and Geography
(516) 463-6968
209C Roosevelt Hall
Email | Bio

Takashi Kanatsu
Professor, Political Science
(516) 463-5602
107B Barnard Hall
Email | Bio


Keun S. Lee
Associate Professor, Zarb School of Business
(516) 463-5332
0141 Weller Hall
Email | Bio


Aleksandr Naymark
Associate Professor, Fine Arts, Art History and Humanities
(516) 463-6305
212C Calkins Hall
Email | Bio


Jean-Paul Rodrigue
Professor, Global Studies/Geography
(516) 463-5765
0200A Barnard Hall
Email | Bio


Daniel R. Rubey
Professor Emeritus of Library Services
(516) 463-5940
0901A Axinn Library
Email | Bio


Jin Shin
Associate Professor of Psychology
(516) 463-5848
0209G Roosevelt Hall
Email | Bio


Yuki Terazawa
Associate Professor, History Department
(516) 463-4749
Email | Bio


Patricia M. Welch
Professor of Japanese and Comparative Literature
Director of Asian Studies
(516) 463-6453
0322 Calkins Hall
Email | Bio


Zuyan Zhou
Professor of Chinese and Comparative Literature
(516) 463-5438
311 Calkins Hall
Email | Bio

The following are links to external organizations:

  • Asia Society (http://asiasociety.org/). The Asia Society is the leading educational organization dedicated to promoting mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships among peoples, leaders, and institutions of Asia and the United States in a global context.
  • China Institute of America. The China Institute (founded in1926) advances a deeper understanding of China through programs in education, culture, business, and art in the belief that cross–cultural understanding strengthens our global community.
  • Korea Foundation (https://www.kf.or.kr/eng/main/index.asp). The mission of the Korea Foundation is to promote better understanding of Korea within the international community and to increase friendship and goodwill between Korea and the rest of the world through various exchange programs.
  • The Korea Society (http://www.koreasociety.org). The Korea Society is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) organization with individual and corporate members that is dedicated solely to the promotion of greater awareness, understanding, and cooperation between the people of the United States and Korea. In pursuit of its mission, the society arranges programs that facilitate discussion, exchanges, and research on topics of vital interest to both countries in the areas of public policy, business, education, intercultural relations, and the arts.
  • Japan Foundation. The mission of the Japan Foundation is to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries.
  • Japan Society. The Japan Society is a leading U.S. organization committed to deepening mutual understanding between the United States and Japan in a global context. Now in its second century, the society serves audiences across the United States and abroad through innovative programs in arts and culture, public policy, business, language, and education.
  • Museum of Chinese in America (http://www.mocanyc.org/). The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage, culture and diverse experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States.
  • Open Society Foundations (http://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/about). The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people.
  • The Rubin Museum of Art (http://www.rmanyc.org/about). The Rubin Museum of Art is a dynamic environment that stimulates learning, promotes understanding, and inspires personal connections to the ideas, cultures, and art of Himalayan Asia.

Global Education

Study Abroad

Consider studying abroad in Asia! Studying abroad provides students with an enhanced global perspective and understanding, which is beneficial in today's world. Students who have studied, worked, and lived abroad receive a unique educational experience that opens doors to new opportunities and career paths.

Contact Us


Asian Studies Program
Room 313 Calkins Hall
Hempstead, NY 11549
516-463-6453/5434
Email