Asian Studies
Encompassing traditions stretching from ancient dynasties to modern mega-corporations, the impact of Asian culture is nearly as old and complicated as humanity itself. As an Asian studies major at Rollins, you’ll immerse yourself in this diverse and fascinating region through the study of history, religion, politics, language, business, and economics.
Our interdisciplinary program combines traditional courses in social sciences and the humanities with an emphasis on area study and international experience. Many of our students study abroad, meaning you’ll have the opportunity to experience Asia’s global impact firsthand. Our expert faculty members bring decades of experience into the classroom—they’ll serve as your guides and mentors, allowing you to hone your language skills and develop an even greater sense of philosophical and cultural concepts critical to the region.
As an Asian studies major, you’ll develop a sophisticated and reflexive worldview that embodies what it means to be a global citizen, all while preparing for tomorrow’s ever-evolving job market.
Why Study Asian Studies at Rollins
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Future-Proof Foundation
Rollins’ mission of turning out responsible global leaders in everything from human rights to international business is perfectly suited to the study of Asia, one of the most geopolitically consequential regions in the world.
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International Opportunity
Put the language and cultural skills you’re learning in our small, discussion-based classes to the test on immersive field studies or a semester abroad in Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Japan.
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Personalized Mentorship
Asian studies is a small, tight-knit department, so your professors get to know you well throughout your time in the major, giving you the freedom to explore your specific interests and offering feedback tailored to your needs and goals.
“Throughout my journey at Rollins, I was fortunate to learn in various environments—from independent studies and round-table discussions to hands-on learning and seminars. These learning environments forced me to tackle questions from different angles, both independently and in collaborative teams. I use the critical-thinking and language skills I gained at Rollins in my work every day.”
Dive Into Asian Studies
The Asian Studies major provides you with the opportunity to study in depth one of the most important regions in the world. The importance of Asia derives from its large population, long history, complex and diverse societies and cultures, and rising economic significance. As the peoples and nations of the world become increasingly interconnected, successful leaders and citizens will benefit from a mastery of this key region.
See What You Will LearnRollins Asian Studies Careers
Rollins’ Asian studies grads are making tomorrow happen at some of the world’s leading companies.
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Jennifer Jokl ’14
Senior Analyst, JetBlue
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Nina Houston ’16
Business Development Manager, Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
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Lambrini Kolios ’13
Country Manager, Brazil & the Caribbean, U.S. Trade and Development Agency
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Rachel Bogdan ’14
Staff Attorney, Office of the Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance
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Brittany Edwards ’17
User Experience Researcher, Yahoo
Real World Experience
From community engagement courses to international research experiences, Asian studies students hone their skills in the real world.
Apply By February 1
No app fee. No formal essay or test scores required. Automatic consideration for scholarships that range from $15,000 to $32,000. It’s never been easier or more rewarding to apply to Rollins. Don't wait: apply by February 1.
Start Your ApplicationPopular Courses
Our interdisciplinary curriculum gives you the flexibility to pursue courses in everything from history and humanities to languages and international business.
HIS 163 Modern East Asia
Take a close look at the modern transformations of East Asian countries while exploring how Western intrusion in the 19th century disrupted the traditional order and compelled change and adaptation.
REL 113 Asian Religions
Examine the rich variety of religious practices that have helped shape the culture and discourse of many East and South Asian countries.
REL 241 Buddhist Ethics
Explore Buddhism’s ethical principles, examining and assessing the ways in which Buddhism deals with ethical issues in the domains of nature, economics, war and peace, medicine, and sexuality.
HIS 367 U.S.-China Relations
Investigate U.S. and China relations from before the Opium War to present day, including early contacts, the formation of the Open Door Policy, the alliance during WWII, and current issues as strategic partners and competitors.
ASA 300 Cinema and Society in China
Examine the societies of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan, and Hong Kong through their portrayals in films with regard to the political and social forces that shape the cinematic landscape.
INB 311 Asian Business Environment
Examine the nature and development of capitalism and conducting business in Asia. Case studies investigate how differences in cultures and business practices affect international business.
Beyond the Classroom
China Goes Global The Rollins Asian studies department is actively involved in the annual China Goes Global Conference, presented in partnership with the Chinese Globalization Association, a nonprofit geared toward advancing research on Chinese globalization through academic scholarship. In addition to hosting the event, Rollins students and faculty frequently attend and present research to an international audience.
Study Abroad Learn about international trade in Xi’an. Hike the Great Wall. Take a manga-inspired art class in Japan. From semester-long programs to summer field studies, Rollins offers a host of study abroad opportunities across Asia to hone your area of study and enhance your language and cultural fluency. Each year, the George and Maeching Kao Fund awards scholarships to up to six superlative students who wish to study abroad in China, Hong Kong, or Taiwan.
Real Research You’ll have the opportunity to participate in professional-level research through our Student-Faculty Collaborative Research program. Collaborate with faculty in an exciting on-on-one environment that will help you refine your language skills and give you an edge in a competitive global market.
Keep Exploring
Take a deeper dive into Asian studies at Rollins by meeting your future professors, seeing our grads in action, and sitting in on a class.
September 25, 2025
Zhang Presents Research at 2025 ASEAS Conference
Wenxian Zhang presented his research on a rare Buddhist manuscript’s journey from Thailand to America at the 2025 Association for Southeast Asian Studies (ASEAS) Conference.
June 05, 2024
3 Rollins Students Earn Fulbright Scholarships
Three Tars have received the distinguished Fulbright Scholarship, including two teaching assignments and one research fellowship.
August 23, 2023
Macias ’23 Earns Critical Language Scholarship
Alexa Macias ’23 has earned a Critical Language Scholarship to study Chinese in Taiwan at the National Cheng Kung University.
Expert Faculty
Rollins Asian studies professors take a personal interest in each and every student, getting to know their passions and helping guide them on their personalized paths. This high-touch level of mentorship and expertise across the region help Rollins students succeed in the classroom and beyond.
Department of Asian Studies
Telephone:407.646.2623
Fax:
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Martha Cheng, PhD
Professor of English
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Yudit Greenberg, PhD
George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Chair of Religion
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Zheng Gu, PhD
Visiting Assistant Professor of Chinese and Asian Studies
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Richard Lewin, PhD
Associate Professor of Finance
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Jingyu Liu, PhD
Assistant Professor of Religion
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Jenifer Ruby
Director of International Student Support
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Kejian Shi, PhD
Visiting Assistant Professor, East Asian History
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Tonia Warnecke, PhD
George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Department Chair of Social Entrepreneurship
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Jie Yu, PhD
Associate Professor of Education
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Wenxian Zhang
Department Chair of Asian Studies; Professor and Head of Archives & Special Collections
