'In this thematic and historical introduction to the major religious tradition of India, Hinduism is explored in its various expressions, including texts (Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita), myths and gods (Krishna, the Great Goddess), philosophy, rites, art, worship, and popular practice. The roles of key religious figures (Shankara, Mirabai), movements (Bhakti), techniques (yoga), institutions (guru, caste, women's rites), and concepts (karma, dharma) are studied in their cultural contexts, and with reference to issues of gender, class, and agency.

'Students in this course will continue perfecting their knowledge of Arabic, focusing on the four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students should expect text assignments as well as work with DVDs, audio, and websites. Exercises include writing, social interactions, role plays, and the interplay of language and culture. Students will complete Al Kitaab, Book 1 and finish Chapter 10 of Al Kitaab, Book 2 by the end of the year. The prerequisite is Arabic 130-131 or the equivalent.'

'This course continues Asian Studies 222, Second Year Japanese I. Emphasizes speaking, listening, reading, and writing modern Japanese. Includes approximately 250 kanji. Supplements class work with audio and video.'

'Yue Opera, an all-female art that flourished in Shanghai in 1923, resulted from China's social changes and the women's movement. Combining traditional with modern forms and Chinese with Western cultures, Yue Opera today attracts loyal and enthusiastic audiences despite pop arts crazes. We will focus on how audiences, particularly women, are fascinated by gender renegotiations as well as by the all-female cast. The class will read and watch classics of this theater, including Dream of the Red Chamber, Story of the Western Chamber, Peony Pavilion, and Butterfly Lovers.

'This course continues Asian Studies 212, Second Year Chinese I. There is equal emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, and writing modern Chinese. Class work is supplemented with audio and video and multimedia practice.'

'This course continues Asian Studies 212, Second Year Chinese I. There is equal emphasis on speaking, listening, reading, and writing modern Chinese. Class work is supplemented with audio and video and multimedia practice.'

'First Year Korean II is the second half of a two-semester introductory course in spoken and written Korean for students who have some previous knowledge of Korean. This course is designed to improve students' communicative competence in daily life, focusing on the four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Some of the activities include vocabulary-building exercises, conversation in authentic contexts, in-depth study of grammar, listening comprehension and pronunciation practice, mini-presentations, Korean film reviews and Korean film making.'

'The second half of a yearlong course that introduces the basics of Modern Standard Arabic, this course concentrates on all four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Beginning with a study of Arabic script and sound, students will complete the Georgetown text Alif Baa and finish Chapter 15 in Al Kitaab Book 1 by the end of the academic year. Students will acquire vocabulary and usage for everyday interactions as well as skills that will allow them to read and analyze a range of texts.

'This continues Asian Studies 120, First Year Japanese I. Introduces listening, speaking, reading, and writing modern Japanese; hiragana, katakana, and approximately 150 Kanji. Supplements class work with audio and video.'

'This continues Asian Studies 120, First Year Japanese I. Introduces listening, speaking, reading, and writing modern Japanese; hiragana, katakana, and approximately 150 Kanji. Supplements class work with audio and video.'